‘The Staircase’ Cast: See Sophie Turner, Colin Firth & More Side-By-Side With The Real People

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May 4, 2022 12:42PM EDT

‘The Staircase’ is HBO Max’s new true-crime series about the shocking death of Kathleen Peterson. See the cast side-by-side with the real people.

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‘The Staircase’ Cast: Michael Peterson & More

‘The Staircase’ Cast: Michael Peterson & More — ‘The Staircase’ is a new HBO Max limited series that explores the life of Michael Peterson, his sprawling North Carolina family, and the suspicious death of his wife, Kathleen Peterson. After Kathleen’s death in 2001, Michael went on trial and was convicted of murdering his second wife. Michael was granted a new trial 8 years later after a judge ruled that a prosecution witness gave misleading testimony. Michael entered an Alford plea in 2017 to the reduced charge of manslaughter.

The case became popular after the release of a documentary in 2018 on Netflix. Michael has been released from prison and has written a memoir.

Colin Firth stars as Michael Peterson. The cast also includes Toni Collette, Michael Stuhlbarg, Juliette Binoche, Dane DeHaan, Olivia DeJonge, Rosemarie DeWitt, Tim Guinee, Patrick Schwarzenegger, Sophie Turner, Vincent Vermignon, Odessa Young, and Parker Posey. See photos of the cast side-by-side with the real people in our gallery.

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Toni Collette As Kathleen Peterson

Toni Collette As Kathleen Peterson — Toni Collette plays Kathleen Peterson, whose death is at the center of ‘The Staircase.’ Kathleen died on December 9, 2001. She was found at the bottom of the staircase in her Durham home. Michael Peterson was the only other person home with her, but he has maintained his innocence. Kathleen’s horrible death has sparked countless theories as to what happened that night.

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Patrick Schwarzenegger As Todd Peterson

Patrick Schwarzenegger As Todd Peterson — Patrick Schwarzenegger plays Todd Peterson, one of Michael Peterson’s sons. Todd stood by his father when Michael went on trial for Kathleen’s death.

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Sophie Turner & Odessa Young As Margaret & Martha Ratliff

Sophie Turner & Odessa Young As Margaret & Martha Ratliff — Sophie Turner and Odessa Young play Margaret and Martha Ratliff. Michael and Kathleen raised the sisters as part of their family after the death of their mother in Germany. Like Kathleen, Margaret and Martha’s biological mother was found at the bottom of a staircase.

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Olivia DeJonge As Caitlin Atwater

Olivia DeJonge As Caitlin Atwater — Olivia DeJonge plays Caitlin Atwater, Kathleen Peterson’s biological daughter. Caitlin initially supported Michael Peterson after her mother’s death, but she changed her mind after seeing her mother’s autopsy photos. Years after Kathleen’s death, Caitlin reached a $25 million wrongful death settlement with her stepfather.

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Parker Posey As Freda Black

Parker Posey As Freda Black — Parker Posey plays Freda Black. Freda was one of the prosecutors in the Michael Peterson murder trial. Freda died at the age of 57 in 2018.

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Michael Stuhlbarg As David Rudolf

Michael Stuhlbarg As David Rudolf — Michael Stuhlbarg plays David Rudolf, Michael Peterson’s attorney. David was featured heavily in the documentary. David also notably represented Rae Carruth, a former NFL player who was found guilty of conspiring to murder his then-girlfriend Cherica Adams.

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