Lifetime brings a harrowing true crime story to life with A Husband to Die For: The Lisa Aguilar Story, premiering on September 13, 2025. This gripping television film delves into the terrifying reality of Lisa Aguilar, a pregnant woman whose world shatters when she discovers her husband’s infidelity and his devastating desire to abandon his impending fatherhood. The narrative builds a palpable sense of dread, transforming a domestic drama into a suspenseful thriller as Lisa’s vulnerability clashes with her husband’s escalating desperation. The film promises to be a tense exploration of betrayal, manipulation, and the extreme lengths one person will go to escape responsibility.

The story serves as a stark and cautionary tale, highlighting the darkest corners of human nature within a seemingly ordinary relationship. As Lisa’s husband contemplates unthinkable actions to free himself from his familial obligations, the film meticulously builds tension, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats. It is more than a true crime reenactment; it is a profound character study that examines the psychology of a man who views murder as a simpler alternative to parenthood and the resilience of a woman who becomes a target in her own home. This premiere is set to be a powerful, conversation-starting event.

A Husband to Die For: The Lisa Aguilar Story cast explained

1. Keana Lyn Bastidas as Lisa Aguilar

Keana Lyn Bastidas is a talented actress known for her compelling performances in both film and television. She has built a diverse resume with roles in projects like the sci-fi series The Expanse and the horror film The Retreat, demonstrating her ability to handle complex emotional narratives and genre-specific tension. Bastidas brings a grounded authenticity to her characters, often portraying women of strength and vulnerability, which makes her exceptionally well-suited to tackle a lead role based on a real-life figure.

As the titular Lisa Aguilar, Bastidas carries the emotional weight of the entire film. Her performance must navigate the profound betrayal of a cheating spouse, the protective instincts of impending motherhood, and the sheer terror of realizing the person she loves is a threat to her life. This role requires a vast emotional range, from heartbreak and confusion to fear and fierce determination. Bastidas’s proven skill set suggests she will deliver a powerful and heartbreaking portrayal of a woman fighting for her survival and the life of her unborn child.

2. Jon McLaren as Darren

Jon McLaren is a versatile actor with a strong presence in Canadian television and film. He is widely recognized for his long-running role as Shane on the hit drama series Heartland, where he portrayed a character with a complex arc involving redemption and personal growth. McLaren has also appeared in numerous other series, including Private Eyes and The Detail, showcasing his range from charming love interests to more intense, dramatic roles. His experience with character-driven stories makes him a compelling choice for a role steeped in moral conflict.

In this film, McLaren takes on the challenging role of Darren, the husband whose affair and rejection of fatherhood lead him down a dark path. This character is the catalyst for the entire tragedy, and McLaren’s task is to humanize him without eliciting sympathy, portraying a man whose weakness and selfishness curdle into monstrous intent. His performance will need to reveal the internal struggle and chilling calculation of a man who chooses to see murder as a solution to his problems, making him a terrifyingly believable antagonist.

3. Henner as Lisa’s Grandmother

Marilu Henner is a celebrated American actress, producer, and author, best known for her iconic role as Elaine O’Connor-Nardo in the classic sitcom Taxi, which earned her a Golden Globe nomination. With a career spanning over five decades, Henner has appeared in a vast array of films and television shows, including Evening Shade, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Perfect Tenant. She is also a renowned health and memory expert, having written several books on the subject and showcased her own highly superior autobiographical memory.

Henner brings her significant experience and warmth to the role of Lisa’s grandmother. This character likely serves as a source of wisdom, comfort, and unwavering support for Lisa during her terrifying ordeal. Henner’s ability to convey deep empathy and strength will be crucial in providing the emotional anchor for the protagonist and the audience. Her presence in the cast adds a layer of gravitas and familiarity, ensuring the family dynamic feels authentic and deeply felt.

4. Katie Griffin as Julie Aguilar

Katie Griffin is a veteran actress and voice artist with an extensive career in both live-action and animation. Live-action audiences may know her from roles in series like Mean Girls: The Musical or The Latest Buzz, but she is arguably most famous for her voice work as characters in Sailor Moon and Beyblade. This diverse background has given her a unique skill set for embodying characters with distinct personalities and emotional depth, whether on screen or behind a microphone.

