Primitive War: Full list of cast and characters explored

The science-fiction action-horror film Primitive War was released on August 21, 2025, and is based on the same title novel by Ethan Pettus, who also co-wrote the movie with the director Luke Sparke. Set in the Vietnam War in 1968, the film blends military action with prehistoric terror.

The plot follows the Vulture Squad, an elite U.S. Army reconnaissance unit, which is sent into an isolated jungle valley to locate a missing Green Beret platoon. They learn the truth about the disappearance deep in the isolated region: the valley is actually home to prehistoric dinosaurs that were let loose by a disastrous Soviet science project.

The soldiers are forced to abandon their traditional training as they face the terrifying creatures, and give in to their most basic instincts. Primitive War features Ryan Kwanten (Sergeant First Class Ryan Baker), Tricia Helfer (Sofia Wagner, a Soviet paleontologist), Nick Wechsler (Eli Taylor), and Jeremy Piven (Colonel Amadeus Jericho), among other cast members.

Who is the main character in Primitive War?

Ryan Kwanten At The Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party (Image via Getty)

The main character in Primitive War is Sergeant First Class Ryan Baker, played by Ryan Kwanten, who leads the Vulture Squad, an elite reconnaissance unit. As a seasoned soldier, Baker is tasked with a dangerous search and rescue mission to uncover the fate of a missing Green Beret platoon. He guides his men through a valley swarming with dinosaurs and struggles to maintain his humanity against the primitive chaos.

Ryan Kwanten's breakthrough role was as the charming, dim-witted Jason Stackhouse in the HBO series True Blood (2008–2014), a performance for which he won a Satellite Award as part of the Best Ensemble Cast. The Australian actor is also known for his roles in the films Red Hill (2010) and The Oath, as well as his appearances in the series Home and Away.