

The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option
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.
Where to watch The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option in United States
Click a service to open The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option there. Availability last verified on June 20, 2026.
Where is The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option streaming around the world?
| Country | Streaming on | Rent / Buy |
|---|---|---|
| United States | The CW, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, Plex | Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| India | — | Amazon Video |
| Canada | Amazon Prime Video, Amazon Prime Video with Ads, Tubi TV, Plex | Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube |
| Australia | — | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
| Germany | Lionsgate+ Amazon Channels | Apple TV Store, Amazon Video, Google Play Movies |
About The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option is a 2001 English-language action, drama and crime film directed by Robert Radler. The cast is led by Treat Williams, Angie Everhart, Patrick Kilpatrick. It has a runtime of 1h 31m. In United States, it is currently streaming on The CW, Hoopla, The Roku Channel.
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option was produced by Artisan Entertainment and made in United States of America. It was released on April 24, 2001, and carries a R certification.
- Director
- Robert Radler
- Writers
- Dan Gurskis
- Release date
- April 24, 2001
- Original language
- English
- Age rating
- R
- Status
- Released
- Country
- United States of America
- Production
- Artisan Entertainment
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option cast & crew
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option was directed by Robert Radler and written by Dan Gurskis.
The cast features Treat Williams as Karl Thomasson, Angie Everhart as Jenny, Patrick Kilpatrick as Brack, Bill Nunn as Luther, Tim Abell as Devlin, and Grayson Fricke as Ted Teague.
Behind the camera, the score was composed by Stephen Edwards, cinematography is by Richard M. Rawlings Jr., and it was produced by Robert Radler and Thomas J. Busch.
Is The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option worth watching?
At 1h 31m, it's an easy, time-light watch.
If you enjoy action, drama, and crime, The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option is worth a place on your watchlist.
How and where to watch The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option
In United States, you can stream The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option on The CW, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, Plex, and Tubi TV, or rent and buy it on Amazon Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. Click any service above to open it directly.
Streaming rights change country by country and month by month, so the options above reflect United States today — switch your country at the top of the where-to-watch section to see availability elsewhere.
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Cast of The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option

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)
More from the The Substitute Collection
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option — FAQs
▸Where can I watch The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option in United States?
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option is streaming on The CW, Hoopla, The Roku Channel, Plex in United States.
▸Is The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option on The CW?
Yes — The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option is currently available on The CW in United States.
▸What language is The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option in?
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option is originally in English. Subtitle and dub options vary by streaming service.
▸How long is The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option?
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option runs 1 hours 31 minutes (91 minutes).
▸What is The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option rated?
The Substitute: Failure Is Not an Option is rated R. It holds a 5.2/10 audience score from 32 ratings.












