In ‘Con Air‘ (1997), Nicolas Cage plays ex-con Cameron Poe, John Malkovich plays master villain Cyrus ‘The Virus’ Grissom, and John Cusack plays US Marshal Vince Larkin.
Main cast
- Cameron PoeNicolas CageMain
- Cyrus ‘The Virus’ GrissomJohn MalkovichMain
- U.S. Marshal Vince LarkinJohn CusackMain
Supporting cast
- Duncan MalloyColm MeaneySupp
- Agent Sally BishopRachel TicotinSupp
- William ‘Billy Bedlam’ BedfordNick ChinlundSupp
- Garland GreeneSteve BuscemiSupp
- Nathan ‘Diamond Dog’ JonesVing RhamesSupp
- Earl ‘Swamp Thing’ WilliamsM.C. GaineySupp
- John ‘Johnny-23’ BacaDanny TrejoSupp
Guest & voice
- Tricia PoeMonica PotterGuest
- Casey PoeLandry AllbrightGuest
- DEA Agent Willie SimsJose ZunigaGuest
- Guard / CopilotMykelti WilliamsonGuest
- Sally Can’t DanceDave ChappelleGuest
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About this cast
Con Air is a 1997 American action thriller film directed by Simon West. It follows a U.S. Marshal’s attempt to rescue an innocent ex-con who has been caught on a prison transport plane hijacked by the most dangerous inmates in the country. The film features an ensemble cast led by Nicolas Cage, John Malkovich, and John Cusack.
FAQs
Who plays Cameron Poe in Con Air?
Nicolas Cage plays the lead role of Cameron Poe, an ex-Army Ranger and former convict trying to get home to his wife and daughter.
Who is the main villain in Con Air?
The main villain is Cyrus ‘The Virus’ Grissom, played by John Malkovich. He is a brilliant but psychopathic inmate who orchestrates the hijacking of the prison transport plane.
Is Con Air based on a true story?
No, Con Air is not based on a true story. It is a fictional action film inspired by the concept of a ‘Con Air’ prisoner transport system (the Justice Prisoner and Alien Transportation System, JPATS), but the plot and characters are invented.
Does Steve Buscemi appear in Con Air?
Yes, Steve Buscemi plays the character Garland Greene, a seemingly mild-mannered but deeply disturbed serial killer who is one of the prisoners on the plane.
What role does Dave Chappelle play in Con Air?
Dave Chappelle plays a convict known as ‘Pinball’ (credited as ‘Sally Can’t Dance’), a loud and eccentric inmate who provides comic relief.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026