In 1987, the explosive neo-Western "Extreme Prejudice" detonated onto screens, searing itself into the minds of audiences with its raw intensity and unflinching portrayals of morally ambiguous characters. Directed by the uncompromising Walter Hill, this adrenaline-pumping thriller assembled a roughneck ensemble that blurred the lines between good and evil.
Nick Nolte as Jack Benteen
- Then (Age in 1987): 46 years old
- Now: 83 years old
Nick Nolte's powerful and nuanced portrayal of Jack Benteen, a tough Texas Ranger caught in the crosshairs of a conflict with his childhood friend turned drug lord, Cash Bailey, cemented his status as one of the most versatile and acclaimed actors of his generation. After "Extreme Prejudice," Nolte continued to captivate audiences with his dynamic performances in films like "The Prince of Tides," "Affliction," and "Warrior."
Powers Boothe as Cash Bailey
- Then (Age in 1987): 48 years old
- Now: Deceased (died in 2017 at the age of 68)
Powers Boothe's chilling and charismatic performance as Cash Bailey, Benteen's former best friend who descended into the depths of drug trafficking, was a standout. Boothe's intensity and range as an actor added depth and complexity to the film's narrative. Sadly, Powers Boothe passed away in 2017, but his legacy as one of the most compelling character actors of his era lives on.
Michael Ironside as Major Paul Hackett
- Then (Age in 1987): 37 years old
- Now: 74 years old
Michael Ironside's commanding presence and nuanced portrayal of the enigmatic Major Paul Hackett, the leader of a clandestine military unit known as the "Zombie Unit," added an intriguing layer of moral ambiguity to the film. Since "Extreme Prejudice," Ironside has continued to captivate audiences with his versatile acting skills in films and television shows such as "Total Recall," "Starship Troopers," and "V."
Stay tuned as we delve deeper into the lives and careers of the remaining cast members, including María Conchita Alonso, Rip Torn, Clancy Brown, William Forsythe, and more. Discover where their journeys have taken them and how they look in 2024.
María Conchita Alonso as Sarita Cisneros
- Then (Age in 1987): 29 years old
- Now: 64 years old
María Conchita Alonso's portrayal of Sarita Cisneros, a woman caught in the volatile crossfire between Benteen and Bailey, brought a sense of humanity and emotional depth to the film. Alonso's compelling performance navigated the dangerous web of loyalty and betrayal with grace. After "Extreme Prejudice," she enjoyed a successful career in both film and television, appearing in projects like "The Running Man" and "Predator 2."
Rip Torn as Sheriff Hank Pearson
- Then (Age in 1987): 56 years old
- Now: Deceased (died in 2019 at the age of 88)
The late Rip Torn's gruff and commanding presence as Sheriff Hank Pearson added to the gritty atmosphere of "Extreme Prejudice." His performance as the lawman caught up in the escalating conflict was widely praised. Although Torn passed away in 2019, his legacy as a versatile and acclaimed character actor endures. Rip was best known for his roles in "Payday" and "Men in Black."
Clancy Brown as Sgt. Larry McRose
- Then (Age in 1987): 28 years old
- Now: 63 years old
Clancy Brown's intense and physical performance as Sgt. Larry McRose, a member of the Zombie Unit under Major Hackett's command, showcased his ability to portray complex and morally ambiguous characters, a formula that served him well throughout his career. Since "Extreme Prejudice," Brown has impressed audiences with his work in films and television, including "The Shawshank Redemption," "Highlander," and voicing the iconic Mr. Krabs in "SpongeBob SquarePants."
William Forsythe as Sgt. Buck Atwater
- Then (Age in 1987): 32 years old
- Now: 68 years old
William Forsythe's gritty and intense portrayal of Sgt. Buck Atwater, another member of the Zombie Unit, added to the film's overall sense of danger and unpredictability. After "Extreme Prejudice," Forsythe embarked on a prolific career, appearing in numerous films and television shows, including "The Rock," "Raising Arizona," and "Boardwalk Empire."
Matt Mulhern as Sgt. Declan Patrick Coker
- Then (Age in 1987): 27 years old
- Now: 63 years old
Little is known about Matt Mulhern's life and career beyond his role as Sgt. Declan Patrick Coker, a member of the "Zombie Unit" mercenary group. Matt is best known for appearing as Lt. Eugene 'Gene' Holowachuk in the hit series Major Dad.
