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Joseph "Coop" Cooper, played by Matthew McConaughey 

A former NASA pilot turned farmer, and devoted father to Murph and Tom. Chosen by Professor Brand to lead the Endurance mission, he and his crew embark on a high-stakes journey through space in search of a new, habitable world for humanity. Cooper is a skilled and instinctive pilot—brave, resourceful, and unafraid to take risks when the mission demands it. Though he remains calm under pressure, he is deeply affected by the pain of leaving his children behind, and his love for them drives many of the choices he makes along the way.

Read an in-depth analysis of Cooper 

Murphy "Murph" Cooper, played by Mackenzie Foy (young), Jessica Chastain (adult), and Ellen Burstyn (elderly) 

Cooper’s exceptionally gifted daughter. She grows from a curious and hotheaded girl into a leading NASA physicist, devoting her life to solving the gravitational equation that could save humanity. Driven by both intellect and emotion, Murph is torn between love and resentment for her father—heartbroken by his decision to leave, yet ultimately understanding the sacrifice he made.

Read an in-depth analysis of Murph

Dr. Amelia Brand, played by Anne Hathaway 

A NASA biologist, physicist, and astronaut on the Endurance mission. Intelligent, determined, and idealistic, Brand is driven by both her scientific conviction and a deep desire to ensure humanity’s survival. While her love for Dr. Edmunds, a member of the original Lazarus mission, adds a personal dimension to her choices, her commitment to the greater mission remains unwavering.

Read an in-depth analysis of Dr. Amelia Brand

Professor John Brand, played by Michael Caine 

A brilliant physicist and the head of NASA’s Endurance mission. Professor Brand develops the mission’s Plan A and Plan B strategies for saving the human race. He’s fond of the Welsh poet Dylan Thomas, in particular the poem “Do not go gentlei Into that good night.” His choices (and his lies) have profound effects on both Cooper’s journey and Murph’s efforts to save humanity. 

Tom Cooper, played by Timothée Chalamet (young) and Casey Affleck (adult) 

Cooper’s resilient and grounded son, who stays behind on Earth when his father departs on the Endurance mission. As conditions deteriorate on Earth, Tom takes on the responsibility of preserving the family farm and protecting his wife and children. Over time, he grows embittered by his father’s absence and increasingly distrustful of anything related to space exploration, seeing it as a false hope that has no chance of saving anyone. This deepens his conflict with his sister Murph, whose unwavering belief in their father and in science puts them at odds.

Dr. Mann, played by Matt Damon 

A pioneering NASA astronaut and the leader of the Lazarus mission. Mann is stranded on an icy planet when his mission to save humanity fails. Dr. Mann’s desperate, selfish actions endanger the entire Endurance mission. 

Donald, played by John Lithgow 

Cooper’s practical but gruff father-in-law. Donald offers emotional support to his grandchildren after Cooper leaves for the Endurance mission. He has high expectations of Cooper as a father, and is disappointed when he chooses to leave Murph and Tom after they have already suffered the loss of their mother, his (unnamed) daughter. 

Dr. Romilly, played by David Gyasi 

A physicist and Endurance crew member. Romilly specializes in the scientific properties of black holes. He’s left alone for many years at a time during the crews’ reconnaissance missions. 

Dr. Doyle, played by Wes Bentley 

A geographer and scientist aboard the Endurance. Doyle assesses planetary viability on expeditions with Cooper and Brand.

TARS, voiced by Bill Irwin 

The film’s comic relief; a former military robot. TARS provides the technical support and mechanical muscle that aid the Endurance crew on their mission to find humanity a new home. 

CASE, voiced by Josh Stewart 

The Endurance’s other robotic crew member. CASE specializes in dry jokes and assists in essential operations and ship maneuvers during planetary landings. 

Getty, played by Topher Grace 

A NASA physician and Murph’s colleague. Getty supports Murph’s efforts to solve Brand’s equation at NASA. He also tries to help save her brother’s family from the effects of the dust storms. 

Lois, played by Leah Cairns 

Tom Cooper’s wife. Lois has lung problems caused by the constant dust storms at the family farm. 

Dr Wolf Edmund, voiced by Ray Irving 

A particle physicist and member of the original Lazarus mission through Gargantua. Edmunds is Brand’s love interest, and she initially keeps their relationship a secret from the crew of the Endurance. 

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