Donald Trump (77) on Monday at the start of the trial in New York.

DLNews Law & Order:

The curtains have risen on what could be the courtroom drama of the century, as the glittering cast of the mega-trial starring former President Donald Trump (a spry 77) takes center stage in a New York criminal court. The spotlight is on a $130,000 hush-money hullabaloo involving former adult film star Stormy Daniels (45 and counting). Trump, on trial for the first time since leaving the Oval Office, is facing a historic reckoning.

Juan Merchan (62) is described as a respectful and efficient judge, even by opponents.

Enter stage right: the Honorable Juan Merchan (61), a judge with a backstory that reads like a Hollywood script. Born in Colombia and raised in the tough streets of Queens, Merchan's journey from night watchman and waiter to judge could make even Lady Liberty swell with pride. He's the man who won the judicial lottery—literally—to oversee this high-stakes drama. Despite Trump's last-ditch efforts to bench him via an emergency plea, Judge Merchan remains unshaken, ready to call "cut!" on further procedural shenanigans.

Alvin Bragg (50) experienced police violence as a young black man. Today, he fights crime on New York's streets.

In the prosecutor's corner, we have Alvin Bragg (50), a trailblazing Manhattan DA who's no stranger to making history—or headlines. A Harvard-educated Democrat and devoted family man, Bragg broke ground as the first Black district attorney of Manhattan and now seeks to pen another chapter by prosecuting a former commander-in-chief. Bragg, who cut his legal teeth in the gritty streets of Harlem, has shrugged off both racial taunts and threats, undeterred in his quest to checkmate high-profile bigwigs.

The lawyers Susan Necheles (64) and Todd Blanche (49) are considered legal stars.

Defending Trump, we've got the dynamic duo of Susan Necheles (64) and Todd Blanche (49). Necheles, a Yale alum and seasoned attorney, has navigated the legal waters from tax fraud defenses to high-profile cases with the poise of a seasoned sailor. Meanwhile, Blanche, once a New York Democrat and now a Florida Republican, has parked his wagon near Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate, putting his all into this legal battle. His current playbook: Delay, delay, delay!

So, grab your popcorn and settle in—the fate of Donald Trump and possibly a chunk of U.S. history is in the hands of these compelling characters. Whatever the outcome, this trial promises to be a blockbuster, complete with twists, turns, and courtroom theatrics fit for the silver screen!