Larry B. Scott as Sgt. Charles Biddle
- Then (Age in 1987): 26 years old
- Now: 63 years old
Larry was a member of the "Zombie Unit". He was best known for his character Lamar in Revenge of the Nerds I and II. He also appeared as Jeremy in the cult classic "The Karate Kid" in 1984.
Tom Lister Jr. as Monday
- Then (Age in 1987): 29 years old
- Now: Deceased (died in 2020 at the age of 62)
If you ever wanted a 6'5", musclebound, broad-shouldered, shaved-head actor to play a terrifying bodyguard, Tom "Tiny" Lister Jr. was your man! The basketball player turned actor, who notched up appearances in roughly 132 films, first popped up in roles such as a prison guard in Runaway Train (1985), Andy Garcia's bodyguard in 8 Million Ways to Die (1986) and Powers Boothe's bodyguard in Extreme Prejudice (1987).
This uncompromising neo-Western wasn't just a riveting thrill ride—it was a masterclass in moral ambiguity and shades-of-grey storytelling that still resonates today. While some paths ended too soon and others continued winding, the legacies forged by Nolte, Boothe, Ironside, and their co-stars remain forever etched into cinematic glory. These larger-than-life outlaws, grizzled lawmen, and morally murky mercenaries challenged us to question where justice ends and prejudice begins. In doing so, they created an unforgettable, adrenaline-pumping experience that will be passed down and rediscovered by generations of moviegoers craving authenticity over archetypes. "Extreme Prejudice" wasn't just a movie—it was a radically honest mirror reflecting the moral contradictions we all grapple with, one high-octane frame at a time. And that's a legacy worth celebrating for decades to come.
Extreme Prejudice (1987) - FAQ
General Information
- How long is Extreme Prejudice? Extreme Prejudice is 1 hour and 45 minutes long.
- When was Extreme Prejudice released? Extreme Prejudice was released on April 24, 1987.
- What is the IMDb rating of Extreme Prejudice? Extreme Prejudice has an IMDb rating of 6.6 out of 10.
Cast and Crew
- Who stars in Extreme Prejudice? Nick Nolte, Powers Boothe, and Michael Ironside star in Extreme Prejudice.
- Who wrote Extreme Prejudice? Extreme Prejudice was written by John Milius, Deric Washburn, Harry Kleiner, and Fred Rexer.
- Who directed Extreme Prejudice? Extreme Prejudice was directed by Walter Hill.
- Who was the composer for Extreme Prejudice? Jerry Goldsmith was the composer for Extreme Prejudice.
- Who was the producer of Extreme Prejudice? Buzz Feitshans was the producer of Extreme Prejudice.
- Who was the executive producer of Extreme Prejudice? Mario Kassar and Andrew G. Vajna were the executive producers of Extreme Prejudice.
- Who was the cinematographer for Extreme Prejudice? Matthew F. Leonetti was the cinematographer for Extreme Prejudice.
- Who was the editor of Extreme Prejudice? Billy Weber, David Holden, and Freeman A. Davies were the editors of Extreme Prejudice.
Plot and Characters
- Who are the characters in Extreme Prejudice? The main characters in Extreme Prejudice are Jack Benteen, Cash Bailey, Sarita Cisneros, Sheriff Hank Pearson, Sgt. Buck Atwater, Lupo, and Monday.
- What is the plot of Extreme Prejudice? A Texas Ranger and a ruthless narcotics kingpin - they were childhood friends, now they are adversaries...
Financial Details
- What was the budget for Extreme Prejudice? The budget for Extreme Prejudice was $22 million.
- How much did Extreme Prejudice earn at the worldwide box office? Extreme Prejudice earned $11.3 million at the worldwide box office.
- How much did Extreme Prejudice earn at the US box office? Extreme Prejudice earned $11.3 million at the US box office.
Ratings and Genre
- What is Extreme Prejudice rated? Extreme Prejudice is rated R.
- What genre is Extreme Prejudice? Extreme Prejudice falls under the genres of Action, Crime Drama, Crime, Drama, Historical Drama, Historical, Thriller, and Western.