Cast of October Sky

Laura Dern plays Miss Riley, an encouraging high school teacher who supports Homer and his interests in rocketry.

Jake Gyllenhaal takes on the role of Homer Hickam, the teenage son of a coal miner who becomes passionate about building rockets.

Chris Owen portrays Quentin Wilson, an intelligent and nerdy classmate who aids Homer in the technical aspects of rocketry.

Chris Cooper plays John Hickam, Homer's father, a coal miner who initially struggles to understand his son's aspirations.

William Lee Scott is Roy Lee, one of Homer's close friends and collaborators in his rocket building endeavors.

Chad Lindberg takes on the role of O'Dell, a member of Homer's rocket-building team with a resourceful spirit.

Natalie Canerday portrays Elsie Hickam, Homer's supportive mother who believes in her son's dreams.

Elya Baskin plays Ike Bykovsky, a machinist who mentors Homer and offers assistance with the rocketry projects.

Chris Ellis appears as Principal Turner, the principal of Homer's high school who has conflicting views on Homer's rocket pursuits.

Scott Thomas plays Jim Hickam, Homer's older brother, who excels in football and has a strained relationship with Homer.

Randy Stripling plays Leon Bolden, the leader of the mine union and a colleague of John Hickam.

Courtney Cole-Fendley portrays Dorothy Platt, Homer's high school peer and interest, offering a glimpse into his personal life.