Mars Attacks! stars Jack Nicholson as President James Dale, Glenn Close as First Lady Marsha Dale, and Pierce Brosnan as Professor Donald Kessler, in a satirical alien-invasion comedy directed by Tim Burton.
Main cast
- President James Dale / Art LandJack NicholsonFilmMain
- First Lady Marsha DaleGlenn CloseFilmMain
- Professor Donald KesslerPierce BrosnanFilmMain
- Barbara LandAnnette BeningFilmMain
- General DeckerRod SteigerFilmMain
Supporting cast
- Nathalie LakeSarah Jessica ParkerFilmSupp
- Jerry RossMartin ShortFilmSupp
- Byron WilliamsMichael J. Fox (uncredited cameo; billed as supporting for brevity)FilmSupp
- Martian Ambassador (voice)Tom Jones (cameo as himself, also voice of a Martian ambassador in deleted scenes)FilmSupp
- Richie NorrisLukas HaasFilmSupp
- Marie-Louise (Mrs. Norris)Christina ApplegateFilmSupp
- Martian CommanderFrank Welker (voice)FilmSupp
Guest & voice
- Billy-Glenn NorrisJack BlackFilmGuest
- Cindy (student)Natalie Portman (credited as Natalie Portman)FilmGuest
- Tom Jones (as himself)Tom JonesFilmGuest
- Voice of Martians (additional)Jimmy Dean (uncredited cameo as …)FilmVoice
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About this cast
Mars Attacks! is a 1996 American science-fiction comedy film directed by Tim Burton. It features a large ensemble cast including Jack Nicholson in a dual role as President James Dale and as the wealthy Art Land, Glenn Close as the First Lady, and Pierce Brosnan as a professor of extraterrestrial studies, among many other notable actors.
FAQs
Who plays President James Dale in Mars Attacks!?
Jack Nicholson plays President James Dale (and also plays the wealthy gambler Art Land).
Who plays Professor Donald Kessler in Mars Attacks!?
Pierce Brosnan plays Professor Donald Kessler, a scientist who tries to communicate with the Martians.
Is Mars Attacks! a TV series or a film?
It is a standalone film (1996), not a TV series. It was released by Warner Bros. Pictures.
Who directed Mars Attacks!?
Tim Burton directed the film, which is based on a 1962 trading card series of the same name.
What is the quick answer for the cast of Mars Attacks!?
Jack Nicholson plays the President, Glenn Close the First Lady, Pierce Brosnan the Professor, and many other stars including Annette Bening, Rod Steiger, Sarah Jessica Parker, Martin Short, Michael J. Fox, Natalie Portman, Jack Black, and Tom Jones appear in cameo or supporting roles.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026