How to Be Cast in Max’s “Duster”

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Max’s highly anticipated crime thriller Duster is set to hit screens this year after facing delays caused by the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. This gripping series stems from J.J. Abrams’ 2019 collaboration with Warner Bros. Discovery and boasts a stellar cast, including Lost favorite Josh Holloway and Love, Victor star Rachel Hilson. Packed with high-stakes action and suspense, Duster promises to deliver a thrilling ride for audiences.

If you’re curious about how this thrilling new Max series came to life, you’re in the right place. We’re diving into all the details of the “Duster” casting process, featuring exclusive audition tips from the show’s standout stars and the casting director who brought them on board.

What is the purpose of “Duster”?

Co-created by J.J. Abrams and LaToya Morgan, Duster is set in 1972 and follows Nina (Hilson), the FBI’s first Black female agent, as she enlists the help of Jim (Holloway), a skilled getaway driver, to dismantle a powerful crime syndicate. Taking place in the Southwest, the eight-episode first season delivers intense action, dangerous missions, and plenty of high-speed car chases.

“‘Duster’ brings together everything I love—thrilling action, rich storytelling, and deeply compelling characters,” Morgan shared. “This project is a dream come true, and I’m beyond thankful to the incredible teams at Warner Bros. and HBO Max for their trust in this vision. Collaborating with J.J. to create this dynamic world has been an absolute privilege.”

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Who are the members of the “Duster” cast?

“Duster”‘s first season will include:

  • Jim, played by Josh Holloway
  • As Nina, Rachel Hilson
  • Ezra, played by Keith David
  • Genesis, played by Sydney Elisabeth
  • Abbott, played by Greg Grunberg
  • Izzy, played by Camille Guaty
  • Awan, played by Asivak Koostachin
  • Luna, played by Adriana Aluna Martinez
  • Royce, played by Benjamin Charles Watson
  • Wade Ellis, portrayed by Corbin Bernsen
  • As Charlotte Dean-Ellis, Gail O’Grady
  • Sergeant Groomes, played by Donal Logue
  • The role of Bob Temple by Kevin Chamberlin
  • Sims, Jessica-Lorraine, played by Sofia Vassilieva
  • Agent Chad Grant, played by Dan Tracy
  • Mikandrew in the role of Angelo

Who is the “Duster” casting director?

Kim Coleman, known for her work on Dear White People and Sistas, took the lead as the casting director for the first season of Duster.

She emphasized that casting directors are always cheering for actors. “We truly love what we do—it’s an incredible job. We collaborate closely with directors, producers, networks, and studios, making it a highly creative and team-driven process,” Coleman shared. “A lot of actors might not realize just how much we appreciate them.

That’s why we do this—we admire their craft. I personally could never be in front of the camera; acting is tough, requiring relentless focus and training. But we’re on their side. I genuinely want actors to succeed. Even if it doesn’t always seem obvious in the audition room, we’re always rooting for them. Just like they put in long hours preparing and auditioning, we work tirelessly to help them shine.”

Coleman also stressed the importance of authenticity and encouragement in her work with actors. “I deeply believe in the talent I see, and my goal is to make them feel comfortable so they can deliver their best performances,” she explained. “You never know when the perfect role will come along for someone, so I make it a point to bring actors in as often as possible. The more they practice, the more they refine their skills. I love seeing actors grow and surprise me with their range and dedication.”

What is the casting procedure for “Duster”?

During our discussion, Coleman shed light on how her audition process typically unfolds. “First, I’ll audition an actor myself before presenting them to the creators. From there, we send their audition tape to the network and studio. If everyone is aligned, they move forward to the testing stage,” she explained. “This process remains fairly consistent, whether it’s for television, an independent project, or a major feature film.

The only difference is the director’s preference—some may want to see an actor multiple times, while others might be satisfied with a single read. In romantic comedies, for instance, actors might have to do chemistry reads with potential co-stars. There’s a misconception that a single audition is all it takes for a feature film, but it really depends on the role and what the director envisions.”

Coleman also emphasized one crucial mistake actors should avoid in their initial auditions. “Unless it has been discussed in advance, I don’t think an actor should engage in physical action during their first read with a casting director. If a scene involves grabbing someone’s arm, that’s something that should be cleared beforehand.

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I prefer to be immersed in the scene with them, but unexpected physical gestures can be jarring,” she noted. “Over the years, I’ve seen actors unexpectedly pull out props—like plastic weapons in scenes that call for them—and that’s a big no-no. My goal is to create an environment where actors can shine. I want everyone who steps into my office to enjoy the process and walk away feeling great about their performance.”

