Faces of the Frontier

Kevin Sorbo

Producer / Sheriff Buck Thomas 

Kevin Sorbo shot to international fame as the larger-than-life lead in Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, followed by his commanding role as Captain Dylan Hunt in Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda. On the big screen, he’s led films like What If, Let There Be Light, and Miracle in East Texas, where he also stepped behind the camera as director. With rugged charm, proven star power, and a loyal global following, Sorbo is a true box office draw—built for stories as bold as the frontier itself. 

Danny Trejo

Grijalva

Danny Trejo rose from the streets of Echo Park and the prison yards of San Quentin, where he was a boxing champion, to become one of Hollywood’s most iconic tough guys. He was discovered by chance on the set of Runaway Train, launching a career defined by raw power and lived experience. With over 400 film and television credits, his presence commands the screen like few others. Beyond acting, Trejo is a respected entrepreneur and a voice for redemption and second chances. 

Norman De Buck

Executive Producer /  Indio

Norman De Buck born of two worlds, destined for the frontier. Norman makes history as the first Dutch–Indonesian actor to step into the boots of a Western cowboy. With roots stretching from the lush isles of Indonesia to the storied plains of the Netherlands, his presence alone reshapes the landscape of the genre.  A spark in the saddle. Off-screen, he’s quickly become the talk of the camp—praised by cast and crew alike for his skill, professionalism, and magnetic presence. With Norman leading the charge, The Sunset Rider is on course to become a groundbreaking, timeless classic.

Sonny King

 Woodson

Sonny King is a seasoned American actor known for captivating performances across both film and television. He has brought to life memorable characters such as Sonny in The Actor’s Curse: A Tale of Twisted Fate, the determined Sheriff Deakin in The Deceived, and the enigmatic “Tommy baby blue” in The Looters. King also showcased his versatility playing the weathered Veteran on the Range in Class Act. With a career spanning nearly fifty screen credits, his work includes standout roles in Carnivore and The Actor’s Curse, earning him a reputation for depth and nuance in indie and genre storytelling.

Wilmer Valderrama

The Arizona Kid

Wilmer Valderrama is an accomplished actor and producer known for his versatility across television and film, with standout roles ranging from That ’70s Show to the long-running hit series NCIS. With a strong fan base and a reputation for bringing authenticity and charisma to every role, Valderrama brings both star power and broad audience appeal to any project he joins. 

Laura Wiggins

Ann Reynolds 

Laura Wiggins is an accomplished actress, singer, and musician whose career began in 2006, with roles spanning film, television, and stage. She has appeared in projects such as Along Came the Devil 2, InstaPsycho, Stand!, and Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase, showcasing her emotional depth and versatility. Off-screen, Laura is a creative spirit with a passion for philanthropy and writing. She resides in Georgia with her husband Kyle Weishaar, whom she met on the set of a Taylor Swift commercial in 2008.

WANTED

Jack Lassiter

This role’s still riding the wind—casting in progress. The saddle’s empty—for now. Who will step into Jack’s boots? Stick around… you might just be our next legend. 

Seeking

Carmelia Sanchez

Sweet, naive, and naturally beautiful, Carmella carries an inner strength and moral conviction beyond her years. She ultimately falls in love with the Arizona Kid, a relationship that awakens her bravery and shapes her journey. 

Mike Moroff

Miguel Sanchez 

Mike Moroff is a seasoned character actor recognized for his gritty authenticity  and memorable performances in films such as Desperado, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, and Breaking Bad. With decades of experience portraying rugged, complex characters, Moroff brings a commanding presence and cinematic credibility to any Western story.

Diana Torres

Luisa Sanchez 

Diana Elizabeth Torres is a Mexican actress and Casazul graduate best known for her lead role in East Side Sushi, which earned her the Diosa de Plata and critical acclaim from Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, and Los Angeles Times. Her film and television work spans both Mexico and the U.S., with roles in Private Number, Kada Kien Karma, and high-profile campaigns for Verizon, CNN Latino, and Got Milk? Named an Art and Culture Ambassador by the government of Culiacán, Torres is also a dedicated advocate for women’s rights, education, and indigenous communities. 

MISSING

Nantahe

The Chief is still out there—waiting to be found.  We’re searching for a Native American actor who embodies authenticity, strength, and quiet authority for this pivotal role. The character holds meaningful cultural significance within our story, and we’re dedicated to portraying him with thoughtfulness and integrity. 

