Casting directorFindley Davidsondeserves tons of praise for all of theamazing guest starsshe’s been able to land for the first two seasons of CBS’Elsbeth. Everyone fromMary-Louise ParkerandMatthew BrodericktoVanessa WilliamsandDavid Alan Grierhas popped up to play alongside our quirky, pseudo-detective, brought to life by the impeccably talentedCarrie Preston. Davidson was even able to castPreston’s real-life husband,Michael Emerson(Lost), asan evil judge determined to take down Elsbethin Season 2. But there’s one actor that Davidson would truly love to include inElsbeth’s line-up next season.
‘Elsbeth’s Casting Director Is Hoping To Bring Phoebe Waller-Bridge Onboard
Davidson noted ina recent interview withVarietythat it was difficult initially to pull in guest stars for the series. She’d call agencies, and they’d be confused by the non-traditional name of the show, often thinking Davidson was citing the name Elizabeth. However, as soon asElsbethbecamepopular with criticsand fans alike, it became much easier to book talent. Then, Davidson was able to read the scripts and imagine who would be the perfect guest star for each episode. She said, “There are certain scripts where I get chills because you read them, you think of a short list of names, and you just have an instinct that they’re going to respond to it.” The formula of each episode starting witha guest star committing a murder, and then Elsbeth being tasked to solve the crime has made the series a surefire hit. BecauseElsbethhas changed things up by offering a ‘how-catch-um’ instead of a ‘whodunit’, they’ve created a fun playground for these guest stars to take part in. There are plenty of actors that Davidson would love to cast in future episodes, butthere’s one that was on the tip of her tongue:Phoebe Waller-Bridge.
‘Elsbeth’ Is Quickly Becoming the Go-To Show for This Type of Actor
Give my regards to Broadway!
Phoebe Waller-Bridge Would Make an Excellent Addition to the ‘Elsbeth’ Roster
Davidson noted that Waller-Bridge “is someone who I think would be interesting and a little bit of a departure from what we’ve seen.” This versatile actor would be a fantastic choice for theElsbethcrew to include in a future episode. She’s done everything fromvoice the droid, L3-37in theStar Warsfilm,Solo: A Star Wars Storyin 2018 to writing and producing the dark thriller series,Killing Eve(from 2018 to 2022). Waller-Bridge even showed off her action skills in 2023’sIndiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. But the reason the actor would be the perfect choice to play off of Elsbeth is her role inFleabag, a Prime Video dark comedy whichconsisted of 12 episodesfrom 2016 to 2019. This project demonstratesWaller-Bridge’s ability to infuse comedy and drama(which is also somethingElsbethhas mastered), and it shows off her hilarious, dry wit.Fleabagalso managed to help Waller-Bridge landthree Emmy wins.
Davidson noted that many guest stars love coming on the show because they can film one episode instead of committing to a longer run on the series (which amounts to about 10 days on set).This would work out well since Waller-Bridge is pretty much always booked and busy these days(includingan intriguing upcomingTomb Raiderproject). Waller-Bridge has created chemistry over the years with many famous actors, includingOlivia Colman,Andrew Scott(whomemorably played Hot PriestinFleabag), andHarrison Ford, but acting alongside Preston would be another boon to her career. Davidson stated that Preston has become one of the draws for guest stars coming on the show, saying, “Carrie just sets the tone so beautifully on set. She’s been doing this for a long time; she’s friends with many of these actors. She’s just a big, big draw because people love working with Carrie.” And for fans ofElsbeth, who wouldn’t love to see Waller-Bridge’s subtle intensity in the same room with Elsbeth’s many tote bags and goofy enthusiasm?
Waller-Bridge, with her impressive comedic timing and flair for dark humor, would be a fun, compelling killer for Elsbeth to investigate. But there’s also the possibility that the actor could pop up as an entirely different type of character. Now that Elsbeth’s partner, Kaya (Carra Patterson),left at the end of Season 2, Waller-Bridge could always step in as a new detective that Elsbeth could work with. Even if Waller-Bridge is far too busy writing, producing, and acting to take on a long-term role on the series,it would be fascinating if Davidson could actually get her wishto have the genius actor take part in the show’s third season (which isexpected to return this fall). If anyone would make a great addition to the show, it would be Waller-Bridge and her unique talent.
Seasons 1-2 ofElsbethare available to stream on Paramount+ in the U.S.
