Nearly four decades after a single moment shattered his dreams, Mike Flynt is returning to finish what he started. Kicked off his college football team during his senior year, Mike has carried the weight of that failure his entire life, a ghost of the man he might have been. Now, bruised by life’s disappointments and doubted by everyone around him, he makes an astonishing decision: at nearly sixty years old, he will return to his alma mater, re-enroll in school, and reclaim his spot on the football team to take the hit that ended his career and rewrite his destiny.

This inspiring true story is more than a sports movie; it’s a profound exploration of regret, redemption, and the unyielding human spirit. Mike must navigate the brutal physical demands of the gridiron alongside players half his age, the skepticism of coaches and faculty, and the strain on his family, who question his sanity. With his body aching and his pride on the line, Mike fights for one last shot at the ending he still believes is possible, proving that some dreams are worth chasing no matter your age.

The Senior cast and biography

1- Michael Chiklis as Mike Flynt

Michael Chiklis delivers the performance of a lifetime as Mike Flynt, a man consumed by a decades-old regret who risks everything for a shot at redemption. Chiklis completely transforms, embodying both the physical gravitas of a man pushing sixty and the fierce, determined spirit of the young athlete still raging inside. His performance captures the profound vulnerability and stubborn pride of a man who knows this is his last chance to make peace with his past, showcasing a raw, emotional depth that anchors the entire film.

Chiklis portrays Mike’s journey with heartbreaking authenticity, from the grueling physical toll of training to the emotional battles with self-doubt and the fear of public failure. He makes Mike’s quest feel palpably real and desperately urgent, ensuring the audience feels every ache, every setback, and every small victory along the way. Chiklis doesn’t just play Mike Flynt; he channels his soul, creating an unforgettable portrait of resilience that is both bruising and profoundly inspirational.

2- Mary Stuart Masterson as Eileen Flynt

Mary Stuart Masterson is phenomenal as Eileen Flynt, Mike’s steadfast yet understandably worried wife. Masterson brings a beautiful complexity to the role, portraying a woman who loves her husband deeply but is terrified by his potentially dangerous mid-life crisis. She is the voice of reason and the emotional anchor of the family, struggling to balance her support for Mike’s dream with her very real fears for his health and their stability.

Masterson’s performance provides the crucial emotional counterweight to Mike’s single-minded obsession. Her scenes with Chiklis are filled with a lived-in tenderness and fraught tension, showcasing a long marriage tested by an unprecedented challenge. She embodies the quiet strength and sacrifice of the family left behind when a loved one chases a dream, making her journey of doubt, fear, and ultimate support as compelling as the action on the field.

3- Brandon Flynn as Micah Flynt

Brandon Flynn brings depth and heart to the role of Micah Flynt, Mike and Eileen’s son. Flynn portrays a young man caught between immense pride in his father’s courage and embarrassment at his very public and unorthodox quest. His performance captures the complex dynamics of a son who is forced to watch his father become a peer and a teammate, blurring the lines of their relationship in ways that are both awkward and ultimately bonding.

Flynn’s character arc is one of the film’s most emotional, as he evolves from a skeptical observer to his father’s most passionate defender. His presence on the campus and within the story provides a modern perspective on his father’s ordeal, and his eventual support becomes a key source of strength for Mike. Flynn ensures that Micah is far more than just a plot device; he is the heart of the next generation witnessing the power of never giving up.

4- James Badge Dale as J.V. Flynt

James Badge Dale appears as J.V. Flynt, Mike’s brother and a pivotal figure from his past. Dale brings a rugged, grounded energy to the role, representing the family’s history and the shared memories that have shaped Mike’s life. His character likely serves as both a supporter and a reminder of the life Mike has lived since his football dreams ended, adding layers of familial history and obligation to Mike’s decision.

Dale’s performance adds rich context to Mike’s backstory. His interactions with Chiklis are filled with the shorthand and sometimes painful history of siblings, providing crucial insight into who Mike was before his return to college. He acts as a tether to reality, challenging Mike’s motivations while ultimately revealing his own buried hopes and regrets through his brother’s audacious journey.

