Cast and Crew of September 5

September 5

Set against the backdrop of the unforgettable 1972 Munich Olympics, "September 5" delves into the harrowing events that unfurled when a group of Israeli athletes is taken hostage by a terrorist organization. As chaos erupts amidst the grand sporting event, the film intricately weaves together the stories of not just the athletes but also the American sports broadcasting crew tasked with covering the games. At the helm of this crew is Geoffrey Mason, played by John Magaro, whose strained professional integrity and personal dilemmas illustrate the complexity of reporting in such a dire situation. Alongside him is Marianne Gebhardt, portrayed by Leonie Benesch, who embodies the courage and resilience needed to confront the unfolding tragedy while also navigating her own evolving role within the crisis.

"September 5" takes viewers on an emotional journey, highlighting how the hostage situation profoundly impacted the lives of those directly involved and the world watching through the lens of television. The film doesn't shy away from portraying the tension and fear felt by both the athletes held captive and the journalists striving to deliver news to the audience, sometimes at great personal risk. As Geoffrey and Marianne grapple with their responsibilities as reporters amidst growing peril, their interactions bring to light the challenging moral questions faced by those in the media during times of conflict. The narrative is as much about survival as it is about the repercussions of their coverage and the media's role in shaping public perception.

Through powerful performances and poignant storytelling, "September 5" captures the essence of a world forever changed by a single event. The film paints a vivid picture of the 1972 Olympic Games, inviting audiences to reflect not only on the athletic achievements celebrated during the event but also on the tragic shadow that loomed over it. As the dramatic events unfold, viewers are left to ponder the impact of terrorism on sports, media, and society at large, ensuring that the legacy of those affected by the Munich tragedy is never forgotten.

Main Cast of September 5

John Magaro as Geoffrey Mason

John Magaro

Geoffrey Mason

In the movie "September 5," John Magaro delivers a compelling performance as Geoffrey Mason, a character whose nuanced portrayal is central to the film's emotional resonance. Magaro embodies Mason with a quiet intensity, expertly conveying the character's internal struggles and the weight of his past decisions. His interactions with other characters are laced with a palpable sense of regret and longing, which Magaro articulates through subtle shifts in his expressions and body language. The actor's ability to project both vulnerability and resilience allows the audience to empathize with Mason's journey, as he navigates through the aftermath of personal and professional turmoil. Magaro's performance is a testament to his talent for bringing depth and authenticity to the screen, making Geoffrey Mason a character that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Leonie Benesch as Marianne Gebhardt

Leonie Benesch

Marianne Gebhardt

Leonie Benesch delivers a compelling and nuanced performance as Marianne Gebhardt in the poignant film "September 5," which centers around the complexities of love, loss, and the impact of historical events on personal lives. Her portrayal of Marianne is both vulnerable and resilient, capturing the inner turmoil of a woman caught between her duties as a nurse in the aftermath of World War II and her yearning for emotional connection amidst the chaos. Benesch skillfully conveys Marianne's quiet strength and compassion as she navigates the devastation of post-war Germany, all while grappling with her own heartache. Her interactions with the other characters are filled with a delicate balance of warmth and restraint, reflecting the era's social norms and the personal sacrifices demanded by the times. Benesch's performance is a standout, as she brings depth and authenticity to Marianne, making her an unforgettable embodiment of hope and perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

Peter Sarsgaard as Roone Arledge

Peter Sarsgaard

Roone Arledge

Peter Sarsgaard delivered a nuanced and compelling performance as Roone Arledge in the movie "September 5," a film that delves into the behind-the-scenes drama of a network newsroom during the days leading up to the 9/11 attacks. Sarsgaard's portrayal captures the essence of Arledge's legendary status as a visionary television producer, known for his role in shaping the landscape of sports and news broadcasting. With a keen sense of authenticity, Sarsgaard channels Arledge's charismatic leadership and his relentless pursuit of excellence, showcasing the producer's strategic brilliance and the high-stakes decision-making that defined his tenure at ABC News. Sarsgaard's performance is a testament to his ability to embody a complex historical figure, infusing the role with a palpable intensity and a deep understanding of the character's influence on American media. His interactions with the cast, which include tense newsroom exchanges and moments of profound reflection, underscore the weight of Arledge's decisions during a pivotal moment in history, ultimately contributing to a poignant and thought-provoking cinematic experience.

Ben Chaplin as Marvin Bader

Ben Chaplin

Marvin Bader

In the movie "September 5," Ben Chaplin delivers a compelling performance as Marvin Bader, a character whose complexities and internal struggles form a pivotal part of the film's narrative. Chaplin brings a nuanced depth to Marvin, a man grappling with the aftermath of a tragic event, skillfully portraying the character's emotional turmoil with a quiet intensity. Through subtle shifts in expression and a restrained yet powerful delivery, Chaplin conveys Marvin's guilt, regret, and desperate search for redemption. His interactions with the other characters are laced with an undercurrent of vulnerability, making his performance not only memorable but also deeply empathetic. Chaplin's portrayal of Marvin is a testament to his ability to inhabit the skin of a character who, despite being flawed and conflicted, evokes a sense of humanity that resonates with the audience. His work in "September 5" underscores his versatility as an actor and his capacity to tackle challenging roles with authenticity and grace.

Zinedine Soualem as Jacques Lesgards

Zinedine Soualem

Jacques Lesgards

In the poignant film "September 5," Zinedine Soualem delivers a nuanced and understated performance as Jacques Lesgards, a character whose quiet demeanor and restrained emotional landscape are central to the film's atmosphere. Soualem embodies Lesgards with a subtle complexity, portraying a man grappling with the weight of personal loss and the complexities of human connection. His interactions with the other characters are marked by a sense of longing and a poignant search for closure, captured through Soualem's expressive eyes and measured body language. The actor succeeds in conveying deep-seated grief intermingled with moments of tender hope, allowing viewers to empathize with Lesgards' internal struggles. Soualem's portrayal is a testament to his ability to inhabit roles with authenticity and grace, making Jacques Lesgards a character that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll.

Secondary Cast of September 5

Leif Eduard Eisenberg

Camera Assistant Ben

Sebastian Jehkul

Police Officer

Jeff Book

Berger's Father

Robert Porter Templeton

Director's Assistant

Stephen Fraser

Communicator

Leon Dragoi

Lighting Technician

Doris Meier

Content Assistant

Mark Ruppel

Sound Engineer

Christine Ulrich

Camera Control Technician

Günther Wernhard

Content Manager

Harry Waterstone

Stage Assistant Larry

Andreas Honold

Stage Runner JJ

Stefan Mittermaier

VTR Tech Chuck

Miguel Abrantes Ostrowski

Hans Klein

Kim Hanfland

Ulrike Meyfarth

David Iselin

Mark Spitz

Nikita Borisov

Werner Lampe

Karolina Gabinger

Anneliese Graess

Robert Glade

Hans-Dietrich Genscher

Immanuel Rahman

Terrorist Issa

Paul Böhme

Masked Man / German Athlete

Brendan Todd

American Interviewer

Dirk Schepanek

ZDF Interviewer

Saeid Yazdani

Mohamed Tarabulsi

Matthias Schum

Jim McKay Double

Stiev Neubert

Tuvia Sokolsky Double

Rafael Peña

Translator Double

Crew of September 5

Full backstage crew list →