16 Films That Cast Trans Actors in Cis Roles and Nobody Noticed

For many years, transgender actors were usually only offered roles that highlighted their identity, often in dramatic or exploitative stories. However, things are changing. Casting directors are now more focused on an actor’s skill, allowing trans actors to play a wider range of characters where their gender identity isn’t part of the story. This means they can portray doctors, students, villains, or heroes without the script ever mentioning their trans background. The films below showcase trans actors giving powerful performances as characters who are not defined by their gender identity.

‘Barbie’ (2023)

In Greta Gerwig’s popular film Barbie, Hari Nef plays Dr. Barbie, presented simply as a doctor and valued member of the Barbie world. The film doesn’t focus on her gender identity or past, emphasizing that Barbie can be anyone and everyone. Nef’s performance highlights this inclusivity and focuses on Dr. Barbie’s profession and her role within the film’s diverse cast.

‘Evil Dead Rise’ (2023)

Morgan Davies, an Australian actor, stars as Danny, a teenager who accidentally unleashes a terrifying demonic presence on his family when he finds an old, strange book. Danny is the character who sets the story in motion by discovering this book, and he’s at the heart of the frightening events that follow. Davies carries much of the film, performing in both the scary action scenes and the emotionally charged moments as his family struggles to survive against the demonic forces. He was cast specifically for his ability to convincingly play a frightened, yet determined, young person in a very intense horror situation.

‘Spider-Man: Far From Home’ (2019)

Zach Barack achieved a milestone by becoming the first openly transgender actor in a Marvel Cinematic Universe movie. He played a fellow student of Peter Parker’s during the eventful school trip to Europe. His character is portrayed as a regular teenager, and the film doesn’t focus on his gender identity – he’s simply part of the group. Barack’s appearance is a positive move towards greater representation of transgender actors in mainstream films, even in smaller roles.

‘Together Together’ (2021)

Patti Harrison plays Anna, a woman who agrees to be a surrogate for a man in his 40s. The movie looks at the unusual, but close, friendship that grows between them during the pregnancy. Harrison gives a realistic and funny performance, exploring the difficulties of surrogacy and the lines between friendship. Her casting as a pregnant woman is a bold choice that shows off her talent and positions her as a leading lady in romantic comedies.

‘Hustlers’ (2019)

Trace Lysette plays Tracey, a dancer at the strip club alongside Jennifer Lopez and Constance Wu’s characters. Tracey is a woman dealing with tough financial times and the shifts happening within the club. Lysette herself used to be a dancer in New York, which she brought to the role, making it feel real and raw. The film portrays her and the other dancers with honesty, highlighting their friendship and the financial challenges they face.

‘The Sisters Brothers’ (2018)

Rebecca Root delivers a strong performance as Mayfield, a formidable leader in this darkly comedic Western. The character was originally written as a man, but the film cleverly updates the role to a woman. Root portrays Mayfield as a powerful, controlling figure who dominates the town’s finances. This casting is a refreshing change for the Western genre, allowing Root to play a complex and realistic character rarely seen in period films.

‘Escape Room: Tournament of Champions’ (2021)

Indya Moore plays Brianna, a travel blogger who previously survived a dangerous game and finds herself caught in another deadly challenge. Brianna is a woman who relies on her intelligence and strength to overcome the life-threatening traps created by the Minos Corporation. The role requires Moore to perform a lot of physical stunts and focuses on how her character deals with trauma and fights to survive. The film features Moore as part of a group of survivors, and her identity as a woman isn’t central to the story.

‘Talk to Me’ (2022)

Zoe Terakes portrays Hayley, a tough teenager known for throwing parties—parties where a creepy, possessed hand makes appearances. Hayley is a girl who picks on the main character and pressures her friends. Terakes gives a powerful and believable performance, making the scary parts feel even more real because of how accurately she captures teenage conflict. This role shows Terakes is skilled at playing challenging, somewhat aggressive female characters in horror films.

‘The Lost City’ (2022)

Patti Harrison is a standout as Allison, the social media manager for Sandra Bullock’s character. Allison, a woman, is completely focused on likes, shares, and keeping the author’s public image perfect. Harrison’s dry wit makes Allison a funny and memorable character, even in this large-scale action movie. The role showcases her talent for comedic timing and playing quirky professionals in a mainstream film.

‘Colette’ (2018)

Jake Graf plays Gaston de Caillavet, a male aristocrat and friend of the husband of the main character. The show, a period drama set in France at the turn of the 20th century, features Graf in a supporting role that feels authentic to the time. He portrays a traditional French nobleman, socializing with the other characters. This casting is a great example of how trans men can play roles in historical dramas that match how they present themselves.

‘Valley of Bones’ (2017)

Alexandra Billings stars as Kimberly, a strong-willed ranch owner who finds herself caught up in a fossil dig happening on her land. Kimberly is a woman with a difficult history, but her story isn’t about her gender identity. This role is a departure for Billings, who is well-known for playing transgender characters, as she portrays a woman defined by her independence and power. It’s a chance for Billings to demonstrate her acting skills in a contemporary Western thriller.

‘Chick Fight’ (2020)

Dominique Jackson stars as Naomi, a powerful fighter in a secret, all-women fight club. Naomi is a woman who both intimidates and guides others in the fighting world. Jackson utilizes her natural athleticism and strong stage presence in this action-comedy role, emphasizing physical prowess and fighting ability over her personal life.

‘Last Christmas’ (2019)

Rebecca Root plays Dr. Addis, the doctor who cares for Emilia Clarke’s character when she’s in the hospital. It’s a simple portrayal of a doctor providing care and information to a patient. Root, who is a trans actress, plays the character as a cisgender woman, fitting seamlessly into the London-based romantic comedy. This kind of casting helps to make it more common to see trans actors playing ordinary roles on television and in film.

‘Cuckoo’ (2024)

Hunter Schafer plays Gretchen, a 17-year-old who finds herself caught up in a frightening mystery after moving with her family to the German Alps. As the main character and ‘final girl,’ Gretchen carries the story’s emotional and physical burden. Schafer appears throughout the entire film, leading the narrative as a classic horror protagonist. The movie depends on her acting to create suspense and fear, and notably avoids using typical tropes related to gender identity.

‘The Danish Girl’ (2015)

The film’s main story focuses on transgender experiences, but actor Jake Graf, who is transgender himself, plays Henri, a character who is not transgender. He appears as a fellow professional in scenes set within the art world, interacting with the main characters. This casting choice adds another layer of meaning, demonstrating that transgender actors aren’t limited to playing only transgender characters and can portray a wider range of roles within a film.

‘A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting’ (2020)

Indya Moore plays Peggy Drood, a striking and wicked witch who abducts the child the main character is watching. Drood is a powerful, magical being presented as a classic sorceress. Moore uses dramatic makeup and costumes to bring this over-the-top villain to life. The role lets Moore embody a fantastical antagonist where traditional ideas about gender don’t matter within the magical world.

2025-12-05 23:18