In the end, Coleman believes that professionalism and confidence are what truly make an actor stand out during auditions. “I always admire actors who bring a fresh perspective to a character. It shows they’ve put in the effort and really thought about their approach. Reading the script, taking the sides seriously—those things matter. When I’m seeing 150 people in a day, the ones who come in prepared, off-book, and ready to go make the whole process so much smoother.”

She added, “Most actors understand that, but occasionally, some don’t come fully prepared. When that happens, I make it clear: ‘You need to be off-book. Come back when you’re ready.’ If they’re serious, they usually do. Life happens—sometimes people have personal challenges, and I try to be understanding. If they need more time, I’ll reschedule. Everyone’s situation is different, and I get that.”

Coleman’s casting instincts aren’t limited to the audition room. Whether she’s at a theater, concert, or even just walking down the street, she’s always scouting for potential talent. “Years ago, I was searching for someone to play Bob Marley.

Casting calls had been held worldwide, and then one day, I was at the Beverly Center with my family when I spotted a young man on an escalator who looked just like him. I was going down while he was coming up. I didn’t even think—I ran after him and said, ‘I promise I’m not crazy, but we’re making a Bob Marley movie, and you look exactly like him. Please reach out to me.’”

Coleman laughed as she recalled the moment, emphasizing how casting directors are always on the lookout. “It’s like a switch that never turns off. We’re constantly thinking about the next project, the next role it’s just part of who we are.”

Where are the auditions and casting calls for “Duster” held?

Since we don’t yet know if “Duster” will return for a second season, there aren’t any open casting calls for the show.

Which audition techniques are most effective for getting a part on “Duster”?

Stay curious. As Hilson shared with us, despite her extensive experience on both stage and screen, she always makes room for interests beyond acting because those experiences enrich her craft. “I’ve taken on many roles, both in life and in performance.

I’ve been, in no particular order, a wife, an athlete, a babysitter, a teacher, a farmer, a bread vendor, a student, an elderly woman, an elderly man, a playwright, a teenager, a receptionist, a gardener the list goes on,” she reflected. “What I’ve come to understand is that stepping into all these different roles, whether as myself or as a character, has helped shape me into a better person and a stronger artist.”

“Curiosity has deepened my ability to empathize,” Hilson continued. “Though acting is now my primary profession, I still love exploring new paths. I’m not so different from the little girl who once played doctor or pretended to be a news anchor for her parents. As actors really, as creatives we have the rare opportunity to live many lives, and I hope no one lets the fear of missing a ‘big break’ stop them from following their passions. Make space for them. They will only help you grow.”

Keep sharpening your skills. “Train between jobs,” David advised. “Study acting. Voice acting is still acting—without a strong foundation in performance, your voice lacks depth. But if you know how to act, your voice carries emotion, giving the animator more to work with. Theater, in particular, is an incredible training ground. While some actors excel on screen without stage experience, it all comes down to preparation. We all have instincts, but true mastery comes from refining them.”

Coleman emphasized the importance of preparation, stressing that success comes to those who are ready for it. “Be ready before your moment arrives. Audition for anything and everything, whether big or small, and dedicate yourself to honing your craft,” she advised. “Master your skills to the point where your talent is impossible to ignore. When the time comes for you to showcase your abilities, make it undeniable so much so that people say, ‘This person has something remarkable; let’s find a place for them.’”

As for handling auditions, O’Grady offers a piece of wisdom that might sound like it’s straight out of Frozen: let it go. Speaking to Medium, she shared that there’s only so much within an actor’s control, and once an audition is over, it’s crucial to move forward.

“One of the best pieces of advice I ever received though it took me years to follow was to simply move on. Whether it’s an audition or a job interview, your role is to give your best in the moment. Once it’s done, close that chapter and shift your focus to the next opportunity,” she explained.

Reflecting on a lesson from a business book, O’Grady added, “It mentioned that even if you don’t land one job, another interview will come along. The key is not to carry disappointment with you. Compartmentalize the experience because while we’re human and emotions linger, you can’t let one setback affect your next opportunity. I was taught to release it and move forward. Don’t dwell on what you could have done differently, don’t replay the audition in your head during the drive home—just leave it in the room and keep going.”

About the Author

mudasar Rafique
Mudassar Rafique, a seasoned journalist with 10 years of experience, excels in uncovering and delivering news with a keen eye for detail. Renowned for insightful analyses and a commitment to journalistic integrity, he contributes to reputable publications. Passionate about staying informed, Mudassar views his role as a professional and personal mission to engage global audiences.

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