Here's how the cast of 'The Staircase' compares to the real-life people they're portraying

Libby TorresMay 7, 2022, 17:36 IST

Kathleen and Michael Peterson in an undated photo, inset; and Colin Firth and Toni Collette as Kathleen and Michael on HBO's "The Staircase."WhatsUp / Netflix; HBO Max

HBO's new show "The Staircase" is based on the true-crime documentary of the same name.
The drama portrays novelist Michael Peterson as he's put on trial for murdering his wife Kathleen.

Colin Firth stars as Michael Peterson.

Michael Peterson in an undated photo, left; right, Colin Firth as Michael on HBO Max's "The Staircase."Netflix; HBO Max

Toni Collette plays Michael's deceased second wife, Kathleen.

Kathleen Peterson in an undated photo, left; right, Toni Collette as Kathleen on HBO Max's "The Staircase."Netflix; HBO Max

Dane DeHaan plays Clayton, one of Michael's sons from his first marriage.

Clayton Peterson with sister Caitlin Atwater in an undated photo, left; Dane DeHaan as Clayton on HBO's "The Staircase," right.WhatsUp / Netflix; HBO Max

Patrick Schwarzenegger plays Todd Peterson.

Todd Peterson with father Michael Peterson in an undated photo, left; Patrick Schwarzenegger as Todd on HBO's "The Staircase," right.Whatsup/Netflix; HBO Max

Sophie Turner and Odessa Young appear as Michael and Kathleen's adopted daughters.

Martha and Margaret Ratliff, left, in an undated photo; Odessa Young and Sophie Turner as Martha and Margaret on HBO's "The Staircase," right."Netflix; HBO Max

Olivia De Jonge stars as Caitlin, Kathleen's daughter from her first marriage.

Caitlin Atwater with brother Clayton Peterson in an undated photo, left; Olivia DeJonge as Caitlin on HBO's "The Staircase," right.Netflix; HBO Max

Defense attorney David Rudolf is portrayed by Michael Stuhlbarg.

David Rudolf in an undated photo, left; Michael Stuhlbarg as David on HBO's "The Staircase."Netflix; HBO Max

Parker Posey plays assistant district attorney Freda Black.

Freda Black in an undated photo, left; Parker Posey as Freda on HBO Max's "The Staircase," right.Netflix; HBO Max

Cullen Moss plays district attorney Jim Hardin.

Jim Hardin in an undated photo, left; right, Cullen Moss as Jim on HBO's "The Staircase."Netflix; HBO Max

Rosemarie DeWitt portrays Kathleen's sister, Candace Zamperini.

Candace Zamperini in an undated trial photo, left; right, Rosemarie DeWitt as Candace on HBO Max's "The Staircase."Netflix; HBO Max

The first three episodes of "The Staircase" is now available on HBO Max.

Colin Firth and Toni Collette as Michael and Kathleen Peterson in "The Staircase," left; and Michael and Kathleen Peterson in an undated photo, right.HBO Max; Netflix

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