Throughout his acclaimed filmography, Martin Scorsese has been known for his unconventional casting choices. In an interview, his longtime collaborator and casting director Ellen Lewis mentioned that they always aim to think outside the box. Examples of these unique choices include Scorsese’s mother Catherine appearing in “Goodfellas” and writer Fran Lebowitz as a judge in “The Wolf of Wall Street.”
Scorsese’s latest film, “Killers of the Flower Moon,” follows this trend. The movie tells the story of a 1920s plot by white Oklahoma men, with notable performances by Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio. Alongside these familiar Scorsese regulars, the film includes musicians, comedians, and other nonactors, many of whom were recruited by Indigenous casting director Rene Haynes.
Here’s a spoiler-heavy guide to some of the film’s most interesting cameos.
Jason Isbell
Country singer-songwriter Jason Isbell makes an appearance as Bill Smith, the husband of Mollie’s sister Rita. This is Isbell’s first major acting role, following his recurring voice role as a pastor on the Adult Swim series “Squidbillies.” Isbell joined the film during the pandemic when touring opportunities were limited. He released his most recent album, “Weathervanes,” earlier this year with the group the 400 Unit.
Pete Yorn
Indie-rock singer-songwriter Pete Yorn appears in the film as the elusive Acie Kirby, who DiCaprio’s character, Ernest, is tasked with finding. While this is Yorn’s first big-screen acting role, he has connections to Scorsese through his brother Rick Yorn, an executive producer on “Killers” and other Scorsese projects. Rick Yorn also happens to be Scorsese and DiCaprio’s manager.
Sturgill Simpson
Another notable cameo comes from country singer-songwriter Sturgill Simpson, who plays the bootlegger Henry Grammer. Simpson has had previous acting experience, including a recurring role on the HBO comedy series “The Righteous Gemstones” and appearances in other films. He also won a Grammy for Best Country Album in 2017.
Tatanka Means
Comedian and actor Tatanka Means portrays John Wren, a Native American investigator in the film. Means has a diverse filmography, ranging from comedy movies to recent television appearances. He is known for his stand-up routines that reflect the Native experience and is the son of Oglala Sioux activist Russell Means, who was a friend of Scorsese.
Jack White
Musician Jack White, known for his work with The White Stripes, the Raconteurs, and The Dead Weather, appears in the film towards the end. He provides multiple voices for a radio play that explains the fates of the real-life figures depicted in the film. White has previous acting experience, including portraying Elvis Presley in a music biopic spoof and appearing in television shows like “Portlandia” and “The Simpsons.”
Charlie Musselwhite
Harmonica ace Charlie Musselwhite plays the character of Alvin Reynolds in the film. Musselwhite is a Chicago blues legend who has had previous acting roles in movies like “Blues Brothers 2000.” Lewis, the casting director, discovered Musselwhite while researching the Chicago label Delmark Records and was drawn to his weathered appearance.
Everett Waller
Another notable presence in the film is Everett Waller, who serves as the Minerals Council chairman of the Osage Nation. Waller delivers an impassioned speech about the plight of his people. He was discovered during an open casting call for Native roles in the film. Waller’s daughter assisted in bringing him to the attention of the casting director.
Brendan Fraser
Although not strictly a cameo, Brendan Fraser appears later in the film as W.S. Hamilton, the defense attorney for De Niro’s character. Fraser was chosen for the role by Scorsese and Lewis before his recent career resurgence and best actor Oscar win. Fraser joined the film after another actor dropped out.
John Lithgow
Similarly, John Lithgow appears later in the film as the prosecutor Peter Leaward in a series of courtroom scenes. Lithgow is a two-time Oscar nominee with a diverse and extensive career in various mediums.
Martin Scorsese
One surprising moment in the film occurs during the radio-play coda, where Martin Scorsese himself reads from the obituary of Mollie Burkhart. Scorsese has made appearances in his own films before and his cameo in “Killers” pays tribute to the forgotten subjects of the story and his role in bringing their stories to light.