Starring vs. Cast — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 31, 2023
Starring refers to the main actors highlighted in a film or show, while Cast includes all actors, main and supporting.
Difference Between Starring and Cast
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Starring and Cast are terms commonly used in the entertainment industry, particularly in film and theater. Starring usually refers to the main actors or actresses in a production. These are the individuals whose names might appear on movie posters or be prominently displayed in promotional materials. Their roles are often crucial to the narrative. Conversely, the term Cast is more all-encompassing. It includes not only the stars but also the supporting actors, minor characters, and sometimes even extras.
In a movie or play, the individuals labeled as Starring often have significant screen or stage time. They're the ones audiences will be most familiar with by the end of the show. On the other hand, the Cast ensures that all characters, regardless of the size of their role, are present to bring the story to life.
One can think of Starring as a subset of the Cast. For instance, in a film with a large ensemble cast, only a few might be highlighted as starring due to their pivotal roles or celebrity status. But every person with a role, big or small, is part of the Cast.
In promotional contexts, Starring actors might be used to draw audiences because of their fame or the importance of their characters. However, the Cast as a whole works together, with each member playing a part to tell the story.
Comparison Chart
Scope
Main actors with prominent roles
All actors including main and supporting
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Promotional Usage
Names often on posters and trailers
Usually listed in credits
Role Importance
Pivotal to the story
Varies from pivotal to minor
Recognition
Often recognized for their roles in awards
Not always recognized individually
Contractual Basis
May have contractual billing arrangements
Not all actors get special billing
Compare with Definitions
Starring
Denoting the main performer(s) in a film, play, or show.
Julia Roberts is starring in the new romantic comedy.
Cast
To assign roles in a play or movie.
The director cast him as the lead role.
Starring
Indicating top billing in a production.
The poster said Starring: Tom Hanks.
Cast
Throw (something) forcefully in a specified direction
Individuals who do not accept the norms are cast out from the group
He cast the book down on to the chair angrily
The fishermen cast a large net around a school of tuna
Starring
Featured as a prominent performer.
The film is starring two of Hollywood's hottest actors.
Cast
Cause (light or shadow) to appear on a surface
The moon cast a pale light over the cottages
Starring
Being the focus or center of attention.
The new exhibit is starring rare artifacts from ancient Egypt.
Cast
Discard
He jumped in, casting caution to the wind
Starring
Highlighting as the primary attraction.
The concert is starring several Grammy award-winning artists.
Cast
Shape (metal or other material) by pouring it into a mould while molten
When hammered or cast, bronze could be made into tools
Starring
A celestial body that generates light and other radiant energy and consists of a mass of gas held together by its own gravity in which the energy generated by nuclear reactions in the interior is balanced by the outflow of energy to the surface, and the inward-directed gravitational forces are balanced by the outward-directed gas and radiation pressures.
Cast
Register (a vote)
Votes have been cast in 40 per cent of the seats
Starring
Any of the celestial bodies visible at night from Earth as relatively stationary, usually twinkling points of light.
Cast
Cause (a magic spell) to take effect
The city casts a spell on the visitor
The witch cast a spell on her to turn her into a beast
Starring
Something regarded as resembling such a celestial body.
Cast
Calculate and record details of (a horoscope)
You can look at the star chart cast at somebody's birth
Starring
A graphic design having five or more radiating points, often used as a symbol of rank or merit.
Cast
(in country dancing) change one's position by moving a certain number of places in a certain direction along the outside of the line in which one is dancing
Cross the set and cast down one place
Starring
An artistic performer or athlete whose leading role or superior performance is acknowledged.
Cast
(of a dog) search in different directions for a lost scent
The dog cast furiously for the vanished rabbit
Starring
One who is highly celebrated in a field or profession.
Cast
Immobilize (an animal, especially a cow) by using a rope to cause it to fall on its side.
Starring
An asterisk (*).
Cast
Assign a part in a play or film to (an actor)
He was cast as a young knight in her lavish historical epic
Starring
The star key on a telephone
For customer service, press star.
Cast
An object made by shaping molten metal or similar material in a mould
Bronze casts of the sculpture
Starring
A white spot on the forehead of a horse.
Cast
An act of throwing something forcefully
He grabbed a spear for a third cast
Starring
A planet or constellation of the zodiac believed in astrology to influence personal destiny.
