Premiering April 11, 2025, exclusively on Shudder, Shadow of God is a gripping supernatural horror film that turns exorcism tropes on their head. The story follows Mason Harper, an elite exorcist who, while performing an unsanctioned ritual on his own father, begins to suspect the entity he’s confronting may not be demonic—but divine. Is he facing a holy being… or even God Himself? Blending psychological terror with theological dread, this film promises to be one of Shudder’s most unsettling original releases yet.
The film boasts an exceptional ensemble cast, blending rising stars and seasoned character actors to bring this nightmarish vision to life. Below, we introduce the key players in this unholy (or holy?) mystery.
Shadow of God: Stars & Roles
1. Mark O’Brien as Mason Harper
Mark O’Brien (Ready or Not, The Righteous) takes the lead as Mason Harper, a rogue exorcist whose faith and sanity are pushed to the brink. Known for his ability to portray tortured, morally complex characters, O’Brien is perfectly cast as a man risking everything—including his soul—to save his father. His performance promises to be both physically demanding and psychologically harrowing, as Mason spirals into a crisis of belief.
O’Brien’s background in horror and thriller genres makes him a natural fit for Shadow of God. Whether playing desperate heroes or ambiguous villains, he brings a raw intensity to every role. Here, his character’s journey—from conviction to doubt to terror—will anchor the film’s descent into the unknown.
2. Jacqueline Byers as Tanis Green
Jacqueline Byers (Salem’s Lot, Rebel Moon) stars as Tanis Green, a mysterious figure entwined in Mason’s mission. Byers has proven her horror chops in both film and TV, excelling at roles that balance strength and vulnerability. As Tanis, she may be an ally, a skeptic, or something far more sinister—her true allegiance kept tantalizingly unclear.
Byers’ ability to command the screen with quiet intensity suggests Tanis will be more than a mere side character. Whether she’s Mason’s last hope or his final undoing, her presence will be crucial to the film’s unnerving atmosphere.
3. Shaun Johnston as Angus Harper
Shaun Johnston (Heartland, Legends of the Fall) plays Angus Harper, Mason’s afflicted father. A veteran actor with a commanding presence, Johnston brings gravitas to the role of a man consumed by an unknowable force. His performance will blur the line between possession and transcendence, leaving audiences—and his onscreen son—questioning what’s really inside him.
Johnston’s background in Westerns and dramas lends Angus an earthy, grounded quality, making his transformation all the more disturbing. Is he a victim, a vessel, or something else entirely?
4. Adrian Hough as Beau
Adrian Hough (The Order, Supernatural) takes on the role of Beau, a figure shrouded in mystery. Hough’s knack for playing enigmatic characters suggests Beau could be a fellow exorcist, a skeptic, or even a harbinger of the divine. His presence will add another layer of uncertainty to Mason’s already perilous journey.
Hough’s deep voice and piercing gaze make him ideal for roles that straddle the line between wisdom and menace. Beau’s true nature may be one of the film’s most unsettling revelations.
5. Josh Cruddas as Lucifer
Josh Cruddas (Moonfall, The Imperfects) steps into the role of Lucifer—though whether this is the literal Devil, a hallucination, or something more abstract remains to be seen. Cruddas’ striking looks and charismatic screen presence make him a fascinating choice for this iconic figure.
His version of Lucifer may defy expectations, blending charm with genuine menace. If Mason is truly facing God, then Cruddas’ portrayal of the ultimate adversary could redefine the battle between good and evil.
6. Barb Mitchell as Barb Mitchell
Barb Mitchell (Fargo, The X-Files) appears under her own name, suggesting a meta or deeply personal role within the story. A seasoned character actor, Mitchell excels at playing ordinary people caught in extraordinary circumstances. Her character may serve as the audience’s anchor—or its worst nightmare.
Mitchell’s ability to shift from warmth to terror in an instant makes her a wild card in this already unpredictable narrative.
7. David Feehan as Father Scott
David Feehan (Channel Zero, The Strain) portrays Father Scott, likely a church official skeptical of Mason’s rogue exorcism. Feehan’s weathered intensity makes him perfect for a role that could either condemn or redeem Mason’s actions.
His character may represent institutional faith clashing with personal revelation—a key theme in the film’s exploration of divinity and madness.
8. David Haysom as Stan Nelson
David Haysom (The Man in the High Castle, War for the Planet of the Apes) plays Stan Nelson, possibly a local authority figure drawn into the chaos. Haysom’s knack for playing bureaucrats with hidden depths suggests Stan may know more than he lets on.
His presence could ground the supernatural elements in real-world consequences, adding stakes to Mason’s increasingly desperate mission.
9. Emily James as Gale
Emily James (The Midnight Club, Yellowjackets) appears as Gale, likely a younger character who witnesses the horror unfolding. James’ experience in psychological horror makes her ideal for a role that may bridge the mundane and the metaphysical.
Is Gale an innocent bystander, a believer, or a pawn in a larger game? Her performance will keep audiences guessing.
10. Reamonn Joshee as Store Clerk
Reamonn Joshee (Letterkenny, Tin Star) rounds out the cast as the Store Clerk—a role that could be deceptively significant. Joshee’s background in both comedy and drama hints at a character who provides brief respite… or chilling omens.
In horror, even the smallest roles can leave the biggest impact.
