Seeking Cast for "Defiance: The Dade Massacre" Feature Film

A disciplined and respected United States Army officer tasked with leading more than 100 soldiers from Fort Brooke to Fort King during the tense final days before open war erupts in Florida

A powerful and charismatic Seminole leader who becomes the fearless voice of resistance against forced Indian removal. Intelligent, passionate, and fiercely determined, Osceola fights to defend Seminole land, freedom, and way of life as tensions in Florida Territory erupt into the Second Seminole War.

A courageous young U.S. Army soldier and one of the few surviving eyewitnesses of Dade’s command. Strong-willed, resilient, and determined to survive against impossible odds, Clark endures the brutal aftermath of the deadly ambush and becomes a living witness to one of the most tragic events in early American frontier history.

The controversial U.S. Indian Agent stationed at Fort King whose enforcement of federal Indian removal policies intensifies growing tensions with the Seminoles. Intelligent, politically driven, and uncompromising, Thompson becomes one of the central figures leading toward the outbreak of the Second Seminole War.

A very attractive, emotionally resilient young woman connected to Major Dade’s story. Intelligent, graceful, and strong-willed, Amanda represents the emotional cost of military duty and frontier life during the growing tensions leading into the Second Seminole War

Principal chief of the Seminole Nation. Wise and politically burdened, Micanopy understands the devastating consequences of war.

A fearless Seminole warrior and strategist committed to defending Seminole lands and freedom.

A feared Seminole war chief known for his tactical intelligence and battlefield presence.

A respected Black Seminole interpreter, strategist, and advisor within Seminole leadership circles.

A complicated interpreter and guide caught between Seminole and American worlds.

A veteran military commander attempting to contain the escalating violence spreading across Florida Territory.

A hardened frontier commander and experienced military leader deeply familiar with Florida warfare and Seminole resistance tactics.

A professional Army officer serving within military operations in Florida Territory

A respected veteran non-commissioned officer known for his leadership and loyalty to his men. At 38 years of age, Sergeant William Coursey was a seasoned veteran and the ultimate non-commissioned officer a hardened, disciplined leader who served as the steady backbone of Major Dade’s command and a vital bridge between the young officers and the rank-and-file soldiers.

An educated and observant officer whose writings provide insight into the growing conflict in Florida.

A Seminole leader caught in the dangerous political divide between cooperation and resistance

A compassionate military doctor caring for soldiers under brutal frontier conditions.

A young officer dedicated to military discipline and duty during the dangerous Florida campaign.

An ambitious officer eager to prove himself during the escalating military conflict.

A respected U.S. Army officer involved in military operations during the growing Seminole conflict. Experienced, disciplined, and battle-tested, Fraser represents the professionalism and pressure facing frontier officers during the dangerous early days of the Second Seminole War.

A young officer assigned to Dade’s command whose courage is tested during the fatal march northward.

A determined officer increasingly concerned about the dangers facing Dade’s command.

A disciplined frontier officer accustomed to military order and difficult conditions.

A young U.S. Army officer closely associated with Indian Agent Wiley Thompson during the final days before the outbreak of the Second Seminole War. Loyal and disciplined.

A young and ambitious U.S. Army officer serving during the dangerous early days of the Second Seminole War. Disciplined, courageous, and eager to prove himself, Prince faces the harsh realities of frontier warfare as tensions across Florida Territory continue to rise.

A formidable U.S. Army officer involved in military investigations during the Second Seminole War. Intelligent, disciplined, and highly observant, Peyton carries the quiet intensity of a man hardened by years of frontier warfare and investigation.

An experienced Army officer hardened by years of military frontier service.

A young, enlisted soldier facing fear, exhaustion, and survival in the harsh Florida wilderness.

One of the surviving soldiers associated with Dade’s command.

A loyal young soldier whose bravery is tested during the deadly march.

A determined U.S. Army soldier serving with Dade’s command during the dangerous march north through Florida Territory. Loyal and battle-ready, Doughty stands among the soldiers facing the deadly realities of frontier warfare during the opening days of the Second Seminole War.

A determined U.S. Army soldier attached to Dade’s command during the dangerous march through Florida Territory. Wounded during the deadly ambush, Thomas struggles to survive amid the chaos and devastation surrounding the collapse of the column.

Young enlisted soldiers representing the everyday men serving in Dade’s command.

A U.S. Army soldier serving under the command of Edmund P. Gaines during the Second Seminole War. Present during the February 20, 1836, burial detail following the destruction of Major Dade’s command.

A young military drummer marching with Dade’s command through the dangerous Florida wilderness. Brave beyond his years, Heck helps maintain cadence and morale among the soldiers during the tense final days before the deadly ambush.

A young fifer and musician assigned to Dade’s command whose music echoes through the long march north toward Fort King. Loyal, disciplined, and youthful, Carney represents the innocence caught within the growing storm of war.

A frontier woman struggling to survive amid rising violence and instability.

The strong-willed wife of Sergeant William Coursey.

A frontier settler and scout familiar with Florida’s dangerous wilderness.

Seeking frontier family reenactors, traders, laborers, militia members, and civilians portraying life during the outbreak of war in Florida Territory.

Seeking authentic U.S. Army reenactors portraying 1835 Regulars, including infantry soldiers, artillerymen, officers, sergeants, and corporals equipped with period-correct uniforms, officer coats, distinguished black leather forage caps, muskets, cartridge boxes, white buff leather cross belts, bayonets, and historically accurate frontier military gear appropriate to the Second Seminole War era.

A fierce and respected Black Seminole warrior leader fighting alongside the Seminoles during the Second Seminole War. Strong, intelligent, and battle-hardened, he commands loyalty and respect among the Maroons as they fight to defend their freedom, families, and way of life against forced removal and military invasion.

Seminole fighters and Black Seminole allies defending their homeland, freedom, and families against forced removal and military invasion. Performers should appear in historically accurate Second Seminole War-era attire, including authentic frontier weaponry, period accessories, war paint, leather gear, trade cloth, moccasins, and traditional clothing appropriate to the 1835 Florida Territory setting. Reenactors with authentic kits are strongly encouraged to apply.

Historical reenactors and actors with their own horses are welcome to participate in Defiance with their animals, subject to production approval, safety requirements, and historical authenticity standards. Horses used in the production should be calm under controlled filming conditions and appropriate for the 1835 Second Seminole War period setting.