The Staircase on CANAL+: does the cast of the series look like the real protagonists of the case?
On CANAL+ and myCANAL, The Staircase highlights a case that shook America: that of the death of Kathleen Peterson. A series adapted from an equally fascinating documentary. Comparison between actors and reality.
The mini-series The Staircase, and the documentary series Soupçons (The Staircase) are available only on myCANAL.
Colin Firth as Michael Peterson
CANAL+
We no longer present Colin Firth! Known for his roles in Pride and Prejudice and Bridget Jones, the Oscar-winning actor for his incredible interpretation of George VI in The King’s Speech proves once again that he knows how to slip under any costume, by donning the one by Michael Peterson. In The Staircase, he therefore camps this novelist accused of the assassination of his wife Kathleen after she was found lifeless at the bottom of the stairs of their Durham mansion. Mysterious, angry, sometimes frightening, but also moving and fascinating, the actor succeeds wonderfully in bringing to the screen all the ambivalence of this man who raises so many questions.
Toni Collette is Kathleen Peterson
CANAL+
If it is through couple photos and some archives that we glimpse Kathleen Peterson in the documentary series Soupçons (The Staircase), by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade, this one holds a central place in the mini-series of ‘Antonio Campos and Maggie Cohn. Played by Toni Collette, this businesswoman is the second wife of Michael Peterson. It was in 1989 that they moved in together before getting married in 1997. On December 9, 2001, Kathleen Peterson was discovered dead after her husband called to the emergency room. The only person present during the tragedy, he was quickly accused of having committed this crime.
Michael Stuhlbarg is David Rudolf
CANAL+
As brilliant in A Serious Man as in Call me by your name, without forgetting his performances in Fargo and recently Your Honor, Michael Stuhlbarg shows us once again the extent of his talents by becoming David Rudolf, memorable lawyer for Michael Peterson. Highly publicized from the 1980s and considered one of America’s most eminent litigators, he described the Peterson case as “the most overwhelming experience of [sa] legal career.”
Rosemarie DeWitt as Candace Hunt Zamperini
CANAL+
Candace Hunt Zamperini is Kathleen Peterson’s sister. First convinced of the innocence of her brother-in-law, she retracts after reading the autopsy and the many revelations about the private life of Michael Peterson. It is Rosemarie DeWitt (United States of Tara) who finds Toni Collette here to portray her grieving sister on screen.
Juliette Binoche is Sophie Brunet
CANAL+
Cock-a-doodle Doo ! Considered (rightly) as one of the greatest French actresses, Juliette Binoche once again stresses that she does not shine only in France. She puts her talent to good use on The Staircase in the guise of Sophie Brunet, the editor of the famous documentary by Jean-Xavier de Lestrade and who will soon form a romantic bond with Michael Peterson.
Patrick Schwarzenegger is Todd Peterson
CANAL+
Son of Michael and Patricia Peterson, Todd Peterson returns from a party in December 2001, when he finds his father facing the body of his stepmother and the investigators. A fervent supporter of Michael Peterson in the case, he is played by Patrick Schwarzenegger (Midnight Sun) in The Staircase.
Sophie Turner and Odessa Young as Margaret and Martha Ratliff
CANAL+
Revealed by Game of Thrones, Sophie Turner swapped her Sansa Stark crown to play Margaret Ratliff alongside Odessa Young (Assassination Nation). Margaret and Martha Ratliff are the daughters of George and Elizabeth Ratliff, close friends of Michael Peterson and his first wife Patricia, when they lived in Germany in 1980. After the couple’s death, Michael and Patricia became guardians of the two sisters . They therefore consider Michael Peterson as their father, and want to do everything to defend him.
Olivia DeJonge as Caitlin Atwater
CANAL+
Seen recently in the role of Priscilla Presley for the flamboyant Elvis by Baz Luhrmann, Olivia DeJonge is Caitlin Atwater in the 8 episodes of The Staircase. Only biological child of Kathleen Peterson (she had with her first husband Fred Atwater), the young woman has always had a very close relationship with her mother. Like her aunt Candace, she initially defended her stepfather before changing her mind after autopsy reports and discovering that he had had affairs with men during his marriage to Kathleen.
Parker Posey is Freda Black
CANAL+
Deputy Durham County District Attorney and determined to convict Michael Peterson, Freda Black is played by Parker Posey (Party Girl) in the mini-series available on myCANAL. This mother of two children has seen this affair taint her private life. In 2018, she was found dead at home at the age of 57.
Cullen Moss as Jim Hardin
CANAL+
Jim Hardin (Cullen Moss) is the prosecutor in the Kathleen Peterson case. He is convinced of the guilt of Michael Peterson.
Susan Pourfar is Dr. Deborah Radisch
CANAL+
Forensic doctor in the case and delivering testimony that made an impression, Dr. Deborah Radisch is played by Susan Pourfar (Black Mirror) in The Staircase.
