Dream casting Aaron Sorkin’s new show

People who know me, know that I’m a massive fan of Aaron Sorkin’s work. The West Wing was the best show on television; Sports Night was the most underrated sitcom on television; and, well, there was Studio 60, too — a show that didn’t try hard enough to get out of its own way. Sorkin is going to be back on the small screen soon with More as the Story Develops (working title), a behind the scenes look at a cable news show (OK, after Sports Night and Studio 60, you’d think he’d stretch his elbows a little, but not as of yet).

I’ve had a chance to read the script and, as per usual with Sorkin, the characters are pretty fascinating. They share the same characteristics of most of the folks in his TV shows: highly intelligent, highly dedicated, and highly motivated (thankfully, though, not high).

I thought I’d have a little fun and do some dream casting. First will be my dream cast, with the actors I’d pick to play certain roles. Then, since Sorkin is known for recasting the same actors again and again, I’ll cast the show using only former Sorkin alums. When they overlap, I’ll provide an alternate in the Sorkin section. I will try to stay away from any actors who are currently in a show, or have already signed for a Pilot.

Will McAllister – A popular cable news host, who is described in the scripts as a “smart, talented guy who isn’t very nice.” Will is as clueless about his interpersonal relationship as he is brilliant. Several of the small events of the Pilot, though, help him realize what a jerk he’s been.
Casting: I don’t care what anyone says, the role was written for Josh Charles, but apparently he’s a bit busy. Dream: Matt Perry (Does anyone think Mr. Sunshine is going to get picked up?). Sorkin: Seriously, can’t we cancel The Good Wife for this? Both of the people who were born to play this role aren’t available … at least not yet.

MacKenzie “Mac” MacHale – Will’s new/old executive producer, if she lasts through the week. Chasing the news is the only thing that matters to her, and she is damn good at doing it. In fact, she might only have one weakness: Will McAllister. This character, frankly, is Dana Whitaker all grown up.
Casting: This one was a bit tough, as I kept going back and forth between two actresses, both, not-ironically, Sorkin alums. In the end, one won out. Dream: Sabrina Lloyd. Sorkin: Janel Moloney.

Jim Harper – Jim is apparently impossibly good looking, a realization that he hasn’t apparently made yet. He is the guy next door, funny, smart, and dedicated. Jim is one of the several characters — unseen in the Pilot — that Mac has brought with her from her last job.
Casting: Dream: Jason Dohring. The guy has been missing from my television for too long. You might not think he’s capable of doing “nice guy,” but I saw the short Pilot for Body Politic, and I know he could pull it off; Sorkin: If only Dulé Hill wasn’t busy. … But, instead, how about Matthew Del Negro?

Maggie Jordan – When most of Will’s staff makes a move, she is the one character who wouldn’t consider leaving Will, despite the fact that he can’t get her name right. In a dead end relationship with Steve, finds herself a bit taken back by Jim, and might just have a little crush on Will too.
Casting: Dream: This was Julie Gonzolo until I was reminded she was cast on that stupid Dallas remake, so how about her former cast-mate Tina Majorino? Sorkin: Danica McKellar.

Steve – Maggie’s jerk of a boyfriend, and also probably her boss; he seems OK at his job, but when compared to the talent around him, he’ll eventually be found wanting.
Casting: Dream: Kristoffer Polaha. Sorkin: Jesse Bradford

Neal – In charge of Will’s blog, but seems to be knowledgable about everything under the sun. Not a lot of time is spent on who Neal is, other than that he cares about getting the news right. He is Indian-American, which makes the casting a bit more challenging.
Casting: Dream: Parvesh Cheena (I also don’t have high hopes for Outsourced‘s chances, and he’s been the only thing I’ve found funny about that show the little I’ve watched). Sorkin: I’m wracking my brain trying to come up with an Indian-American actor that’s age-appropriate, and just can’t come up with one.

Charlie Skinner – President of the Cable News division at UBS, pretty much the boss of everyone we meet in the Pilot. He has been a newsman his long career, not afraid to make the hard decisions; nor is he afraid, apparently, of having a couple of glasses of whiskey with lunch.
Casting: Dream: Richard Schiff would be a little young for the role as written, but I think he’d be perfect. Sorkin: John Amos.

Elliot Hersh – The recently-promoted anchor of the 10p show, he genuinely is upset about the conflict his promotion has caused. He is one of the few people in the Pilot that Will seemed to like. Tough to tell how much he’ll be around.
Casting: Dream: Oh, come on … this is so Josh Malina‘s role. Sorkin: James Leisure (the same Mr. Sunshine rule above applies).

Don Barrowmen – Will’s longest running producer since Mac left (Clocking in at 14 weeks). Leaving to go work with Elliot because, to put it nicely, he doesn’t work well with Will. Tough to tell how much he’ll be around.
Casting: Dream: I don’t like if I like the idea of Tim Busfield being a total jerk, but… Sorkin: Evan Handler.

Sloan – A “sexy financial anaylist” for UBS, and someone with a bit of history (and chemistry) with Jim. Tough to tell how much she’ll be around, either.
Casting: Dream: Jaime King. Sorkin: Ayda Field.

Lonny – Will’s insurance-company-appointed bodyguard. Lonny is good at what he does, even if he did play football at Clemson (Hey, I’m an NC State guy … whaddua want from me?).
Casting: Dream: Omar Benson Miller. Sorkin: Omar Benson Miller (Yes, I repeated one, but Miller has some crazy under appreciated comedic chops, something this character I think will get to explore)

Clacked by Ivey West
on Mar 07, 2011 @ 16:00 EST5EDT