Netflix’s upcomingDungeons & DragonsTV show could pull one casting trick that’s bound to help the show succeed. Dungeons & Dragons is the most popular tabletop RPG game, and it has grown into a massive franchise that dabbles in almost every form of media. Most recently, Netflix announced that they’d be making a Dungeons & Dragons TV show based onForgotten Realms stories.
As excited as I am, I’m worried that theDungeons & Dragons Netflix show will go the same way asHonor Among Thieves, getting shortchanged instead of receiving multiple seasons. The Dungeons & Dragons TV show hasn’t announced its cast yet, and one casting decision would significantly improve its chances of success on Netflix.
Netflix’s Dungeons & Dragons TV Show Needs To Hire Actors Who Play D&D
Actors Who Love The Game Will Be More Passionate About Getting The Show Right
If the creative team on Netflix’s Dungeons & Dragons TV show wants the best chance at success, they need to hire actors who actually play and enjoy D&D. There are a large number of actors who are passionate about the game, so it wouldn’t be difficult to find people who enjoy the tabletop RPG and could give a compelling performance.
In my ideal world, each season of Netflix’s Dungeons & Dragons show would be anthological, featuring new characters and actors.
By choosing individuals who enjoy the lore and characters, they’d be infusing the project with passion. I think it’s extremely noticeable when an actor is really enjoying what they’re doing versus just trying to get a paycheck. Actors who love D&D would undoubtedly give their all to the project.
Additionally, some of the celebrities who play D&D are big names, and they could draw in a large audience. This is especially important because Netflix has a knack for canceling incredible shows after a single season, because they almost always decide renewals based on streaming numbers. It doesn’t matter if the show has a passionate fan base or potential.
These Actors Would Be A Perfect Addition To Netflix’s Dungeons & Dragons Show
The most obvious choice when it comes to choosing D&D actors who are also fans is to hire any of thecast fromCritical Role. However, some other notable individuals have been public about their adoration of the game, and some have even appeared in the CelebriD&D episodes ofCritical Role.
Joe Manganiello is a Dungeons & Dragons superfan who DMs his own weekly campaign with friends and celebrities. He’s even producing a documentary about the game, and he has aDungeons & Dragons-themed basement. Felicia Day is also a prime choice, as she’s the creator of Geek & Sundry, a catalyst for Critical Role’s creation, and an incredible actress.
Other great choices are Deborah Ann Woll, Vin Diesel, and Patton Oswalt. All three are passionate Dungeons & Dragons players who have spoken about their love for the franchise. Woll regularly DMs for actual play videos. Diesel wrote the foreword for30 Years of Adventure: A Celebration of Dungeons & Dragons. Oswalt plays Dungeons & Dragons regularly and has even done live campaigns.
In my ideal world, each season of Netflix’sDungeons & Dragonsshow would be anthological, featuring new characters and actors. If they did this, they could select a wide range of famous names who love the game just as much as the viewers.
