Summary:
-
In She Rides Shotgun, Taron Egerton leads as Nate McClusky, an ex-con on the run with his daughter.
-
Ana Sophia Heger stars as Polly, navigating danger and bonding with her father.
-
Supporting cast includes Rob Yang, John Carroll Lynch, Odessa A’zion, and others in key and minor roles.
She Rides Shotgun hit theaters on August 1, 2025, adapting Jordan Harper’s gritty crime novel into a tense, character-driven thriller. With Taron Egerton in the lead, the film dives into the life of an ex-con trying to protect his daughter from a vengeful gang. Here’s a full breakdown of the cast and characters bringing this high-stakes story to life.
Who Plays Who in She Rides Shotgun? Main Cast and Character
Taron Egerton as Nate McClusky
Egerton plays Nate, a hardened ex-con just released from prison and immediately marked for death by Aryan Steel, a white supremacist gang. Egerton’s physical transformation complete with shaved head and tattoos—backs a performance centered on guilt, survival, and fatherhood.
Ana Sophia Heger as Polly McClusky
Polly, Nate’s daughter, has grown up without him. Heger portrays her as emotionally withdrawn but resilient. Her evolution from sheltered to self-reliant forms the heart of the story. Though listed as Polly Huff on IMDb, the character retains the McClusky surname from the novel.
Rob Yang as Detective John Park
Yang, known for his work in Succession, plays a police officer who becomes entangled in Nate and Polly’s journey. Detective Park is a stabilizing presence, bridging law enforcement and the central family’s turmoil.
John Carroll Lynch as Sheriff Houser
Lynch steps into the role of Houser, a renamed version of the book’s Crazy Craig Hollington. As a corrupt sheriff with deep Aryan Steel ties, his role extends the gang’s reach and adds complexity to Nate’s obstacles.
Odessa A’zion as Charlotte
Charlotte plays an ally to Nate and Polly. While her exact narrative function is still emerging, early scenes hint at her aiding their escape or offering temporary shelter.
David Lyons as Jimmy
Jimmy is likely involved in the criminal underworld tied to Aryan Steel. Lyons’ performance adds tension, operating in the gray zone between threat and familiarity.
Travis Hammer as Felix
Felix, played by Hammer, rounds out the gang-affiliated characters. While specifics remain limited, his scenes contribute to the danger looming over Nate and Polly.
Keith Jardine as Magic
A minor but distinctive role, Magic likely serves as muscle for Aryan Steel or another supporting thug figure encountered on the road.
READ MORE: Is Sheldon or Leonard in the Big Bang Theory Spinoff
Who’s in the Supporting Cast of She Rides Shotgun? A Closer Look
While the film centers on Nate and Polly, several background characters flesh out its world. These supporting roles may have brief screen time, but they add texture and realism to the story’s gritty tone.
| Actor | Character | Role Description |
|---|---|---|
| Jamie Bernadette | Mom at School | Likely appears in early scenes, setting up Polly’s school life before the chase begins. |
| Goldie Tom | School Teacher | Another early-scene character giving context to Polly’s pre-run world. |
| Kiko Sanchez | Motel Man No. 1 | Likely appears during Nate and Polly’s travels, enhancing the tension of their flight. |
| Loren Anthony | Motel Man No. 2 | Adds depth to motel sequences, contributing to atmosphere. |
| Rebecca Hill Casey | Cashier | Small but memorable encounter during a pit stop. |
| Conrad R. Padilla | Good Samaritan | Possibly helps Nate and Polly briefly on their run. |
| Edgar Damatian | Truck Stop Cop | Appears during a pivotal moment involving law enforcement. |
| Matt Roszak | A-Rod | Minor character, possibly linked to Aryan Steel. |
| Santiago Segura | Luis | Role unclear but believed to be part of the underworld plot. |
| Ryan de Quintal | Slab Man #1 | Another gang-related figure, likely involved in action sequences. |
How Does She Rides Shotgun Adapt Its Characters from the Book?
The film closely follows the core of Jordan Harper’s novel but makes selective changes:
-
Sheriff Houser replaces Crazy Craig Hollington, rebranding the main villain while keeping his motives and affiliations intact.
-
Character names and roles like Charlotte and Jimmy don’t directly align with book characters but fill narrative functions.
-
The father-daughter bond remains central, with Nate and Polly’s arc staying true to the novel’s emotional core.
READ MORE: When Does the Next Episode of Dexter Resurrection Come Out
Who’s Behind the Scenes of She Rides Shotgun?
The film is directed by Nick Rowland, whose previous work (Calm with Horses) showcased his knack for raw, character-centric crime storytelling. Rowland not only directed She Rides Shotgun but also revised the screenplay, originally adapted by Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski. Their combined vision promises a film rooted in emotional realism with a cinematic edge.
The project is produced by:
-
Brad Weston and Collin Creighton for Makeready
-
Hiro Murai and Nate Matteson for Superfrog
-
Taron Egerton as executive producer
Financing was handled entirely by Fifth Season, ensuring creative control stayed with the filmmaking team. Principal photography took place in early 2024, setting the stage for post-production and eventual release by Lionsgate.
READ MORE: Who Killed Sarah Pearlman in Ballard Ending Explained
What’s Next for She Rides Shotgun?
Following its August 1, 2025 theatrical debut, She Rides Shotgun could expand into a wider release or digital platforms. With Egerton’s fanbase and the novel’s built-in acclaim, there’s potential for both critical and audience buzz.
Additionally, depending on reception, the film could spark renewed interest in Harper’s other works or even adaptations of similar crime novels focused on family dynamics amid danger.
For now, all eyes are on Lionsgate’s rollout strategy and early reviews.
READ MORE: True Story Behind Attack on London: Hunting the 7/7 Bombers
Lionsgate acquired U.S. distribution rights in June 2025. The film is scheduled for a limited theatrical release on August 1, 2025. While streaming or digital release platforms haven’t been announced yet, the limited release suggests an awards-season strategy or a gradual rollout following initial box office response.
Source: IMDb
Stay updated with the Latest News and Stories, follow us on our social media platforms.
You can follow us on:
Stay Connected!! Join our Whatsapp Channel
