Actors That Should Work with Aaron Sorkin

Aaron Sorkin is a legendary screenwriter, commonly referred to as one of the best in the industry. A writer who I myself also look up to. Since 2017 with ‘Molly’s Game’ Sorkin has started directing the movies he wrote. And it works! Molly’s Game and The Trial of the Chicago 7 were both well directed films with both public and critical acclaim.

Ideally, actors working in Aaron Sorkin films, should be able to deliver intelligent dialogue at a rapid pace, and bounce off of each other. So actors on the slow-talk end like Christopher Walken are disqualified.

So, based on the style of his films, both written or directed by him, here are a list of actors I think he should work with.

Based on:

• Charlie Wilson’s War 2007
• The Social Network 2010
• & The Trial of the Chicago 7 2020 – read full review here: https://www.thescreenwritersjournal.com/the-trial-of-the-chicago-7/

Emma Watson:

Over the years the French-born Harry Potter star has proven herself to be more than just Hermoine Granger. Her filmography includes films like: Little Women, The Bling Ring and Noah. Each of which gave her critical acclaim for her portrayals. She may not be the fastest talker, but look no further than The Circle to see how smart she can sound. If Sorkin were looking for a younger female lead, Watson would definately be a solid choice.

George Clooney:

Clooney might honestly be the most Sorkin-suited actor on this list. His charm, his voice, and his personality would jump off the pages of a Sorkin screenplay. The well-mannered gentleman with a dash of boldness to him. Wether a leading role, or a supporting one, he’d fit in perfectly.

John Goodman:

The actor who in part became famous for his work with the Coen Brothers, has managed to make a name for himself. Not only is a veteran of comedy, he can also play characters with a darker tone. Wether it be more lighthearted ones like in The Big Lebowski, or straight up psychopaths like in 10 Cloverfield Lane. Goodman could be a unique choice a Sorkin film, if given the right material.

Leonardo DiCaprio:

Despite the jokes about him not being able to get an Oscar until recent, DiCaprio is a genuinally talented actor. One of the best working today I might add. Just like a fine wine, his acting chops have gotten better over the years. From the suicidal boy in Titanic, to Hollywood star Rick Dalton, there’s a day and night difference in quality. His unique charm and way of saying words would make a great lead in a Sorkin film.

Natalie Portman:

The Israeli actress is argueably one of the most dominant in the world. Ever since making the scene with Leon the Professional, she’s starred in hit movie, after hit movie. Having worked with several of the Goats of acting. Take roles like in 2016’s Jackie, maybe not stylewise, but just the type of movie Sorkin would make. She’s smart ( not only characterwise, but in real life too ), she’s strong and she’s a talented actress.

Pierce Brosnan:

The former Bond star has had a long career in the acting world. He’s been in good movies, bad movies, and great movies. Look no further than his role as the former IRA agent in ‘The Foreigner’ where he played alongside Jackie Chan. His character was the embodiment of what a Sorkin portrayal should look like. Fast talking, intelligent, bold and terrifically acted.

Simon Pegg:

Though I knew about Pegg for a long time, I didn’t consider myself a fan of his until I watched him in Edgar Wright’s ‘Shaun of the Dead’. Followed by the rest of the Cornetto Trilogy ( Hot Fuzz & The World’s End ), I aqqquired a certain taste for the unique British actor as well as the before mentioned director. Originally I was going to suggest Pegg and Scott Adkins, but the two are too simular in style to require seperate entries. I believe Pegg would work best as a supporting character, ideally one who was meant to be comedic relief.

That was my list of actors who should work with Aaron Sorkin. Do you agree with my list? If so, lemme’ know in the comments below.

-The Screenwriter

All photos from Wikimedia Commons – https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/deed.en