Dr. Joseph Wanless
Background
Joseph "Joe" Wanless is a medical researcher for the Department of Scientific Intelligence in Longmont, Virginia.
During the events of Firestarter (1984) played by Freddie Jones
In the past, Dr.Wanless explains the drug trial he is about to perform with its participants including, Andrew McGee, Vicky McGee and Bearded Student for the drug, Lot 6. Bearded Student asks if the experiment is being conducted by The Shop, and Dr. Wanless tell him it is not. Vicky asks when they will get their money and Dr. Wanless tells her after the experiment. Andrew introduces himself to Vicky and during the experiment, assisted by a Grad Assistant, Vicky is able to read Andrew's mind and they start to speak to each other telepathically. Suddenly all the other participants start to scream, including Bearded Student, whose eyes start to leak blood.
In the present, Captain Hollister asks how John Rainbird's trip to Venice went and Dr. Wanless walks into the room. Dr. Wanless tells Hollister he wants Andrew and Charlie McGee killed due to the threat they pose. He explains how Lot 6 works and worries how strong her powers will be when Charlie hits puberty. Hollister suggests doing more experiments and Dr. Wanless threatens to expose The Shop. Later, during the night, Rainbird assassinates Dr. Wanless.