The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option
Synopsis
A former mercenary joins a military academy as a teacher. He soon discovers a neo-Nazi group, code-named Werewolves, formed among the cadets. He also quickly finds that they have military leadership among the officers at the Academy.
Part of the The Substitute Collection
Stream the entire interconnected saga and experience every installment in chronological storyline order.
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option (2001) VHS Trailer
Type: Trailer • Published 2025-07-18
Top Cast
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Treat Williams
Karl Thomasson
Angie Everhart
Jenny
Patrick Kilpatrick
Brack
Bill Nunn
Luther
Tim Abell
Devlin
Grayson Fricke
Ted Teague
Simon Rhee
Lim
Scott Thomas
Buckner
Brian Beegle
Frey
Samantha Thomas
Harmon
John Michael Weatherly
Mauk (as Michael Weatherly)
Lori Beth Sikes
Cunningham (as Lori Beth Edgeman)
Moe El Emam
Robson (as Mohamed T. El Emam)
J. Don Ferguson
Colonel Teague
K.C. Powe
Sissy
Lonnie R. Smith Jr.
Yulee (as Lonnie Smith)
Laura-Shay Griffin
Dixie
Release History & Theatrical Window
April 24, 2001
Physical Home Media
Key Information & Fast Facts
- Director
- Robert Radler
- Screenplay & Story
- Rocco Simonelli, Roy Frumkes, Alan Ormsby, Dan Gurskis
- Original Score
- Stephen Edwards
- Original Title
- The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option
- Country of Origin
- United States of America
- Spoken Languages
- English
- Runtime
- 1h 31m
- Production Studios
- Artisan Entertainment
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Robert Radler
Rocco Simonelli, Roy Frumkes, Alan Ormsby, Dan Gurskis
Stephen Edwards
Richard M. Rawlings Jr.
Lou Angelo
Robert Radler, Thomas J. Busch
Department Leadership Roster
Peggy Stamper
Costume Design
Lou Angelo
Editor
Stephen Edwards
Original Music Composer
Richard M. Rawlings Jr.
Director of Photography
Robert Radler
Producer
Robert Radler
Director
Joseph Litsch
Production Design
Dan Gurskis
Writer
Simon Rhee
Stunt Coordinator
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
R: Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
International Certification Matrix
Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option.
Featured In Curated Collections
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Frequently Asked Questions About The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option
Quick factual answers about cast, synopsis, director, box office, and release information.
What is The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option about?
A former mercenary joins a military academy as a teacher. He soon discovers a neo-Nazi group, code-named Werewolves, formed among the cadets. He also quickly finds that they have military leadership among the officers at the Academy.
Who directed The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option?
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option was directed by Robert Radler.
Who stars in The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option?
The principal cast of The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option includes Treat Williams, Angie Everhart, Patrick Kilpatrick, Bill Nunn, Tim Abell.
When was The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option released and how long is it?
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option was released in 2001 with a total runtime of 1h 31m.
Who composed the musical score for The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option?
The original motion picture soundtrack for The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option was composed by Stephen Edwards.
Is The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option based on a book or true story?
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option is adapted from the following source material: Characters: "Rocco Simonelli", Characters: "Roy Frumkes", Characters: "Alan Ormsby".
What is the age rating and content advisory for The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option?
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option holds official age classifications: CA: R; US: R (Restricted — Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian.).