Premiering May 2, 2025, Words of War chronicles the fearless journey of journalist Anna Politkovskaya, whose relentless pursuit of truth in Vladimir Putin’s Russia made her a beacon of defiance. The film captures her crusade against corruption and human rights abuses, culminating in her tragic assassination in 2006. Directed with unflinching realism, it’s a tribute to journalists who risk everything to expose tyranny, set against the backdrop of a nation grappling with silenced dissent.
This powerful biopic assembles a stellar cast of acclaimed actors, each embodying real-life figures who shaped Anna’s world. From seasoned veterans to rising stars, the ensemble brings emotional depth to a story of courage, betrayal, and the cost of truth. Words of War is not just a film—it’s a rallying cry for press freedom and moral courage.
Meet the Cast of Words of War
1- Jason Isaacs as Sasha
Jason Isaacs, born in Liverpool in 1963, is renowned for his versatility in roles like Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter series and Captain Lorca in Star Trek: Discovery. Early in his career, he captivated audiences in The Patriot (2000) and Black Hawk Down (2001), mastering morally complex characters. His stage work, including Tony-nominated performances, underscores his dramatic range.
Recently, Isaacs starred in Mass (2021) and Archie (2023), a biopic about Cary Grant. As Sasha, a conflicted government insider, he’ll embody the tension between loyalty and conscience. Isaacs’ upcoming projects include The Order and Dragonkeeper, cementing his status as a character actor powerhouse.
2- Ben Miles as Yuri Schekochikhin
Ben Miles, born in 1966, gained fame as Patrick Maitland in Coupling and Peter Quinn in The Crown. His stage career includes iconic roles in Wolf Hall and The Lehman Trilogy, earning Olivier Award nominations. Films like V for Vendetta (2005) and The Trial of Christine Keeler (2019) showcase his nuanced intensity.
Miles recently starred in The Diplomat (2023) and Everything I Know About Love (2022). As Yuri Schekochikhin, Anna’s ally and fellow journalist, he’ll portray a man grappling with systemic corruption. Miles’ ability to balance gravitas and vulnerability makes him ideal for this pivotal role.
3- Ciarán Hinds as Dmitry
Ciarán Hinds, born in Belfast in 1953, is a veteran actor known for Rome’s Julius Caesar and Game of Thrones’ Mance Rayder. His filmography spans Munich (2005), Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), and an Oscar-nominated turn in Belfast (2021). Hinds’ commanding presence and subtlety define his decades-long career.
Recently, he appeared in The Wonder (2022) and The Dry (2020–2022). As Dmitry, a shadowy political figure, Hinds will channel menace and moral ambiguity, reflecting the film’s exploration of power’s corrosive influence.
4- Maxine Peake as Anna Politkovskaya
Maxine Peake, born in Bolton in 1974, is a BAFTA-nominated actor and activist celebrated for roles in Shameless, Silk, and Three Girls. Her portrayal of real-life figures, like Myra Hindley in See No Evil (2006), showcases her fearless approach to complex narratives.
Peake recently starred in Anne (2022), a drama about Hillsborough activist Anne Williams. As Anna Politkovskaya, she’ll embody the journalist’s unyielding resolve, blending ferocity and fragility. Peake’s off-screen activism for press freedom adds authenticity to this career-defining role.
5- Ellie Bamber as Elena
Ellie Bamber, born in Surrey in 1997, broke out in Nocturnal Animals (2016) and The Nutcracker and the Four Realms (2018). Her stage work in Les Liaisons Dangereuses and The Trial of Christine Keeler highlights her classical training and emotional range.
Bamber recently starred in Willow (2022–2023) and The Serpent (2021). As Elena, Anna’s protegé, she’ll portray a young journalist navigating danger and idealism. Bamber’s ability to convey quiet strength aligns perfectly with the film’s themes of mentorship and sacrifice.
6- Alec Newman as Major Popov
Alec Newman, born in Glasgow in 1978, gained acclaim for Dune (2000) and The Hour (2011–2012). His stage work includes Macbeth and Hamlet, while genre roles in Battlestar Galactica and Warhammer 40,000 showcase his versatility.
Newman recently appeared in The Rig (2023) and The Spanish Princess (2020). As Major Popov, a ruthless enforcer of state power, he’ll embody the regime’s brutality, serving as a chilling foil to Anna’s defiance.
7- Agni Scott as Natalya Estemirova
Agni Scott, a Greek-British actor, is known for The Crown (2019) and The Durrells (2016–2019). Her stage work in The Seagull and Medea underscores her classical prowess and ability to tackle emotionally charged roles.
Scott’s recent projects include The Fear Index (2022) and The Capture (2023). As Natalya Estemirova, a fellow human rights activist, she’ll depict resilience in the face of escalating danger, mirroring Anna’s own struggles.
8- Harry Lawtey as Ilya
Harry Lawtey, born in 1996, rose to fame in Industry (2020–present) as the ambitious Robert Spearing. His film debut in The Picture of Dorian Gray (2021) and stage work in The Glass Menagerie highlight his dynamic range.
Lawtey recently starred in The Burning Girls (2023) and Boiling Point (2023). As Ilya, a conflicted informant, he’ll navigate loyalty and survival, adding layers of tension to the film’s narrative.
9- Lorne MacFadyen as Leo
Lorne MacFadyen, born in Scotland, is known for Vigil (2021) and Shetland (2013–present). His role as PC Alex Grant in River City showcased his ability to balance grit and sensitivity.
MacFadyen’s recent work includes The Control Room (2022) and Guilt (2019–2023). As Leo, a sympathetic intelligence officer, he’ll represent the moral gray areas within oppressive systems.
10- Naomi Battrick as Vera
Naomi Battrick, born in 1991, gained attention in Jamestown (2017–2019) and The Spanish Princess (2019–2020). Her role in One of Us (2016) as a grieving twin highlighted her capacity for raw, emotional storytelling.
Battrick recently starred in The Drowning (2021) and The Deceived (2020). As Vera, a government translator with a conscience, she’ll bridge the gap between Anna’s activism and the regime’s propaganda machine.
11- Sophie Simnett as Nina
Sophie Simnett, born in 1997, broke out in Daybreak (2019) and The Lodge (2016–2017). Her role in Everything Now (2023) as a teen battling eating disorders showcased her depth and vulnerability.
Simnett’s upcoming projects include The Couple Next Door (2023). As Nina, a young reporter inspired by Anna, she’ll symbolize the next generation’s fight for truth in an era of disinformation.
12- Fady Elsayed as Anzor
Fady Elsayed, born in 1993, is known for Moon Knight (2022) and Doctor Who (2014). His role in A Private War (2018) as a Syrian photographer prepared him for Words of War’s intense realism.
Elsayed recently starred in The Last Train (2023) and Soulmates (2020). As Anzor, a Chechen contact aiding Anna’s investigations, he’ll embody the intersection of personal risk and journalistic duty.
13- Oliver Maltman as Nestor
Oliver Maltman, born in 1976, is celebrated for his comedic roles in Miranda and Trying (2020–present). His dramatic turn in The Crown (2019) as Denis Thatcher revealed unexpected depth.
Maltman recently appeared in The Great (2020–2023) and The Outlaws (2021–present). As Nestor, a cynical editor, he’ll balance pragmatism with quiet admiration for Anna’s courage, adding nuance to the newsroom dynamics.
