Kevin Smith Picks Helen Mirren Over Adam Driver for Dogma 2
Director Kevin Smith reveals his surprising choice to replace Alan Rickman's iconic Metatron character in the upcoming Dogma sequel, leaving another beloved actor out in the cold.
Kevin Smith, the filmmaker behind the Clerks series, is moving ahead with plans for a sequel to his 1999 religious comedy Dogma. After securing the rights and releasing the original film in 4K, Smith is now developing Dogma 2 with new concepts and a different approach to one of its most memorable characters.
Since Alan Rickman passed away and can't return as the unforgettable Metatron, Smith has already announced which actor he wants to take over the role - and it's not Adam Driver. In a recent interview with Slash Film, Smith explained that he has a clear vision for Metatron's comeback and wants Helen Mirren to step into the part.
"I want to write it for Helen Mirren. She is incredibly Alan-adjacent," Smith stated.
Smith isn't planning to change Metatron's gender for Rickman's character. Instead, he hopes Mirren will deliver a strong performance that pays tribute to Rickman's work while bringing a new interpretation to today's audiences.
Mirren Chosen as New Metatron Following Rickman's Legacy
According to his conversation with Slash Film, Smith is crafting this new version of Metatron specifically with Mirren in mind. He's particularly interested in casting The Queen actress because she and Rickman had a meaningful relationship both personally and professionally.
The two performers worked together in Eye in the Sky and also starred as Antony and Cleopatra in the late 1990s, which adds emotional significance to their shared history for Smith. When he began considering how to bring Metatron back in Dogma 2, Mirren naturally emerged as someone who possesses both grace and strength.
"She's not playing Metatron, but she plays this movie's version of Metatron. For me, I met her years ago with Alan, at this Empire movie awards ceremony... 'Helen Mirren, aside from being one of my favorite actors on the planet, I had that crossover moment with her and Alan at one point,'" Smith explained.
"As a writer and a romantic, you'll make any connection or any justification you can. But it started me thinking, maybe it would be Helen Mirren. So I'm writing it for Helen Mirren," he continued.
Smith clarified that Mirren wouldn't portray the identical Metatron that Rickman brought to life. Rather, she would embody a reimagined version designed specifically for the sequel. The director emphasized that he's literally crafting the role with Mirren in mind, confident she can respect Rickman's legacy without simply imitating him.
Driver Overlooked Despite Perfect Fit for Rickman Roles
While Smith admitted to developing the role for Mirren, he also revealed to the publication that he had initially thought about Driver as the ideal replacement for Metatron due to his angular features and intense on-screen presence that mirror Rickman's. Unfortunately, once Mirren entered his thoughts, Driver's chances vanished.
"When I was thinking, 'Well, I don't have Alan,' at one point I was like, 'Well, Adam Driver looks like a young Alan Rickman, just taller.' But then I was like, no," Smith admitted.
For a brief moment, Driver nearly secured an opportunity to take on a role that fans have long envisioned him playing - as Rickman's natural successor. However, that possibility quickly faded when Smith determined that Mirren better matched the mood and emotional resonance he was seeking.
This marks the second time Driver has been passed over for a chance to follow in Rickman's footsteps. When HBO revealed its Harry Potter television reboot, many viewers anticipated Driver would finally portray Severus Snape, the character Rickman made famous in the films. Fans practically campaigned for the casting online since his voice, appearance, and dramatic acting approach closely resemble Rickman's interpretation.
Instead, the series cast Paapa Essiedu, a Black actor, which sparked mixed reactions of support, acclaim, and debate about changing the character's race. Now with Dogma 2, Driver finds himself in a comparable situation once more. Despite being widely viewed as the ideal successor to Rickman's legendary characters, he's again left without the part.