Ransom Canyon brings to life Jodi Thomas’ beloved novel series, weaving a modern Western tale of romance, rivalry, and redemption in the rugged Texas landscape. This sweeping family drama follows the intersecting lives of ranchers, artists, and law enforcement as they navigate love, loss, and the fight to protect their land and legacies. With its stunning cinematography capturing the raw beauty of the American Southwest and a stellar ensemble cast, the series promises to be Netflix’s next big book-to-screen hit.
Below is the complete cast breakdown, featuring detailed backgrounds and character insights for every performer bringing this rich, atmospheric drama to life. From Hollywood veterans to exciting newcomers, this ensemble delivers the emotional depth and authenticity required to do justice to Thomas’ acclaimed novels.
Cast of Ransom Canyon
1: Josh Duhamel as Staten Kirkland
Born: November 14, 1972 in Minot, North Dakota
Notable Works: Las Vegas (2003-2008), Transformers franchise (2007-2014), Jupiter’s Legacy (2021)
Josh Duhamel headlines as Staten Kirkland, the brooding, hardworking rancher at the heart of Ransom Canyon. Duhamel brings his trademark rugged charm to this complex role of a man torn between his sense of duty and forbidden desires. The actor underwent extensive cowboy training, including horseback riding and roping, to authentically portray a modern Texas rancher.
Having transitioned from romantic leads to more dramatic roles in recent years, Duhamel delivers what may be his career-best performance here. His chemistry with Minka Kelly simmers with tension, capturing the slow-burn romance that fans of the novels adore. The role allows Duhamel to showcase both physical intensity and emotional vulnerability.
2: Minka Kelly as Quinn O’Grady
Born: June 24, 1980 in Los Angeles, California
Notable Works: Friday Night Lights (2006-2011), Titans (2018-2023), The Roommate (2011)
Minka Kelly stars as Quinn O’Grady, the independent artist who returns to Ransom Canyon with secrets that could change everything. Kelly brings luminous strength to this role of a woman rediscovering her roots while confronting past traumas. The actress trained in pottery and painting to authentically portray Quinn’s artistic process.
Known for her breakout role in Friday Night Lights, Kelly returns to Texas-set storytelling with deeper maturity and nuance. Her character’s journey—from guarded outsider to community pillar—forms the emotional backbone of the series. Kelly’s real-life rodeo experience adds authenticity to Quinn’s horseback scenes.
3: Lizzy Greene as Lauren Brigman
Born: May 1, 2003 in Dallas, Texas
Notable Works: A Million Little Things (2018-2023), Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn (2014-2018)
Texas native Lizzy Greene shines as Lauren Brigman, the spirited young ranch hand caught between family expectations and her own dreams. Greene’s natural charm and emotional range make her perfect to play this coming-of-age character who bridges the show’s younger and older generations. The actress shadowed real female ranch hands to prepare for the physically demanding role.
Having grown up on a ranch herself, Greene brings authentic Texan mannerisms and dialect to her performance. Lauren’s romantic storyline with Garrett Wareing’s Lucas provides youthful energy to balance the show’s more mature relationships.
4: Eoin Macken as Davis Collins
Born: February 21, 1983 in Dublin, Ireland
Notable Works: The Night Shift (2014-2017), Merlin (2008-2012), Resident Evil: The Final Chapter (2016)
Eoin Macken delivers a compelling performance as Davis Collins, the wealthy land developer whose ambitions threaten Ransom Canyon’s way of life. Macken brings surprising depth to what could have been a one-dimensional villain, showing the character’s complicated history with the Kirkland family. His Irish background informs Davis’ outsider perspective on Texas ranch culture.
The actor’s natural charisma makes Davis simultaneously charming and dangerous. Macken’s scenes with Duhamel crackle with tension, their rivalry representing the clash between progress and tradition. His character’s relationship with son Reid (Andrew Liner) adds emotional complexity.
5: Tatanka Means as Jake Longbow
Born: February 19, 1985 in Chinle, Arizona (Navajo Nation)
Notable Works: Killers of the Flower Moon (2023), The Liberator (2020), Wind River (2017)
Native American actor and stunt performer Tatanka Means brings authenticity to Jake Longbow, the Navajo horseman with deep ties to Ransom Canyon’s history. Means’ extensive background in rodeo and horse training made him the perfect choice for this physically demanding role. His character serves as both spiritual guide and voice of conscience for the community.
Means worked with the production to ensure accurate representation of Navajo culture and traditions. Jake’s friendship with Staten and mentorship of younger characters like Kai (Justin Johnson Cortez) provides some of the series’ most poignant moments.
Supporting Cast Spotlight
6: Garrett Wareing as Lucas Russell
The Midnight, Texas alum plays the idealistic young cowboy caught in a love triangle, bringing fresh-faced charm to this breakout role.
7: Marianly Tejada as Ellie Catawnee
The The Walking Dead: World Beyond star delivers a powerful performance as a single mother fighting to protect her family’s land.
8: Andrew Liner as Reid Collins
Davis’ rebellious son, played with angsty intensity by the Cruel Summer actor, becomes an unlikely ally to the ranchers.
9: Justin Johnson Cortez as Kai Flores
The rodeo champion turned actor brings authenticity to his role as a ranch hand with championship dreams.