Cast
The form or appearance of something, especially someone's features or complexion
She had a somewhat masculine cast of countenance
The colours he wore emphasized the olive cast of his skin
Starring
Stars The future; destiny. Often used with the.
Cast
A slight squint
He had a cast in one eye
Starring
Outstanding or famous, especially in performing something
A star researcher.
A star figure skater.
Cast
Short for worm cast
Starring
Of or relating to a star or stars.
Cast
A wide search made by a hound or pack of hounds to find a trail.
Starring
To ornament with stars.
Cast
A pair or group of hawks or falcons
He gave one thousand pounds for a cast of hawks
Starring
To award or mark with a star for excellence.
Cast
The actors taking part in a play, film, or other production
He draws sensitive performances from his inexperienced cast
Starring
To mark with an asterisk.
Cast
To throw (something, especially something light)
The boy cast stones in the water.
Starring
To present or feature (a performer) in a leading role.
Cast
To throw with force; hurl
Waves that cast driftwood far up on the shore.
Starring
To play the leading role in a theatrical or film production.
Cast
To throw or propel a lure or bait at the end of (a fishing line) into the water so as to catch fish or other aquatic life.
Starring
To do an outstanding job; perform excellently.
Cast
To throw (a net), as in fishing; cause to spread out.
Starring
Present participle of star
Cast
To throw on the ground, as in wrestling.
Starring
(with a film as its subject) That which has the specified actor or actors, especially those in lead roles, in its cast.
Ben-Hur, starring Charlton Heston
Cast
To let fall; drop
Cast anchor.
Starring
The action of the verb to star.
Cast
To roll or throw (dice, for example).
Starring
Performing as a star; having the leading role.
Charlton Heston had a starring role in Ben-Hur.
Cast
To draw (lots).
Starring
Indicating the most important performer or role;
The leading man
Prima ballerina
Prima donna
A star figure skater
The starring role
A stellar role
A stellar performance
Cast
To shed; molt
The snake cast its skin.
Cast
To deposit or indicate (a ballot or vote).
Cast
To turn or direct
All eyes were cast upon the speaker.
Cast
To cause to fall onto or over something or in a certain direction
Candles casting light.
Trees casting shadows.
Cast
To assert in relation to someone or something or cause to be associated
Don't let him cast aspersions on your character. The results cast doubt on our hypothesis.
Cast
To give birth to prematurely
The cow cast a calf.
Cast
To cause (hunting hounds) to scatter and circle in search of a lost scent.
Cast
To choose actors for (a play, for example).
Cast
To assign a certain role to (an actor)
Cast her as the lead.
Cast
To assign an actor to (a part)
Cast each role carefully.
Cast
To form (liquid metal, for example) into a particular shape by pouring into a mold.
Cast
To make (an object) by casting liquid metal.
Cast
To arrange or devise
Cast the book in three parts.
Cast a plan.
Cast
To calculate or compute; add up (a column of figures).
Cast
To calculate astrologically
Cast my horoscope.
Cast
To warp; twist
Floorboards cast by age.
Cast
(Nautical) To turn (a ship); change to the opposite tack.
Cast
To throw something, especially to throw out a lure or bait at the end of a fishing line.
Cast
To add a column of figures; make calculations.
Cast
To receive form or shape in a mold
A material that casts well.
Cast
To become warped.
Cast
To search for a lost scent in hunting with hounds.
Cast
To veer to leeward from a former course; fall off.
Cast
To put about; tack.
Cast
To choose actors for the parts in a play, movie, or other theatrical presentation.
Cast
The act or an instance of casting or throwing.
Cast
The act or an instance of throwing a fishing line or net into the water.
Cast
The line or net thrown.
Cast
The distance covered by a throw.
Cast
A throw of dice.
Cast
The number on dice facing up when thrown.
Cast
A stroke of fortune or fate; a lot.
Cast
Something, such as molted skin, that is thrown off, out, or away.
Cast
A piece of excrement produced by an earthworm.
Cast
A direction or expression of the eyes.
Cast
A slight squint.
Cast
The addition of a column of figures; calculation.
Cast
A conjecture; a forecast.
Cast
The act of pouring molten material into a mold.
Cast
The amount of molten material poured into a mold at a single operation.
Cast
Something formed by this means or in a mold or matrix
The sculpture was a bronze cast. They made a cast of her face.