5- Rob Corddry as Coach Sam Weston

Rob Corddry reveals surprising dramatic range as Coach Sam Weston, the current head coach of the football team who is initially baffled and resistant to Mike’s unprecedented request to join the team. Corddry portrays the coach as a pragmatic man focused on winning and program integrity, who sees Mike not as an inspiration but as a massive liability and a distracting sideshow.

Corddry’s evolution from skeptic to reluctant supporter is a highlight of the film. He masterfully shows the coach’s growing respect for Mike’s grit and determination, which begins to rekindle his own love for the game’s deeper meaning. His character represents the institutional obstacles Mike must overcome, and his eventual capitulation is a hard-won victory that feels earned and emotionally satisfying.

6- Corey Knight as Jeremy Cartwright

Corey Knight plays Jeremy Cartwright, one of the young star players on the football team. Knight embodies the arrogance and skepticism of a modern athlete who initially views Mike as a joke and an intrusion. His character represents the generational clash and the initial resentment Mike faces from the team he is trying to join, creating significant tension and drama both on and off the field.

Knight’s performance is crucial in showcasing Mike’s impact beyond his own personal journey. Through their interactions, we see how Mike’s presence and old-school work ethic begin to challenge and ultimately inspire the younger players. Jeremy’s arc from rival to respect is a microcosm of the entire team’s transformation, and Knight makes this evolution believable and compelling.

7- Terayle Hill as Jamal Johnson

Terayle Hill brings strength and heart to the role of Jamal Johnson, another key player on the team who may be more open to Mike’s presence than his teammates. Hill’s performance offers a different perspective from the younger generation, potentially showing curiosity and eventual admiration for Mike’s determination. He becomes a crucial ally for Mike in the locker room, helping to bridge the gap between the sixty-year-old rookie and his teenage teammates.

Hill’s character provides an important emotional connection for Mike within the team dynamic. His willingness to accept Mike paves the way for others to follow, and his performance adds a layer of camaraderie and mutual respect that is essential to the film’s uplifting message about overcoming differences and uniting for a common goal.

8- Christian Becerra as Fernie Acosta

Chris Becerra (credited as Christian Becerra) appears as Fernie Acosta, a member of the football team or a college staffer. Becerra’s character likely represents the broader campus community’s reaction to Mike’s extraordinary return, serving as another perspective on this unusual event. His performance adds to the rich tapestry of characters who bear witness to Mike’s journey, from skepticism to admiration.

9- Chris Setticase as Hank Stanton

Chris Setticase plays Hank Stanton, likely another player, coach, or faculty member. Setticase’s character contributes to the ecosystem of the college and the football team, providing additional context and reaction to Mike’s quest. His performance, like the rest of the supporting cast, helps build the authentic world in which this incredible true story unfolds, adding depth and realism to the narrative.

10- Shawn Patrick Clifford & Taylor Fono as Young Mike and Eileen

Shawn Patrick Clifford and Taylor Fono appear in flashbacks as the young Mike Flynt and Eileen, bringing to life the pivotal moments that defined their past and set Mike on his path to redemption. Clifford captures the fiery ambition and devastating heartbreak of the young athlete whose future was stolen in a single moment, providing crucial emotional context for the older Mike’s obsession.

Fono portrays the young Eileen, showing the beginnings of the relationship that would endure decades of struggle and ultimately support this final, crazy dream. Their performances in the flashbacks are essential to understanding the weight of the past that drives the present-day story, making the emotional payoff of Mike’s journey even more powerful and resonant.

Why The Senior Is a Must-See

• An Unbelievable True Story: A profoundly inspiring narrative about second chances that proves it’s never too late to chase your dream.

• Michael Chiklis’s Powerhouse Performance: A career-defining role that showcases incredible physical and emotional transformation.

• More Than a Sports Movie: A deeply moving family drama and character study about regret, redemption, and the power of perseverance.

• Universal Themes: A story that will resonate with anyone who has ever wondered “what if?” and dreamed of righting a past wrong.

His Greatest Play Was 40 Years in the Making. The Senior premieres in theaters September 19, 2025.