The Double Down South Cast: Where Are The Stars Of The High-Stakes Keno Pool Drama Now?
The independent drama *Double Down South* captivated audiences upon its wider theatrical and VOD release in early 2024, pulling viewers into the gritty, high-stakes world of illegal keno pool gambling in the rural American South. The film, penned and directed by Oscar-winner Tom Schulman (*Dead Poets Society*), is far from a typical Hollywood blockbuster, instead offering a tense, character-driven story of ambition, betrayal, and a desperate pursuit of fortune against a unique subculture backdrop.
The success of this Southern-set crime thriller hinges entirely on its compelling, talented cast, who bring the obscure and dangerous world of keno pool to life. As of December 21, 2025, fans are eager to know more about the actors who masterfully portrayed the hustlers, veterans, and newcomers in this tense gambling saga, and what major projects they have lined up for 2025 and beyond. This is the definitive, updated guide to the full *Double Down South* cast and their current career trajectories.
Double Down South Cast: Full Biography and Profiles
The film features a tight ensemble of performers, led by two major stars, each delivering a nuanced performance that explores the moral gray areas of high-stakes illegal gambling. Here is a detailed look at the core cast of *Double Down South* and their professional biographies.
- Lili Simmons as Diana:
- Role in Film: Diana, a smart, tough, and charming newcomer to the keno pool scene, determined to learn the ropes and take down the veteran players.
- Born: July 23, 1993 (Age 32 as of 2025) in San Diego, California.
- Notable Works: Rebecca Bowman in *Banshee*, Lila in *True Detective*, and a recurring role in *Power Book IV: Force*.
- Recent/Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): She is confirmed to return for the third season of the Starz series *Power Book IV: Force*, which is a major focus of her current work.
- Kim Coates as Nick:
- Role in Film: Nick, a veteran keno player and the owner of the run-down plantation house that serves as the gambling den. He is captivated by Diana and a central figure in the film's conflict.
- Born: February 21, 1958 (Age 67 as of 2025) in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
- Notable Works: Alexander "Tig" Trager in *Sons of Anarchy*, Declan Gardiner in *Bad Blood*, and a role in *Godless*.
- Recent/Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): Coates has a busy schedule, including the limited series *American Primeval* and a confirmed role in the second season of *The Walking Dead: Dead City*, set for a Spring 2025 premiere.
- Igby Rigney as Little Nick:
- Role in Film: The younger version of Nick, seen in flashbacks that explore the history of the gambling house and its dark past.
- Born: June 6, 2003 (Age 22 as of 2025) in Westchester County, New York.
- Notable Works: Warren Flynn in *Midnight Mass*, Kevin in *Blue Ridge*, and his work in other Mike Flanagan projects like *The Midnight Club* and *The Fall of the House of Usher*.
- Recent/Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): Rigney has been cast as a young Bret Easton Ellis in Ryan Murphy's upcoming series, *The Shards*, showcasing his continued rise in major television productions.
- Justin Marcel McManus as Beaumont DuBinion:
- Role in Film: Beaumont, a key character in the gambling circle whose presence adds to the high-stakes tension of the film.
- Born: August 12, 1986 (Age 39 as of 2025) in Detroit, Michigan.
- Notable Works: Martin "Tez" Tezman in *Power Book II: Ghost* and roles in *Star* and *The Resident*.
- Recent/Upcoming Projects (2024–2025): McManus continues his work on the popular *Power* universe spin-off, *Power Book II: Ghost*, with the show's recent seasons keeping him in the spotlight.
The Obscure World of Keno Pool Gambling
One of the most fascinating and unique elements of *Double Down South* is its central focus on "keno pool," a niche and largely unknown form of illegal high-stakes gambling. The film’s deep dive into this world is a major reason for its fresh and unique appeal.
Keno pool is a hybrid game, blending elements of billiards with the lottery-like structure of keno. Players bet on which numbered balls will be pocketed, with the combination of numbers determining the payout. The film effectively uses the complex rules and the clandestine nature of this Southern gambling ring to build a palpable sense of tension and risk.
The atmosphere is further enhanced by the setting: a dilapidated, historic plantation house in the rural South. This location serves as the perfect backdrop for a story about desperate people looking for a big win, where the lines between tradition, honor, and outright hustling are constantly blurred.
Behind the Scenes: Tom Schulman’s Vision and The Freshness of the Film
The creative force behind *Double Down South* is Academy Award-winning writer Tom Schulman. Best known for the iconic screenplay of *Dead Poets Society*, Schulman took on the dual role of writer and director for this passion project, which he also produced. This level of creative control allowed him to fully realize his vision for a gritty, authentic Southern drama.
Schulman’s involvement, combined with the film's recent 2024 distribution, is what keeps the conversation around *Double Down South* fresh and relevant. The film is a testament to the enduring power of independent cinema and character-focused storytelling.
The Intense Preparation for the Role
A key element of the cast's dedication, particularly Lili Simmons' performance as Diana, was the extensive preparation required to convincingly portray a keno pool hustler. Simmons reportedly underwent rigorous billiards training—up to five hours a day—to master the physical demands of the role. This commitment to authenticity is often highlighted in the film's reviews, adding a layer of realism to the high-stakes pool scenes.
Topical Authority and Key Entities
The film’s focus on niche, illegal gambling and its strong ensemble cast provides rich topical authority. The narrative explores universal themes of ambition, revenge, and the pursuit of the "American Dream" through illicit means, connecting it to a broader genre of Southern Gothic and crime thrillers. Key entities and concepts that are central to the film’s unique identity include:
- Keno Pool Gambling
- High-Stakes Pool Hustling
- Southern Crime Thriller
- Academy Award Winner Tom Schulman
- Lili Simmons' Billiards Training
- The Plantation House Setting
- Illegal Gambling Rings
- Independent Drama Film
The film's exploration of these themes, coupled with the strong, recent career momentum of its main stars like Kim Coates and Lili Simmons, ensures that *Double Down South* remains a compelling and relevant topic for film enthusiasts and fans of intense, character-driven dramas well into 2025. The shift from its initial festival run to a wide release has cemented its status as a notable entry in the modern independent film landscape.
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