SEEKING

Felina Sanchez

We’re casting a 5-year-old girl to portray a sweet, spirited child growing up on the edge of the frontier. She’s curious, kind, and quietly brave, with a natural bond to the land around her. This role brings heart to the story, capturing the innocence and wonder of childhood in a rugged Western world. We’re seeking a young actress with authenticity and warmth to bring the character to life. 

Jeff Hathcock

Director / Writer /    Executive Producer

Jeff Hathcock made his mark with the indie hit Victims! and went on to direct cult classics like Mark of the Beast with Bo Hopkins and Streets of Death with Disney legend Tommy Kirk. He later brought his eye for action to Beastmaster 2 and directed films featuring stars like George Kennedy and Jan-Michael Vincent. Now, with The Sunset Rider, Hathcock returns to the director’s chair—bringing a lifetime of grit, vision, and storytelling to the American West. 

Michael Pescasio

Director of Photography

Michael Pescasio is a veteran Director of Photography whose lens has captured major motion pictures such as The Incredible Hulk, The Perfect Storm, and The Fast and the Furious. As head of P‑Light, Inc., he blends innovation in specialty lighting with storytelling finesse, shaped by his Filipino, Italian, and German heritage. With a visual eye born of both technical precision and creative spirit, Pescasio brings cinematic authenticity and frontier grit to every frame. 

Lee Holdridge

Composer

Lee Holdridge is a master composer whose sweeping music has shaped stories across film, television, and even opera. Holdridge has scored iconic works—from Splash and Moonlighting to The Mists of Avalon—earning multiple Emmy Awards and Grammy nominations open.  His talent for dramatic orchestration shines brightest in Western settings. He delivered hauntingly beautiful scores for Old Gringo (1989) and the CBS miniseries Buffalo Girls—the latter earning an Emmy nod—with lush orchestral textures that blend classic Western motifs and soulful strings. With Lee Holdridge behind the music, The Sunset Rider is poised to ride into legend, soundtracked by one of the genre’s finest maestros.

Thell Reed

Armorer 

Thell Reed is a legendary armorer and one of the fastest quick-draw artists in the world, rising to fame through Jeff Cooper’s “Leatherslap” competitions in the 1950s. His unmatched firearms expertise led to a storied Hollywood career training stars like Brad Pitt, Russell Crowe, and Val Kilmer, and consulting on some of the most iconic Westerns and action films ever made. A true craftsman of the Old West tradition, Reed brings authenticity, safety, and historical precision to every production he touches.

Raleigh Wilson

Boss Wrangler

For over 40 years, Raleigh Wilson has lived the Western life on and off screen—as a champion rodeo cowboy, Marlboro Man, and action filmmaker. His rodeo career spanned decades with wins across the globe, including titles from the National Finals Rodeo and the World Cup Rodeo in Australia. In 2002, he founded Rollywood Studios in Simi Valley, opening the doors to independent film productions with the same grit and spirit he brought to the arena. 

Tommy Goodwin

Stunt Coordinator

Tommy Goodwin is an accomplished stunt performer and coordinator known for his work on major productions including Hostiles, Dallas Buyers Club, and The Lone Ranger. With a background as a professional rodeo cowboy and expert horseman, Goodwin brings authentic Western riding and stunt expertise to film and television productions. 

Tara Tovarek

Line Producer

Tara Tovarek is a seasoned Line Producer and UPM who has collaborated with some of the industry's most respected filmmakers, including Spike Lee, Walter Hill, and Robert Lorenz. Her recent credits include Dead for a Dollar, starring Christoph Waltz, Willem Dafoe, and Rachel Brosnahan, and The Marksman with Liam Neeson. With experience spanning major studios and independent productions alike, Tara’s production leadership has shaped projects for HBO Max, Paramount, Focus Features, and more. Known for her precision, grit, and calm under pressure, she’s a trusted force behind the camera. 

Nikki Pelley

Costume Designer

Nikki Pelley is an accomplished costume designer celebrated for her work on genre films like Alien Predator and Alien Siege, bringing bold visual worlds to life through wardrobe. With a creative sensibility honed over years in sci-fi and action productions, Pelley blends technical craftsmanship with storytelling finesse. Her keen eye for texture and period detail makes her a vital contributor to cinematic vision—outfits that wear like characters themselves.