Why did the Black Mirror creator cast Paul Giamatti?

The Black Mirror Season 7 episode Eulogy stars Paul Giamatti as the protagonist, Phillip. In the episode, Phillip revisits memories of his ex-girlfriend, Carol, through a tech device after her death. This trip down memory lane makes him realize that he had villanized her in his head when, in reality, there had been a massive misunderstanding between the two. He finally understands Carol better and wishes he had realized all this before she was gone.

Black Mirror creator Charlie Brooker and executive producer Jessica Rhoades discussed the latest season in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. They revealed that Paul Giamatti was cast as Phillip because Charlie was a fan of Paul.

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Why did Charlie Brooker cast Paul Giamatti in the Black Mirror episode Eulogy?

Paul Giamatti is known for his work in Sideways, My Best Friend's Wedding, Cinderella Man, John Adams, and Barney's Version: The Associated Press. There is no doubt that the actor deserved the role he played in Black Mirror's Eulogy. However, the role was specifically written for him. When asked how the creative team manages to hire the right actor for roles in Black Mirror, Jessica Rhoades said to The Hollywood Reporter,

''I think that starts with the script. Charlie writes such exquisite characters. Yes, there is now a lovely, long list of people who have reached out and pursued the show. But at the same time, you have to ask, who’s the right person for the role? In the case of someone like Paul Giamatti, you practically wrote that episode for him.''

Charlie Brooker agreed saying,

"I’ve been a huge fan of his for as long as I can recall."

Rhoades continued,

"So something like that [with “Eulogy”] was the perfect opportunity. But on some other episodes, like “Bête Noire,” both Siena [Kelly] and Rosy [McEwen] had read for the roles. We got to see their tape and we got to see those characters come alive as they embodied them. So it’s a case-by-case basis. We are aware that we’re doing six episodes. We like to look at it as a whole and find the episodes that we want to make sure we preserve a certain Britishness and a discovery."

Thus, while many actors had to audition for roles on Black Mirror, Paul Giamatti didn't have to. Charlie Brooker wanted to cast Paul as Phillips and wrote the character with him in mind.

It is evident from the episode that Paul Giamatti did justice to the character of Phillip. He portrayed the character rightfully, a man who misunderstood his ex-girlfriend and blamed her all his life. Now that Carol is dead, Phillip realizes he has made mistakes as well and hurt her. But it's too late, and all he can do is keep her alive in his memories.

All seasons of Black Mirror are streaming on Netflix.

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