10 Potential TV Castings We’re SO Glad Didn’t Happen
4. Chris Rock As George Costanza (Seinfeld)
This one is just an absolute mismatch. Seinfeld is one of the greatest sitcoms ever, and Chris Rock is one of the funniest comedians around when he’s on form. Considering Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David set out to make a show about standups coming up with bits for their act, he seems like a perfect fit.
The fact is though, he just isn’t. Maybe it’s because Jason Alexander was irreplaceably hilarious in the role, but Chris Rock’s energy just seems completely wrong for the part. He’s far too up there; all excitement, drama and body language. He wouldn’t be the worst Kramer in the world, come to think of it. But as George? He’s practically the antithesis.
With Seinfeld’s dry delivery, Kramer’s eccentricity and Julia Louise-Dreyfus’ Elaine’s wit, throwing Chris Rock’s hyperactivity in there just rocks the boat. Jason Alexander’s subtler brand of humour beds into the cast much more naturally.
As well as Rock and Alexander, Danny DeVito was also in the running. He feels like he’s much closer to what the show needed, but it still feels like Alexander was definitely the way to go.