The Art of Ensemble Casting: Directors Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett on Building Memorable Characters

Directors Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett, known for their work in the horror genre – including the 2019 film “Ready or Not” and its upcoming sequel “Ready Or Not 2: Here I Approach” – have a distinctive approach to building casts. They consistently opt for large ensembles, blending established talent with emerging faces, and drawing from a “rogues gallery” of actors they’ve worked with previously. This strategy, although potentially complex, allows them to create rich, layered narratives and memorable characters.

Why Embrace Large Ensembles?

Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett acknowledge the challenges inherent in managing a large cast. However, they believe the benefits outweigh the difficulties. Their approach centers on creating a diverse range of characters, ensuring there’s “something for everybody” in the audience to connect with. This means crafting characters, even those with limited screen time, who feel fully realized and identifiable.

The Character Creation Process

The directors emphasize a rigorous process of character development. They prioritize distinctiveness, actively cutting characters that don’t offer something unique. As Bettinelli-Olpin explains, if a character doesn’t have a specific quality that sets them apart, “there’s no reason for them to be in the movie.” This often involves multiple rounds of script revisions and adjustments during casting.

Once a role is cast, the directors focus on empowering the actor to build the character their own. They prioritize listening to actors’ ideas and allowing them to contribute creatively. Gillett notes the importance of being receptive to actors who express a strong vision for their role, stating, “When talented people notify you, ‘Hey, I think I’m good at this thing, and I want to try it,’ f***ing listen to them because they will give you something wonderful.”

The Value of Specificity, Even in Small Roles

The directors highlight the importance of specificity, even for characters with minimal screen time. They point to the example of two unnamed butlers in “Ready Or Not 2: Here I Come,” played by Sarah Hillier and Kevin Enriquez, who have impactful moments despite limited dialogue. These moments, they argue, reveal a great deal about the world of the film, its tone, and the characters themselves.

A Collaborative Approach

Bettinelli-Olpin and Gillett describe their casting process as akin to “getting a bunch of friends together” and hoping they’ll all get along. They prioritize creating a collaborative environment where actors feel comfortable taking risks and contributing their unique talents. This approach extends to actively seeking out actors they believe will complement each other and enhance the overall dynamic of the ensemble.

The directors have cut as many as five or six characters during development, streamlining the narrative and ensuring each remaining character serves a vital purpose. This demonstrates their commitment to a focused and impactful story, even within a large ensemble.