Lynch had previously been known for playing wholesome roles on the Disney Channel. John Backderf, the author of the graphic novel, was enthusiastic about this casting against type, stating that Lynch's performance would make viewers "uncomfortable because it's so familiar".[2] Alex Wolff as Derf Vincent Kartheiser as Dr. Matthews Anne Heche as Joyce Dahmer Dallas Roberts as Lionel Dahmer Harrison Holzer as Mike Tommy Nelson as Neil Miles Robbins as Figg