Poolman Cast & Character Guide

Chris Pine’s directorial debut, Poolman, features an all-star cast of iconic movie actors. The 2023 film pays homage to film noir movie classics like Chinatown, with a convoluted mystery plotline centered around Darren Barrenman, a poolman with an interest in local community issues. Darren gets tangled in a web of bizarre characters and corruption as he navigates a case he isn’t really qualified to be investigating.

Though Poolman’s reviews didn’t amount to the same success as noir classics, the all-star cast may still appeal to audiences. Poolman’s leading stars and supporting cast members include recognizable faces from iconic movies, shows, and franchises. Though some may only appear on-screen for brief scenes, the cast is impressive nonetheless.

Chris Pine as Darren Barrenman

Born August 26, 1980

Actor: Chris Pine is an American actor from Los Angeles, California, who first gained notoriety in the 2000s with appearances in the rom-coms The Princess Diaries 2 and Just My Luck. However, it was his casting as Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek reboot films that made him an A-list star. He’s continued to work in blockbusters like the Wonder Woman films, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, contributing to billions in box office success. Chris Pine made his directorial debut with Poolman.

Character: Darren Barrenman is a pool cleaner living in an old apartment complex in Los Angeles. Inspired by Erin Brockovich, to whom he writes letters, Darren advocates for community causes at his local city council. When he’s arrested for starting a fight at a council meeting, he’s approached by June Del Rey, who offers him a chance to oust the local councilman for corruption.

DeWanda Wise as June Del Ray

Born May 30, 1984

Actor: DeWanda Wise is an American actress from Maryland who’s best known for starring in the Spike Lee Netflix series, She’s Gotta Have It. Wise has been acting since the mid-2000s, appearing on various shows like Law & Order, The Good Wife, and Boardwalk Empire. Only in recent years has she begun to find prominent roles in movies, including Jurassic World Domination and Netflix’s The Harder They Fall.

Character: Wise plays June Del Ray, a mysterious woman who works under the local councilman and gives Darren the opportunity to pursue the case.

Danny DeVito as Jack Denisoff

Born November 17, 1944

Actor: Danny DeVito is an American actor from New Jersey who’s had a massively successful career in film and television spanning over five decades. In 1975, DeVito appeared in the Best Picture-winning drama, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. In 1992, he starred as The Penguin in Tim Burton’s Batman Returns, kicking off a multi-decade partnership with the iconic filmmaker. Danny DeVito is considered one of the greatest TV actors ever, with roles on multiple long-running series, including that of Louie De Palma in Taxi. He’s gained massive recognition in recent years as Frank Reynolds in It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.

Character: DeVito plays Jack, the owner of the apartment complex Darren pool cleans for, who serves as an irresponsible fatherly figure throughout the film.

Annette Bening as Diane Epsilnade

Born May 29, 1958

Actor: Annette Bening is an American actress from Kansas who’s been praised for her work in film and on stage for over four decades. She’s been nominated for five Academy Awards, including nominations for movies like The Kids Are All Right and Nyad. Despite numerous critically acclaimed performances, Bening hasn’t shied away from blockbusters and has recently appeared in 2019’s Captain Marvel and 2022’s Death on the Nile.

Character: Diane is Darren’s therapist and the co-owner of the apartment complex he works in.

Poolman Supporting Cast & Characters

Stephen Tobolowsky as Stephen Toronkowski / Blanche: Stephen Tobolowsky is an American actor known for numerous famous movies and TV shows, from Groundhog Day and Memento to Glee and The Mindy Project.

Clancy Brown as Theodore Hollandaise: Clancy Brown is an American actor famous for supporting roles in a plethora of famous movies and franchise titles, from John Wick 4 to The Penguin to Highlander to The Shawshank Redemption. He’s also well known as the voice of Mr. Krabs on SpongeBob SquarePants.

John Ortiz as Wayne / Dirk Pfumpter: John Ortiz is an American actor best known for his role in the Fast & Furious movies, as well as crime epics like Carlito’s Way and American Gangster.

Jennifer Jason Leigh as Susan Kerkovish: Jennifer Jason Leigh is an American actress who broke out in the ’80s teen comedy Fast Times at Ridgemont High. She’s since appeared in an assortment of film and TV roles, including The Hateful Eight, Fargo, Twin Peaks, and Weeds.

Ray Wise as William Van Patterson: Ray Wise is an American actor who’s best known for playing Leland Palmer in the mystery drama TV series Twin Peaks.