About Into the Wild
After graduating from Emory University in 1992, Christopher McCandless, a top student and athlete, embarks on an extraordinary journey that will forever change his life. Played by Emile Hirsch, McCandless is a charismatic and idealistic young man who feels disillusioned with the materialistic society he was born into. Driven by a desire to find meaning and purpose in his life, McCandless abandons his possessions, gives his entire $24,000 savings account to charity, and sets out on a cross-country journey to live in the wilderness.
The film 'Into the Wild' is based on the true story of McCandless's journey, and it features a talented cast of actors who bring the story to life. Emile Hirsch delivers a powerful performance as McCandless, capturing his spirit of adventure and his longing for a more authentic existence. Marcia Gay Harden plays Billie McCandless, Christopher's mother, who is torn between her love for her son and her fear for his safety. Other notable actors in the film include William Hurt, Jena Malone, and Kristen Stewart.
McCandless's journey takes him from the suburbs of Virginia to the rugged wilderness of Alaska, where he lives off the land and learns to survive in the harshest of conditions. Along the way, he encounters a variety of people who help shape his worldview and challenge his beliefs. Through these encounters, McCandless comes to understand the true meaning of life and the importance of human connection. 'Into the Wild' is a powerful and moving film that explores the human spirit and the search for meaning in an increasingly materialistic world.
Full Cast of Into the Wild
Emile Hirsch
plays Christopher McCandless / Alexander Supertramp
Emile Hirsch delivers a captivating and transformative performance as Christopher McCandless / Alexander Supertramp in the movie 'Into the Wild'. His portrayal of the young idealist who leaves behind his privileged life to embark on a journey of self-discovery in the Alaskan wilderness is both raw and compelling. Hirsch embodies McCandless's spirit of adventure and determination, as well as his vulnerability and naivety, making the character both relatable and inspiring. The actor's physical transformation and commitment to the role further enhance his performance, resulting in a memorable and impactful portrayal of a young man's quest for meaning and purpose.
See Emile Hirsch's other roles →Marcia Gay Harden
plays Billie McCandless
Marcia Gay Harden delivers a poignant and heart-wrenching performance as Billie McCandless in the movie 'Into the Wild'. Her portrayal of a mother dealing with the loss of her son, Christopher McCandless, is both powerful and moving. Harden's ability to convey the raw emotions of grief, love, and regret is truly commendable. She brings a sense of authenticity to the character, making the audience empathize with her pain and longing. Her performance is a standout in the film, and it is no surprise that she was recognized with an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actress.
See Marcia Gay Harden's other roles →William Hurt
plays Walt McCandless
William Hurt delivers a compelling performance as Walt McCandless in 'Into the Wild'. His portrayal of the emotionally reserved yet deeply caring father is both nuanced and heartbreaking. Hurt masterfully conveys Walt's struggle to understand his son's rejection of societal norms, while also grappling with his own feelings of guilt and failure as a parent. His scenes are some of the most poignant in the film, as he brings to life a character who is simultaneously strong and vulnerable, a testament to his exceptional acting skills.
See William Hurt's other roles →Jena Malone
plays Carine McCandless / Additional Narration (voice)
Jena Malone's performance as Carine McCandless in 'Into the Wild' is a standout aspect of the film. Malone brings a quiet intensity and depth to the character, effectively portraying the complex emotions of a sister grappling with the loss of her brother. Her narration throughout the film adds an additional layer of insight and understanding to the story, guiding the audience through the emotional journey of the McCandless family. Malone's performance is a testament to her talent and versatility as an actress.
See Jena Malone's other roles →Brian H. Dierker
plays Rainey
Catherine Keener
plays Jan Burres
Catherine Keener delivers a captivating performance as Jan Burres in the movie 'Into the Wild'. She portrays the character with a perfect blend of warmth and wisdom, making her a memorable and impactful presence in the film. Keener's portrayal of Jan as a maternal figure to the protagonist, Chris McCandless, is both heartwarming and authentic, providing a strong emotional core to the narrative. Her performance is a testament to her talent as an actress and adds depth to the overall story of 'Into the Wild'.
See Catherine Keener's other roles →Vince Vaughn
plays Wayne Westerberg
Kristen Stewart
plays Tracy Tatro
Kristen Jaymes Stewart (born April 9, 1990) is an American actress and filmmaker. The world's highest-paid actress in...
See Kristen Stewart's other roles →Hal Holbrook
plays Ronald "Ron" Franz
Harold Rowe Holbrook Jr. (February 17, 1925 – January 23, 2021) was an American actor, television director, and write...
See Hal Holbrook's other roles →Thure Lindhardt
plays Mads
Signe Egholm Olsen
plays Sonja
Jim Gallien
plays Himself
James J. O'Neill
plays Graduation Reader
Malinda McCollum
plays Waitress
Paul Knauls
plays Building Manager
Zach Galifianakis
plays Kevin
Zachary Knight Galifianakis (born October 1, 1969) is an American actor and comedian. He appeared in Comedy Central P...
See Zach Galifianakis's other roles →Craig Mutsch
plays Wayne's Crew #1
Jim Beidler
plays Wayne's Crew #2
John Decker
plays Hutterite #1
John Hofer
plays Hutterite #2
Jerry Hofer
plays Hutterite #3
Terry Waldner
plays Hutterite #4
Robin Mathews
plays Gail Borah
Candice Campos
plays Bar Girl
Steven Wiig
plays Lee's Ferry Ranger
Floyd Wall
plays Man In Phone Booth
Bryce Walters
plays Christopher McCandless (age 4)
Jim Davis
plays Immigration Officer
Cheryl Francis Harrington
plays Social Worker
R. D. Call
plays Bull
Roy Dana Call (February 16, 1950 – February 27, 2020) was an American film and television actor. He appeared in sever...
See R. D. Call's other roles →Haley Ramm
plays Carine McCandless (age 11)
Haley Michelle Ramm (born March 26, 1992) is an American actress. She played a young Jean Grey in X-Men: The Last Sta...
See Haley Ramm's other roles →Merritt Wever
plays Lori
Merritt Carmen Wever (born August 11, 1980) is an American actress. She is known for starring as a perennially upbeat...
See Merritt Wever's other roles →Everett 'Insane Wayne' Smith
plays Insane Cain
John Jabaley
plays Announcer
Leonard Knight
plays Himself
Matt Contreras
plays Book Shopper #1
Denise Sitton
plays Book Shopper #2
Sharon Olds
plays Additional Narration (voice)
Carine McCandless
plays Additional Narration (voice)
J. Nathan Simmons
plays Tourist (uncredited)
Parris Mosteller
plays Young Boy (voice) (uncredited)
Timothy Levine
plays Atlanta Braves fan (uncredited)
Haley Sweet
plays Bank Teller (uncredited)
Bart the Bear II
plays Bear
Bart II is a male interior Alaskan grizzly bear born in January 2000. Within a few months, they were orphaned when th...
See Bart the Bear II's other roles →Aaron Wayne Hill
plays Big Wheel Boy (uncredited)
Crew of Into the Wild
Discover the
backstage crew of Into the Wild →