16 Roles Written Specifically for the Actors Who Played Them
When writing a script for a show or a movie, the writer always has a mental image of the characters. That doesn’t mean they’re thinking about someone in particular, or someone famous for that matter, but they do have an idea of how the character looks in their head.
At times, though, that mental image is someone real, famous, and available to take on the role. The following actors were the ideal choice for the writers of their respective productions, and it certainly showed once the cameras started rolling. If you’re wondering why they felt so perfectly casted, this is why.
Rhea Seehorn, Pluribus
Vince Gilligan knew exactly who he wanted to anchor his new project. He wrote the lead role of Carol Sturka in Pluribus specifically for Rhea Seehorn, trusting her to bring the character to life perfectly.
Bill Murray, Lost in Translation
Sofia Coppola had no backup plan for her acclaimed film. She wrote the character of Bob Harris entirely for Bill Murray, keeping him in mind long before he was ever officially involved in the project.
Samuel L. Jackson, Pulp Fiction
It is hard to imagine anyone else delivering those iconic monologues. The magnetic American actor and producer had this unforgettable part tailored to his unique rhythm, ensuring the performance would go down in cinematic history.
Steve Buscemi, Fargo
After making a massive impression as Mr. Pink in the 1993 film Reservoir Dogs, this distinct character actor caught the attention of the Coen brothers, who crafted a highly specific, unforgettable criminal role just for him.
Terry Crews, Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Creators Dan Goor and Michael Schur built the character of Terry Jeffords from the ground up. They even named the precinct leader ‘Terry’ specifically for Terry Crews, ensuring the powerhouse actor felt right at home.
Aubrey Plaza, Parks and Recreation
Coming up through the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, this talented comedian and actress developed a deadpan style that was entirely her own. The writers noticed her unique energy and crafted a government employee role perfectly suited to her.
Jack Black, School of Rock
Writer Mike White knew exactly what he was doing when he penned this 2003 comedy directed by Richard Linklater. The chaotic, music loving substitute teacher was designed perfectly to match Jack Black and his legendary energy.
Sean Bean, Game of Thrones
The renowned English actor has built an incredible career bringing noble, tragic figures to the screen. For this epic fantasy adaptation, the creators knew they needed his specific gravitas to anchor the entire first season.
Tom Cruise, Magnolia
After meeting on the set of Eyes Wide Shut, Paul Thomas Anderson learned that the famous leading man wanted to collaborate. He then wrote the intensely charismatic role of Frank T.J. Mackey specifically for Tom Cruise.
Philip Seymour Hoffman, The Master
Known for delivering incredible supporting and leading roles throughout the 1990s and beyond, the late American actor was a frequent collaborator of Paul Thomas Anderson, who designed this captivating cult leader specifically for his immense talents.
Keanu Reeves, Always Be My Maybe
For this 2019 romantic comedy, writers Ali Wong and Randall Park needed a highly specific, exaggerated celebrity cameo. They wrote the part hoping to land Keanu Reeves, and the action star happily stepped into the hilarious role.
Nicolas Cage, The Unbearable Weight
You really cannot cast anyone else when the character is literally you. This wild action comedy features Nicolas Cage playing a highly fictionalized, over the top version of himself, making it the ultimate custom written part.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Inception
The acclaimed American actor and producer has built a career playing complex, ambitious men. This mind bending blockbuster needed a leading man who could balance action with deep emotional regret, and the script was tailored accordingly.
Chris Colfer, Glee
The creators of the musical series were so impressed by Christopher Paul Colfer during his initial audition that they created the character of Kurt Hummel just for him, leading to international recognition between 2009 and 2015.
Jada Pinkett Smith, The Matrix Reloaded
After originally auditioning for the first film, the American actress and talk show host left a lasting impression on the directors. They specifically created a commanding hovercraft captain role for her to play in the sequels.
Sylvester Stallone, Rocky
It is well known that the struggling actor penned this classic sports drama himself. He famously refused to sell the script unless studios agreed that he could step into the boxing ring to play the title character.