The Cast Of Saving Private Ryan: 8 Stars, Their Epic Roles, And Where They Are Now In 2025

Few films in cinematic history have captured the brutal, visceral reality of World War II with the intensity of Saving Private Ryan. Released in 1998, Steven Spielberg's masterpiece is anchored by the incredible performances of its ensemble cast, a squad of actors who underwent a grueling boot camp to bring authenticity to their roles as "Miller's Men." As of late 2025, the careers of these stars—from Hollywood legends to action titans—continue to evolve, with new projects ranging from high-octane sequels to intimate independent films, even as the squad has faced a tragic loss.

The film's legacy is not just in its groundbreaking cinematography, particularly the terrifying Omaha Beach sequence, but in how it launched, cemented, or redefined the careers of nearly every actor involved. This deep dive explores the full company of actors and reveals their latest, most current projects, ensuring you have the freshest information on the men who went behind enemy lines to find Private James Ryan.

Miller's Men: The Full Cast and Their Latest 2025 Updates

The core of the film revolves around Captain Miller's eight-man squad, each actor delivering a performance that became a defining moment in their career. Here is the full list and their most recent professional updates:

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• Tom Hanks (Captain John H. Miller): The leader of the squad, a schoolteacher whose quiet competence masks his inner turmoil.
• Tom Sizemore (Technical Sergeant Mike Horvath): Miller's loyal, battle-hardened right-hand man.
• Edward Burns (Private First Class Richard Reiben): The cynical, outspoken infantryman from New York.
• Barry Pepper (Private Daniel Jackson): The devout, Bible-quoting, and deadly accurate sniper.
• Adam Goldberg (Private Stanley Mellish): The Jewish-American soldier who engages in one of the film's most brutal close-quarters combat scenes.
• Vin Diesel (Private First Class Adrian Caparzo): The Italian-American soldier, known for his compassion and early death.
• Giovanni Ribisi (Technician Fourth Grade Irwin Wade): The squad's medic, whose death is one of the film's most tragic moments.
• Jeremy Davies (Corporal Timothy Upham): The non-combat translator who joins the squad and struggles with the horrors of war.
• Matt Damon (Private First Class James Francis Ryan): The paratrooper from Iowa, the objective of the entire mission.

Tom Hanks (Captain John H. Miller): The Enduring Icon

Tom Hanks, the two-time Oscar winner who played the weary, anonymous Captain Miller, remains one of the most bankable actors in Hollywood. His role in Saving Private Ryan cemented his status as the quintessential "everyman" hero.

Current Projects (2025/2026):

Hanks' schedule is packed with high-profile projects. He is set to voice Woody once again in the highly anticipated animated sequel, Toy Story 5, which is slated for a 2026 release.

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In 2025, he is expected to star in the espionage thriller The Phoenician Scheme. Furthermore, a sequel to his 2020 World War II naval drama, Greyhound, is in the works, with production on the untitled follow-up scheduled to begin in 2026.

Matt Damon (Private James Ryan): Hollywood's Go-To Star

Matt Damon, who played the titular Private Ryan, was an up-and-coming star at the time, and his role was kept separate from the rest of the cast during the infamous boot camp to create an organic sense of alienation.

Current Projects (2025/2026):

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Damon continues his successful collaboration with Ben Affleck. The two are co-starring in a new Netflix crime thriller titled The Rip, which is currently expected for a January 2026 release.

He is also attached to an adaptation of Homer's epic, The Odyssey, where he is set to star as Odysseus, with the film also being eyed for a 2026 release, showcasing his range from crime drama to classical epic.

The Tragic Fate of Sergeant Horvath and Other Squad Members

While Hanks and Damon dominate the A-list, the supporting cast members have built incredibly diverse careers, though the squad has suffered a real-life loss.

Tom Sizemore (Sergeant Mike Horvath): A Tragic Loss

Tom Sizemore, who delivered a powerful performance as the reliable Sergeant Horvath, tragically passed away. His death occurred on March 3, 2023, at the age of 61, after suffering a brain aneurysm. His passing was a somber moment for fans of the film, as he was remembered for his intense and loyal portrayal of Miller's second-in-command.

Vin Diesel (Private First Class Adrian Caparzo): The Action King

Vin Diesel's early, emotional role as Caparzo was one of his first major film appearances, cast by Spielberg after seeing his self-directed short film.

Current Projects (2025/2026):

Diesel is, of course, synonymous with the *Fast Saga*. The final chapter, Fast & Furious 11, is a major focus. While previously expected in 2026, the current timeline is now planned for an April 2027 release. Diesel has publicly discussed his creative input on the film, revealing he agreed to make the final installment on three specific conditions, indicating his continued control over the franchise's direction.

Edward Burns (Private Richard Reiben): The Indie Filmmaker

Edward Burns has consistently balanced his acting career with writing and directing his own independent films, often focusing on his Irish-American roots and New York setting.

Current Projects (2025):

Burns remains prolific as a director. His new film, Millers in Marriage, is expected to be released in 2025. Additionally, he has developed a continuation of his breakout film, The Brothers McMullen, titled The Family McMullen, which is also slated for a 2025 release, showcasing his dedication to character-driven storytelling.

Unforgettable Roles and Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

The film's topical authority extends beyond the main stars to the incredible realism achieved through Spielberg's direction and the actors' dedication.

The Grueling Boot Camp Experience

To ensure the cast understood the soldier's experience, Steven Spielberg—at Tom Hanks' recommendation—put the main actors through a rigorous, six-day military boot camp run by Captain Dale Dye, a retired Marine Corps veteran.

The experience was so intense that all the actors, except for Matt Damon (who was deliberately kept separate), nearly quit, finding the conditions and psychological pressure unbearable. This shared misery helped forge the genuine, on-screen camaraderie that defines the squad's bond.

Barry Pepper (Private Daniel Jackson): The Sniper's Focus

Barry Pepper's portrayal of the highly skilled but conflicted sniper, Private Jackson, remains one of the most memorable elements of the film. Pepper's career has continued to thrive in both film and television.

Current Projects (2025):

Pepper's recent work includes a major role in the acclaimed Taylor Sheridan series, Lawmen: Bass Reeves. His upcoming projects include the lead role in a new horror film titled Scurry, which was recently announced, demonstrating his shift into the genre space.

Giovanni Ribisi and Jeremy Davies: The Emotional Anchors

Giovanni Ribisi (Medic Wade) and Jeremy Davies (Corporal Upham) provided the film's most heartbreaking and complex emotional beats. Ribisi has since appeared in major films like Avatar and series like Sneaky Pete, while Davies won an Emmy for his role in the series Justified.

The entire cast's commitment, from the intense D-Day landing scenes to the final bridge battle, helped the film win five Academy Awards and remains a powerful tribute to the Niland brothers, the real-life siblings whose story partially inspired the mission to save Private Ryan.