The anticipated cast for the film Weapons underwent significant shifts due to industry strikes and resulting scheduling conflicts, director Zach Cregger revealed. Among those originally cast was Pedro Pascal, whose exit triggered a complete recasting of the movie’s roles.
Cregger explained the impact on production, noting that the strike delays pushed the team back to the beginning of the casting process.
“I had a whole different cast for this movie. And then we had the strike, and then Pedro Pascal’s schedule threw us into turmoil. I had to recast the entire movie,”
Cregger told Entertainment Weekly.
“The strikes delayed us, and then when you delay, people’s schedules get conflicts, and then you’re back at square one. I bear no ill will towards anybody. We just kept getting delayed and delayed. It’s like a domino effect. So I had to start over again.”
Pedro Pascal’s Role Recast with Josh Brolin Taking Over
Following Pascal’s departure, Josh Brolin stepped in to fill the role initially intended for Pascal. Alongside him, two other key actors, Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry and Renate Reinsve, who starred in The Worst Person in the World, also left the project due to the same scheduling issues caused by delays.
Austin Abrams Remains the Sole Original Cast Member
Despite the mass recasting, Austin Abrams is the only actor from the original lineup who remained committed to the film throughout the delays. Cregger expressed admiration for Abrams’s dedication.
“He hung tough with me. That’s my dude right there.”
In a separate interview, Abrams reflected on why he chose to stay involved despite the uncertainty and setbacks.
“I’d seen Barbarian with a friend,”
Abrams said.
“I remember when it cut to Justin Long in the car, I just knew I loved whoever made that movie. I was able to get in contact with Zach, and then it turned out he was making something. He thought I was a good fit for it, potentially…. I loved the part and I didn’t wanna let it go. So I just really held on because I really wanted to do it.”
Julia Garner Cast as Lead After Final Adjustments
After the reshuffle, Julia Garner secured the lead role in Weapons, becoming one of the last actors added to the cast. The director’s final ensemble represents a fresh start, shaped by the unpredictable circumstances of ongoing strikes in Hollywood.
Strikes Continue to Influence Film Productions
The disruptions caused by Hollywood labor strikes have had a ripple effect on productions like Weapons, forcing directors like Zach Cregger to adapt quickly. The casting upheaval illustrates how industry-wide delays create complex challenges that can reshape films from their initial vision. The outcome for Weapons will be closely watched as the new cast comes together to bring the project to completion.