As Julie Aguilar, Griffin steps into a key familial role, likely playing a sister or close relative to Lisa. This position would make her a confidante and ally, someone who may be among the first to sense the danger Lisa is in or who provides crucial support in the aftermath. Griffin’s experience allows her to craft a supportive character who feels real and relatable, adding another layer of emotional stakes to the central narrative and representing the family unit that is threatened by Darren’s actions.

5. Matthew MacFadzean as Detective Goodwin

Matthew MacFadzean is a highly respected Canadian character actor known for his prolific work in film and television. He has delivered memorable performances in a wide range of projects, from the superhero series The Boys and The Umbrella Academy to critically acclaimed dramas like Orphan Black and Flashpoint. MacFadzean possesses a remarkable ability to disappear into his roles, often playing authoritative figures, professionals, and characters with hidden depths, making him a familiar and reliable presence on screen.

MacFadzean brings his authoritative presence to the role of Detective Goodwin, the law enforcement official who becomes involved in the case. As the investigator, his character represents the pursuit of justice and the procedural aspect of the story. Detective Goodwin is likely the figure who pieces together the evidence of Darren’s plot, serving as a beacon of hope and order in the face of chaos. MacFadzean is perfectly cast to deliver the determined and focused performance this role demands.

6. Jorge Molina as John Aguilar

Jorge Molina is an actor known for his work in various television and film projects. He has built a solid career with appearances in shows like The Strain and Designated Survivor, often playing compelling supporting characters that contribute meaningfully to the story’s fabric. His background suggests a strong ability to handle dramatic material and portray relatable, grounded characters that resonate with audiences.

In the role of John Aguilar, Molina is almost certainly portraying Lisa’s father. This position places him at the heart of the family’s crisis, likely embodying a mixture of paternal concern, outrage, and a desperate desire to protect his daughter. His performance will contribute significantly to the film’s emotional core, representing the family’s anguish and their collective strength in the face of unthinkable betrayal. Molina’s casting ensures this familial role is handled with the necessary depth and sincerity.

7. Cassandra Potenza as Michelle Morris

Cassandra Potenza is an emerging actress gaining recognition for her work in the horror genre. Her upcoming role in Clown in a Cornfield, premiering at SXSW, marks her as a talent to watch in high-concept thrillers. This background in suspenseful, high-stakes storytelling provides her with excellent training for a true-crime narrative, where tension and character motivation are paramount to the plot’s effectiveness.

While the exact nature of her role as Michelle Morris is not specified, within the context of the plot, she could play a friend, co-worker, or potentially the “other woman” in the affair. Her character will likely serve as a crucial piece of the puzzle, either as a source of support for Lisa or as a catalyst in the unfolding drama. Potenza’s experience in genre filmmaking makes her well-equipped to handle the dramatic weight her character will likely carry.

8. Cynthia Preston as Angela Backers

Cynthia Preston is a seasoned Canadian actress with a long and diverse career in film and television. She has appeared in a wide array of projects, from popular series like Degrassi: The Next Generation and Murdoch Mysteries to numerous Lifetime television films. Preston has often been cast in roles that require a strong emotional presence and complexity, making her a familiar face in dramatic storytelling.

As Angela Backers, Preston could be playing a variety of roles, such as a family friend, a legal advisor, or a medical professional. Given the film’s subject matter, her character may be involved in the investigation or provide critical emotional or practical support to the Aguilar family. Preston’s extensive experience ensures that whatever the role, it will be performed with the conviction and depth needed to enhance the film’s realistic and tense atmosphere.

9. Chris Violette as Dave & Alana Jordan as EMT

Chris Violette, an actor known for roles in The Boys and Star Trek: Discovery, likely plays Dave, a friend or associate to either Lisa or Darren. His character could serve as a confidant who is either unknowing of the plot or becomes an unwitting part of it. Alana Jordan, whose credits include The Girlfriend Experience, brings authenticity to the role of an EMT, a character who would represent the urgent, professional response to the crisis at the heart of the film. Both actors, though in smaller roles, are crucial for building the realistic world of the story and the network of characters that surround the central tragedy. Their performances help ground the extraordinary events in a relatable reality, making the story all the more impactful.