Cast
A rigid dressing, usually made of gauze and plaster of Paris, used to immobilize an injured body part, as in a fracture or dislocation. Also called plaster cast.
Cast
The form in which something is made or constructed; arrangement
The close-set cast of her features.
Cast
Outward form or look; appearance
A suit of stylish cast.
Cast
Sort; type
Fancied himself to be of a macho cast.
Cast
An inclination; tendency
Her thoughtful cast of mind.
Cast
The actors in a play, movie, or other theatrical presentation.
Cast
A slight trace of color; a tinge.
Cast
A distortion of shape.
Cast
The circling of hounds to pick up a scent in hunting.
Cast
A pair of hawks released by a falconer at one time.
Cast
(physical) To move, or be moved, away.
Cast
To throw.
Cast
To throw forward (a fishing line, net etc.) into the sea.
Cast
To throw down or aside.
Cast
(of an animal) To throw off (the skin) as a process of growth; to shed the hair or fur of the coat.
Cast
To remove, take off (clothes).
Cast
(nautical) To heave the lead and line in order to ascertain the depth of water.
Cast
(obsolete) To vomit.
Cast
(archaic) To throw up, as a mound, or rampart.
Cast
(archaic) To throw out or emit; to exhale.
Cast
To direct (one's eyes, gaze etc.).
Cast
(dated) To add up (a column of figures, accounts etc.); cross-cast refers to adding up a row of figures.
Cast
(social) To predict, to decide, to plan.
Cast
(astrology) To calculate the astrological value of (a horoscope, birth etc.).
Cast
(obsolete) To plan, intend.
Cast
(transitive) To assign (a role in a play or performance).
The director cast the part carefully.
Cast
(transitive) To assign a role in a play or performance to (an actor).
The director cast John Smith as King Lear.
Cast
To consider; to turn or revolve in the mind; to plan.
To cast about for reasons
Cast
(archaic) To impose; to bestow; to rest.
Cast
(archaic) To defeat in a lawsuit; to decide against; to convict.
To be cast in damages
Cast
To turn (the balance or scale); to overbalance; hence, to make preponderate; to decide.
A casting voice
Cast
To perform, bring forth (a magical spell or enchantment).
Cast
To throw (light etc.) on or upon something, or in a given direction.
Cast
(archaic) To give birth to (a child) prematurely; to miscarry.
Cast
To shape (molten metal etc.) by pouring into a mould; to make (an object) in such a way.
Cast
To stereotype or electrotype.
Cast
To twist or warp (of fabric, timber etc.).
Cast
(nautical) To bring the bows of a sailing ship on to the required tack just as the anchor is weighed by use of the headsail; to bring (a ship) round.
Cast
To deposit (a ballot or voting paper); to formally register (one's vote).
Cast
(computing) To change a variable type from, for example, integer to real, or integer to text.
Casting is generally an indication of bad design.
Cast
(hunting) Of dogs, hunters: to spread out and search for a scent.
Cast
(medicine) To set (a bone etc.) in a cast.
Some are still missing examples
Cast
(Wicca) To open a circle in order to begin a spell or meeting of witches.
Cast
(media) To broadcast (video) over the Internet or a local network, especially to one's television.
The streamer was the first to cast footage of the new game.
Cast
An act of throwing.
Cast
(fishing) An instance of throwing out a fishing line.
Cast
Something which has been thrown, dispersed etc.
Cast
A small mass of earth "thrown off" or excreted by a worm.
The area near the stream was covered with little bubbly worm casts.
Cast
The collective group of actors performing a play or production together. Contrasted with crew.
He’s in the cast of Oliver.
The cast was praised for a fine performance.
Cast
The casting procedure.
The men got into position for the cast, two at the ladle, two with long rods, all with heavy clothing.
Cast
An object made in a mould.
The cast would need a great deal of machining to become a recognizable finished part.
Cast
A supportive and immobilising device used to help mend broken bones.
The doctor put a cast on the boy’s broken arm.
Cast
The mould used to make cast objects.
A plaster cast was made from his face.
Cast
(hawking) The number of hawks (or occasionally other birds) cast off at one time; a pair.
Cast
A squint.
Cast
Visual appearance.
Her features had a delicate cast to them.
Cast
The form of one's thoughts, mind etc.
A cast of mind, a mental tendency.
Cast
Animal and insect remains which have been regurgitated by a bird.
