The Train Dreams cast features Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones and William H. Macy. This info article contains minor spoilers and character details for Clint Bentley’s 2025 Netflix movie. Check out more cast guides in Vague Visages’ Know the Cast category.

Train Dreams centers on an American logger during the 20th century. When Robert Grainier loses contact with his wife and daughter after a forest fire, he fears the worst. The narrative follows the main protagonist as tries to understand the meaning of his life. Here’s every actor and character in Train Dreams, an adaptation of Denis Johnson’s 2011 novella.

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Train Dreams Cast: Joel Edgerton as Robert Grainier

Character Profile: An American logger. He worries about death following him. Robert experiences an existential crisis after the disappearance of his wife and daughter.

Edgerton’s Resume: Tom Buchanan in The Great Gatsby (2013), Richard in Loving (2016), Ridgeway in The Underground Railroad (2021), Owen Lars in Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022), Jason Dessen in Dark Matter (204)

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Train Dreams Cast: Felicity Jones as Gladys Grainier

Character Profile: Robert’s wife. She raises their young daughter. Gladys hopes to develop a farm before disappearing during a forest fire.

Jones’ Resume: The Theory of Everything (2014), Sienna Brooks in Inferno (2016), Jyn Erso in Rogue One: A Star Wars Story (2016), Ruth Bader Ginsberg in On the Basis of Sex (2018), Erzsébet Tóth in The Brutalist (2024)

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Train Dreams Cast: William H. Macy as Arn Peeples

Character Profile: A logger. He is a “gadabout of unknown origin.” Arn makes a strong impression on Robert with his life lessons.

Macy’s Resume: Dr. David Morgenstern in ER (1994-2009), Jerry Lundegaard in Fargo (1996), Little Bill in Boogie Nights (1997), Quiz Kid Donnie Smith in Magnolia (1999), Frank Gallagher in Shameless (2011-2021)

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Train Dreams Cast: Kerry Condon as Claire Thompson

Character Profile: A U.S. Forest Service employee. She is a widow and former nurse during World War I. Claire develops a bond with Robert.

Condon’s Resume: Octavia of the Julii in Rome (2005-07), Stacey Ehrmantraut in Better Call Saul (2015-22), Friday in the MCU (2015-), Siobhán Súilleabháin in The Banshees of Inisherin (2022), Eve Waller in Night Swim (2024)

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The Train Dreams cast also includes:

• Clifton Collins Jr. as Boomer
• Nathaniel Arcand as Ignatius Jack
• John Diehl as Billy
• Paul Schneider as Apostle Frank
• Will Patton as Narrator
• Alfred Hsing as Fu Sheng
• John Patrick Lowrie as Mr. Sears
• David Paul Olsen as Toomis
• Brandon Lindsay as Elijah Brown
• Ashton Singer as Avery Pinkham

Q.V. Hough (@QVHough) is Vague Visages’ founding editor.