The Mosquito Bowl brings us back to World War II. Inspired by the true story of college football stars-turned soldiers, the film is directed by Peter Berg and stars Nicholas Galitzine, Bill Skarsgård, Ray Nicholson and Tom Francis. The movie follows four young men with promising athletic careers who enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
The movie is based on journalist Buzz Bissinger’s book The Mosquito Bowl: A Game of Life and Death in World War II.
Here’s everything you need to know about the star-studded cast of The Mosquito Bowl.
Nicholas Galitzine — John McLaughry
Galitzine plays John McLaughry: a talented college football quarterback whose life changes after the United States enters World War II. McLaughry played football at Brown University and established himself as a natural leader before leaving his athletic ambitions behind to enlist in the Marines.
As his fans already know, Galitzine is a British actor who has built an extensive following through romantic dramas as well as period projects. He is best known for starring opposite Anne Hathaway in The Idea of You, playing Prince Henry in Red, White & Royal Blue and portraying George Villiers in the historical drama Mary & George. He is also known for Purple Hearts — in which he plays a Marine — Bottoms, and of course, Masters of the Universe.
Bill Skarsgård — Bob Bauman
Skarsgård stars in the flick as Bob Bauman, a star football player from the University of Wisconsin known for his larger-than-life personality and fearless competitive approach.
The Swedish actor has transformed into one of Hollywood’s most recognizable performers in thrillers and horror films. Skarsgård is widely known for playing Pennywise in It and It Chapter Two. His other notable film credits include The Crow, John Wick: Chapter 4 and Nosferatu.
Ray Nicholson as Tony Butkovich
Nicholson, who happens to be Oscar winner Jack Nicholson‘s son, plays Tony Butkovich: a celebrated Purdue football star regarded as an exceptional offensive player.
The rising star has developed his own career in film and TV outside of his famous father’s spotlight. He has appeared in the psychological horror film Smile 2 and the action comedy Novocaine, as well as projects like Licorice Pizza and the TV series Panic.
Tom Francis as David Schreiner
Francis plays David Schreiner: a University of Wisconsin star who played alongside Bauman. Schreiner is a strategic thinker, and he leaves the game behind to enlist in the Marines and confront the dangers of World War II.
Francis is a British actor and singer who made a name for himself on the stage. He earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance as Joe Gillis in the Broadway revival of Sunset Boulevard. He has also appeared in the fifth season of Netflix’s You and has performed in stage productions including & Juliet.
Peter Berg — General Simon Buckner
In addition to directing The Mosquito Bowl, Berg also appears in front of the camera the as General Simon Buckner. Berg is an actor, writer, director and producer.
He is best known for directing Friday Night Lights, the 2004 film about high school football in Texas, as well as military and action dramas including Lone Survivor, Patriots Day and Deepwater Horizon. His experience bringing true stories to the screen makes him a natural fit for the historical material behind The Mosquito Bowl.
The Mosquito Bowl opened in select theaters on October 30, 2026, and makes its Netflix debut on November 25, 2026.
