What's Happening?
The development team behind the video game LA Noire considered casting Jon Hamm, known for his role in 'Mad Men', as the protagonist Cole Phelps. However, they ultimately chose Aaron Staton for the role. Daniel McMahon, a writer for LA Noire, explained
that while Hamm was considered due to his fitting appearance and shared casting director with 'Mad Men', Staton was selected for his ability to portray the character's fragility and inexperience. Both Cole Phelps and Don Draper, Hamm's character in 'Mad Men', share similar backgrounds as World War II veterans dealing with personal and professional challenges. Despite the similarities, the team felt Staton better captured the essence of Phelps' character.
Why It's Important?
The decision to cast Aaron Staton over Jon Hamm highlights the nuanced considerations in casting for video games, where character portrayal can significantly impact the narrative experience. This choice reflects the importance of aligning an actor's strengths with the character's intended development and story arc. The discussion also underscores the interconnected nature of the entertainment industry, where casting decisions can be influenced by previous collaborations and shared networks. The insights into the casting process provide fans with a deeper understanding of the creative decisions that shape their favorite games, and the potential for future projects involving beloved intellectual properties like LA Noire.
What's Next?
While there is no official announcement regarding a sequel to LA Noire, the interest in revisiting the franchise remains high among fans and developers. Strauss Zelnick, CEO of Take-Two Interactive, has hinted at the possibility of exploring legacy intellectual properties, suggesting that a sequel could be considered if there is sufficient interest and a passionate team to develop it. This leaves the door open for future developments in the LA Noire series, potentially bringing new stories and characters to the gaming community.
