12 Facts You Didn't Know About Masters Of Sex

2. Paul Bettany Was Initially Going To Star

Masters Of Sex beau Bridges Lizzie Caplan.jpg
Columbia Pictures

The biggest selling point of the show is the fact that it stars Michael Sheen and Lizzy Caplan, and the chemistry between the pair is what really makes it work and has you invested in the characters and the story. Sheen, in particular, is a proven expert when it comes to bringing real-life people to the screen.

However, it may not have been that way if it'd originally gone as planned, as it was Paul Bettany who was initially earmarked for the role, but when he withdrew the pilot’s director, John Madden, convinced Sheen to step in.

The dynamic between Sheen and Caplan is so crucial to the success of the show that it’s difficult to imagine what it would be like with another actor playing Bill Masters, and there’s a good chance it wouldn’t have gone on to run for as long as it has. On the other hand, maybe we’d be living in a world where Paul Bettany stars on TV, and Michael Sheen becomes a member of the Avengers. 

Contributor
Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.