The Hughes Brothers’ post-apocalyptic neo-Western action movie “The Book of Eli” received a mixed reception when it was released, but there’s no doubt it has its merits — not least because of its incredible cast.
Led by Denzel Washington as the eponymous Eli, the film also features the likes of Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, and Malcolm McDowell.
The movie focuses on Washington’s character, a nomad in a post-apocalyptic world, three decades after a nuclear holocaust. The story follows him as he attempts to deliver a mysterious book — the last remaining copy of the Bible — to a safe location on the West Coast of the United States.
It’s hard to believe it, but “The Book of Eli” released on January 15, 2010. That means it’s 16 years old. On its 16th anniversary, let’s take at a look at the cast now compared to how they looked back then…
Denzel Washington (Eli)
GettyThe iconic Denzel Washington played the eponymous Eli in “The Book of Eli.” Eli is a nomad who is attempting to take the last known copy of the Bible to a safe location on the West Coast of America.
Age when “The Book of Eli” released: 55.
Selected movie credits before “The Book of Eli”: Malcolm X (1992), The Hurricane (1999), American Gangster (2007).
Above is a 2025 social media post by Denzel Washington showing a recent picture of him.
Age now: 71.
Selected movie credits after “The Book of Eli”: Flight (2012), The Equalizer (2014), Gladiator II (2024).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Gary Oldman (Bill Carnegie)
GettyThe hugely versatile Gary OIdman played Bill Carnegie in “The Book of Eli.” Carnegie is a warlord who seeks to control people through the power of a certain book he seeks to possess: the Bible.
Age when “The Book of Eli” released: 51.
Selected movie credits before “The Book of Eli”: Sid and Nancy (1986), Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992), Batman Begins (2005).
Above is a 2026 social media post by Gary Oldman and his wife Gisele Schmidt with several recent pictures of Oldman.
Age now: 67.
Selected movie credits after “The Book of Eli”: Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy (2011), Darkest Hour (2017), Mank (2020).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Mila Kunis (Solara)
GettyUkraine-born American actress Mila Kunis played Solara in “The Book of Eli.” Solara is Carnegie’s daughter who ends up accompanying Eli on his journey across America.
Age when “The Book of Eli” released: 26.
Selected movie credits before “The Book of Eli”: Forgetting Sarah Marshall (2008), Max Payne (2008), Extract (2009).
Above is a 2026 social media post on a Mila Kunis fan page showing recent pictures of Kunis at the 2026 Golden Globe Awards.
Age now: 42.
Selected movie credits after “The Book of Eli”: Black Swan (2010), Ted (2012), Jupiter Ascending (2015).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Ray Stevenson (Redridge)
GettyNorthern Irish actor Ray Stevenson played Redridge in “The Book of Eli.” Redridge is Carnegie’s loyal right-hand man and chief enforcer.
Age when “The Book of Eli” released: 45.
Selected movie credits before “The Book of Eli”: King Arthur (2004), Outpost (2008), Punisher: War Zone (2008).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2023 aged 58.
Selected movie credits after “The Book of Eli”: Thor (2011), The Three Musketeers (2011), G.I. Joe: Retaliation (2013).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Jennifer Beals (Claudia)
GettyThe brilliant Jennifer Beals played Claudia in “The Book of Eli.” Claudia is the blind mistress of Carnegie.
Age when “The Book of Eli” released: 46.
Selected movie credits before “The Book of Eli”: Flashdance (1983), Devil in a Blue Dress (1995), Roger Dodger (2002).
Above is a 2026 social media post by Jennifer Beals showing several recent pictures of her.
Age now: 62.
Selected movie credits after “The Book of Eli”: Manhattan Night (2016), Before I Fall (2017), Luckiest Girl Alive (2022).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Frances de la Tour (Martha)
GettyBritish actress Frances de la Tour played Martha in “The Book of Eli.” Martha is an elderly woman living in an isolated house in the wasteland alongside her husband George — both of whom turn out to be cannibals.
Age when “The Book of Eli” released: 65.
Selected movie credits before “The Book of Eli”: Strike It Rich (1990), Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (2005), The History Boys (2006).
Above is a social media post with a picture of Frances de la Tour (R) alongside Ben Miller in British crime drama “Professor T.,” which she has appeared in since 2021.
Age now: 81.
Selected movie credits after “The Book of Eli”: Alice in Wonderland (2010), Hugo (2011), Enola Holmes (2020).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Michael Gambon (George)
GettyIrish-English actor Michael Gambon played George in “The Book of Eli.” George is Martha’s husband and fellow cannibal who lives in an isolated house in the wasteland.
Age when “The Book of Eli” released: 69.
Selected movie credits before “The Book of Eli”: Gosford Park (2001), Sky Captain and the World of Tomorrow (2004), Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (2004).
GettyAge now: Sadly passed away in 2023 aged 82.
Selected movie credits after “The Book of Eli”: The King’s Speech (2010), Paddington (2014), Dad’s Army (2016).
Filmography info per IMDb.
Malcolm McDowell (Lombardi)
GettyEnglish actor Malcolm McDowell played Lombardi (albeit uncredited) in “The Book of Eli.” Lombardi is the leader of the sanctuary Eli takes the Bible to on Alcatraz Island in San Francisco Bay.
Age when “The Book of Eli” released: 66.
Selected movie credits before “The Book of Eli”: A Clockwork Orange (1971), Tank Girl (1995), Halloween (2007).
GettyAge now: 82.
Selected movie credits after “The Book of Eli”: The Artist (2011), Silent Night (2012), 31 (2016).
Filmography info per IMDb.
“The Book of Eli” might not be the greatest movie of its kind ever made, but it’s undoubtely stylish and fun. Moreover, the interactions between Denzel Washington and a very hammy Gary Oldman are reason enough to give it a watch.
May Ray Stevenson and Michael Gambon rest in eternal peace.
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