Cast
A group of crabs.
Cast
Of an animal, such as a horse or sheep: Lying in a position from which it cannot rise on its own.
Cast
To send or drive by force; to throw; to fling; to hurl; to impel.
Uzziah prepared . . . slings to cast stones.
Cast thy garment about thee, and follow me.
We must be cast upon a certain island.
Cast
To direct or turn, as the eyes.
How earnestly he cast his eyes upon me!
Cast
To drop; to deposit; as, to cast a ballot.
Cast
To throw down, as in wrestling.
Cast
To throw up, as a mound, or rampart.
Thine enemies shall cast a trench [bank] about thee.
Cast
To throw off; to eject; to shed; to lose.
His filth within being cast.
Neither shall your vine cast her fruit.
The creatures that cast the skin are the snake, the viper, etc.
Cast
To bring forth prematurely; to slink.
Thy she-goats have not cast their young.
Cast
To throw out or emit; to exhale.
This . . . casts a sulphureous smell.
Cast
To cause to fall; to shed; to reflect; to throw; as, to cast a ray upon a screen; to cast light upon a subject.
Cast
To impose; to bestow; to rest.
The government I cast upon my brother.
Cast thy burden upon the Lord.
Cast
To dismiss; to discard; to cashier.
The state can not with safety cast him.
Cast
To compute; to reckon; to calculate; as, to cast a horoscope.
You cast the event of war, my noble lord.
Cast
To contrive; to plan.
The cloister . . . had, I doubt not, been cast for [an orange-house].
Cast
To defeat in a lawsuit; to decide against; to convict; as, to be cast in damages.
She was cast to be hanged.
Were the case referred to any competent judge, they would inevitably be cast.
Cast
To turn (the balance or scale); to overbalance; hence, to make preponderate; to decide; as, a casting voice.
How much interest casts the balance in cases dubious!
Cast
To form into a particular shape, by pouring liquid metal or other material into a mold; to fashion; to found; as, to cast bells, stoves, bullets.
Cast
To stereotype or electrotype.
Cast
To fix, distribute, or allot, as the parts of a play among actors; also to assign (an actor) for a part.
Our parts in the other world will be new cast.
Cast
To throw, as a line in angling, esp, with a fly hook.
Cast
To turn the head of a vessel around from the wind in getting under weigh.
Weigh anchor, cast to starboard.
Cast
To consider; to turn or revolve in the mind; to plan; as, to cast about for reasons.
She . . . cast in her mind what manner of salution this should be.
Cast
To calculate; to compute.
Who would cast and balance at a desk.
Cast
To receive form or shape in a mold.
It will not run thin, so as to cast and mold.
Cast
To warp; to become twisted out of shape.
Stuff is said to cast or warp when . . . it alters its flatness or straightness.
Cast
To vomit.
These verses . . . make me ready to cast.
Cast
The act of casting or throwing; a throw.
Cast
The thing thrown.
A cast of dreadful dust.
Cast
The distance to which a thing is or can be thrown.
Cast
A throw of dice; hence, a chance or venture.
An even cast whether the army should march this way or that way.
I have set my life upon a cast,And I will stand the hazard of the die.
Cast
That which is throw out or off, shed, or ejected; as, the skin of an insect, the refuse from a hawk's stomach, the excrement of a earthworm.
Cast
The act of casting in a mold.
And why such daily cast of brazen cannon.
Cast
An impression or mold, taken from a thing or person; amold; a pattern.
Cast
That which is formed in a mild; esp. a reproduction or copy, as of a work of art, in bronze or plaster, etc.; a casting.
Cast
Form; appearence; mien; air; style; as, a peculiar cast of countenance.
An heroic poem, but in another cast and figure.
And thus the native hue of resolutionIs sicklied o'er with the pale cast of thought.
Cast
A tendency to any color; a tinge; a shade.
Gray with a cast of green.
Cast
A chance, opportunity, privilege, or advantage; specifically, an opportunity of riding; a lift.
We bargained with the driver to give us a cast to the next stage.
If we had the cast o' a cart to bring it.
Cast
The assignment of parts in a play to the actors.
Cast
A flight or a couple or set of hawks let go at one time from the hand.
As when a cast of falcons make their flight.
Cast
A stoke, touch, or trick.
This was a cast of Wood's politics; for his information was wholly false.
