Get to know the actors and actresses who play key characters in the new romantic western show based on the Jodi Thomas books.

Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly star in Netflix's 'Ransom Canyon.'

Netflix’s newest romance drama, Ransom Canyon, debuted earlier this month. And like many romances—especially those based on a lengthy book series—there is a sprawling cast of characters. Whether you’re a long-time reader or a newcomer to the story, it can be difficult for anyone to keep up.

If you’re still struggling to keep track of all the characters in Ransom Canyon, or wondering where you recognize the actors from, here’s a handy guide to cast:

ransom canyon josh duhamel as staten in episode 102 of ransom canyon cr courtesy of netflix © 2025

Josh Duhamel as Staten Kirkland

Staten is a rugged widower and lifelong rancher guarding the land his grandfather left him. He’s stoic, private, and reluctant to let anyone in—until Quinn O’Grady reenters his life. Duhamel plays him with a mix of quiet grief and dry charm.

You might recognize him from TransformersLove, SimonLas Vegas, or Win a Date with Tad Hamilton!

ransom canyon minka kelly as quinn in episode 103 of ransom canyon cr courtesy of netflix © 2025

Minka Kelly as Quinn O’Grady

Quinn is a former concert pianist who returns to her Texas hometown to care for a dying friend—Staten’s now-late wife—and ends up staying to run the local dance hall. Underneath the calm, she’s bold and fiercely loyal. Kelly brings a grounded warmth to the role.

You’ve seen her in Friday Night LightsEuphoriaThe Roommate, and Titans.

ransom canyon eoin macken as davis in episode 104 of ransom canyon cr anna koorisnetflix © 2024

Eoin Macken as Davis Collins

Davis is Staten’s brother-in-law and rival, both in business and in love. A sharp, calculating rancher with a troubled conscience, he clashes with Staten over the future of their town—and their shared feelings for Quinn.

Macken is known for La BreaThe Night Shift, and Merlin.

ransom canyon jack schumacher as yancy in episode 108 of ransom canyon cr anna koorisnetflix © 2024

Jack Schumacher as Yancy Grey

Yancy is a quiet drifter with a complicated past and a talent for hiding it. He picks up work on Fuller Ranch and tries to build a new life, but trouble follows. Schumacher gives the character a brooding intensity.

He’s previously appeared in Top Gun: MaverickS.W.A.T., and Chicago P.D.

ransom canyon james brolin as cap in episode 109 of ransom canyon cr anna koorisnetflix © 2024

James Brolin as Cap

Cap is a no-nonsense former Army captain and aging ranch owner still grieving the son he lost in war. He’s tough, stubborn, and only tolerates advice from Ellie, who looks out for him.

Brolin brings decades of experience to the role, with credits including Sweet ToothLife in Pieces, and Hotel.

ransom canyon brett cullen as sam kirkland in episode 102 of ransom canyon cr anna koorisnetflix © 2024

Brett Cullen as Sam Kirkland

Sam is Staten’s father, a former rancher turned Texas senator who traded cattle for politics. Cullen has appeared in JokerWinning Time, and Friday Night Lights.

Cowboy in a rustic outdoor setting

Tatanka Means as Jake Longbow

Jake is Staten’s dependable right-hand man on the Double K Ranch. He’s steady and skilled, a quiet force behind the operation.

Means has been in Killers of the Flower MoonThe Son, and Tiger Eyes.

ransom canyon lizzy greene as lauren in episode 103 of ransom canyon cr anna koorisnetflix © 2024

Lizzy Greene as Lauren Brigman

Lauren is Ransom Canyon High’s top cheerleader and the sheriff’s daughter, balancing ambition with a complicated love life. Caught between two boys and determined to leave town, she’s not just another teen girl trope.

Greene has starred in A Million Little Things and Nicky, Ricky, Dicky & Dawn.

ransom canyon garrett wareing as lucas in episode 102 of ransom canyon cr anna koorisnetflix © 2024

Garrett Wareing as Lucas Russell

Lucas is a hardworking teen living with his older brother in a trailer park, doing what he can to stay afloat and dream big. He’s quietly determined and falls for Lauren, even though she’s dating his new friend Reid.

Wareing is known for Manifest and Pretty Little Liars: The Perfectionists.

ransom canyon l to r andrew liner as reid and garrett wareing as lucas in episode 109 of ransom canyon cr anna koorisnetflix © 2024

Andrew Liner as Reid Collins

Reid is Davis’s son, the high school quarterback with a lot going for him on the surface until everything starts to unravel. Beneath the confidence is a boy still mourning his cousin and trying to outrun a secret.

Liner has appeared in Vampire Academy and Grown-ish.

Casey W. Johnson as Kit Russell in Netflix's Ransom Canyon

Casey W. Johnson as Kit Russell

Kit is Lucas’s older brother and often the source of their problems. He gets in trouble, leaving a mess for his brother to clean up.

Johnson’s previous roles include GLOW and For All Mankind.

ransom canyon marianly tejada as ellie in episode 102 of ransom canyon cr anna koorisnetflix © 2024

Marianly Tejada as Ellie

Ellie is Quinn’s close friend and the de facto manager of the dance hall, balancing loyalty, ambition, and a stubborn streak. She’s got no patience for nonsense, least of all from Cap Fuller.

Tejada has been seen in One of Us Is Lying and Orange Is the New Black.

ransom canyon kate burton as katherine bullock in episode 103 of ransom canyon cr courtesy of netflix © 2025

Kate Burton as Katherine Bullock

Katherine is a music teacher and mentor from Quinn’s past life in New York.

Shondaland fans will certainly know Burton from shows including Grey’s AnatomyScandal, and Inventing Anna.

ransom canyon philip winchester as sheriff dan in episode 104 of ransom canyon cr courtesy of netflix © 2025

Philip Winchester as Sheriff Dan Brigman

Sheriff Brigman is the town’s lawman and Lauren’s protective father, none too pleased about her interest in the Russell boys.

Winchester has been in Strike Back and Law & Order: SVU.

ransom canyon l to r jack schumacher as yancy and justin johnson cortez as kai in episode 102 of ransom canyon cr courtesy of netflix © 2025

Justin Johnson Cortez as Kai

Kai is a young officer working under Sheriff Brigman and a friend to Ellie.

Previous roles include stints on Walker: Independence and Gift of Fear.

ransom canyon l to r eoin macken as davis and meta golding as paula jo in episode 108 of ransom canyon cr anna koorisnetflix © 2024

Meta Golding as Paula Jo

Paula Jo returns to Ransom Canyon as a board member of Austin Water & Power, aiming to push through a controversial pipeline project that threatens local ranchers. She’s also Davis Collins’s ex-wife and Reid’s mother.

Golding has also appeared in EmpireThe Hunger Games: Catching Fire, and Rabbit Hole.

Kenneth Miller as Freddie in Netflix's Ransom Canyon