Cast
A motion or turn, as of the eye; direction; look; glance; squint.
The cast of the eye is a gesture of aversion.
And let you see with one cast of an eye.
This freakish, elvish cast came into the child's eye.
Cast
A tube or funnel for conveying metal into a mold.
Cast
Four; that is, as many as are thrown into a vessel at once in counting herrings, etc; a warp.
Cast
Contrivance; plot, design.
Cast
The actors in a play
Cast
Container into which liquid is poured to create a given shape when it hardens
Cast
The distinctive form in which a thing is made;
Pottery of this cast was found throughout the region
Cast
The visual appearance of something or someone;
The delicate cast of his features
Cast
Bandage consisting of a firm covering (often made of plaster of Paris) that immobilizes broken bones while they heal
Cast
Object formed by a mold
Cast
The act of throwing dice
Cast
The act of throwing a fishing line out over the water by means of a rod and reel
Cast
A violent throw
Cast
Put or send forth;
She threw the flashlight beam into the corner
The setting sun threw long shadows
Cast a spell
Cast a warm light
Cast
Deposit;
Cast a vote
Cast a ballot
Cast
Select to play,sing, or dance a part in a play, movie, musical, opera, or ballet;
He cast a young woman in the role of Desdemona
Cast
Throw forcefully
Cast
Assign the roles of (a movie or a play) to actors;
Who cast this beautiful movie?
Cast
Move about aimlessly or without any destination, often in search of food or employment;
The gypsies roamed the woods
Roving vagabonds
The wandering Jew
The cattle roam across the prairie
The laborers drift from one town to the next
They rolled from town to town
Cast
Form by pouring (e.g., wax or hot metal) into a cast or mold;
Cast a bronze sculpture
Cast
Get rid of;
He shed his image as a pushy boss
Shed your clothes
Cast
Choose at random;
Draw a card
Cast lots
Cast
Formulate in a particular style or language;
I wouldn't put it that way
She cast her request in very polite language
Cast
Eject the contents of the stomach through the mouth;
After drinking too much, the students vomited
He purged continuously
The patient regurgitated the food we gave him last night
Cast
(of molten metal or glass) formed by pouring or pressing into a mold
Cast
The group of actors in a play, movie, or show.
The cast of the play received a standing ovation.
Cast
To throw or direct something.
She cast a glance in his direction.
Cast
To shape molten material by pouring into a mold.
The sculpture was cast in bronze.
Cast
To shed or drop, especially in the context of snakes shedding skin.
The snake cast its skin as it grew.
Common Curiosities
Why do only certain actors get "starring" billing?
"Starring" billing often depends on the actor's prominence, contractual arrangements, and role importance.
Is every actor in the "starring" list part of the cast?
Yes, everyone listed as "starring" is a subset of the overall cast.
Can someone be part of the cast but not in a starring role?
Absolutely, the cast includes both starring and supporting roles.
Does cast only refer to actors in a film or play?
No, while "cast" often refers to actors, it can also mean to throw, shape material, or even a shedding action, depending on the context.
What does "starring" mean in a film context?
In a film context, "starring" denotes the main actors or actresses with pivotal roles.
Can a film have multiple starring actors?
Yes, a film can have multiple actors listed under "starring" based on their importance or celebrity status.
What's the difference between a lead role and a starring role?
A lead role is a primary character crucial to the story, and they often have "starring" billing, but not all starring roles are necessarily the lead.
Can an actor be part of the main cast but not have a starring billing?
Yes, it's possible for an actor to have a significant role without "starring" billing.
How are "starring" and "cast" used in credits?
"Starring" actors are often listed first or highlighted, while the entire cast is listed subsequently in the credits.
Is the entire list of actors in a film referred to as the cast?
Yes, the complete list of actors, both main and supporting, is referred to as the cast.
Can "starring" be used outside of entertainment contexts?
Yes, "starring" can be used to denote something as the center of attention in various contexts.
Is the cast only for films and plays?
No, the term "cast" can be used for any production with performers, including TV shows, radio dramas, and more.
Who decides the "starring" list for a film?
The "starring" list can be influenced by directors, producers, and contractual agreements with actors.
Do all members of the cast get equal screen time?
No, screen time varies. Starring roles usually have more screen time than minor roles.
Are extras considered part of the cast?
Extras are part of the production, but they are not typically listed individually in the cast.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
