The LA Noire That Almost Was: Jon Hamm as Cole Phelps?
A recent revelation from an LA Noire writer has thrown a fascinating 'what if' into the game's history: the iconic detective Cole Phelps could have been played by Mad Men's lead, Jon Hamm, instead of Aaron Staton.
It’s a question that could launch a thousand fan theories: what if LA Noire, Rockstar Games' ambitious 2011 detective epic, had starred Jon Hamm in its lead role? For a game celebrated for its groundbreaking facial animation technology and a pitch-perfect performance from Aaron Staton as Detective Cole Phelps, this newly surfaced tidbit changes everything we thought we knew about its casting.
The Case of the Almost-Star
The revelation comes courtesy of Daniel McMahon, a writer on LA Noire, who recently told IGN that Jon Hamm was indeed considered for the role of Cole Phelps. Ultimately, the part went to Aaron Staton, who delivered an unforgettable portrayal of the stoic, conflicted detective navigating the murky post-war underbelly of Los Angeles. Staton, known to Mad Men fans as the affable Ken Cosgrove, brought a distinct blend of earnestness and subtle weariness to Phelps that became central to the game's identity.
Beyond the Marquee Name
LA Noire, developed by Team Bondi and published by Rockstar, wasn't just another video game; it was an ambitious cinematic experience. Its signature technology, MotionScan, captured nuanced facial performances with unprecedented fidelity, making the actors' subtle expressions crucial to the gameplay's interrogation mechanics. This demanded a specific kind of talent—one capable of conveying complex emotions without leaning on broad gestures, given the digital nature of the performance.
Aaron Staton's work in LA Noire is legendary within the gaming community. He embodied Phelps, lending him a quiet intensity and a moral compass that often clashed with the city's corruption. It’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role now, which makes the idea of a different lead even more intriguing.
The Mad Men Connection
The reason for the potential Hamm connection isn't as random as it might seem. Both LA Noire and the critically acclaimed AMC series Mad Men shared the same casting director. This explains why several Mad Men actors, including Staton, Michael Gladis (Paul Kinsey), and Patrick Fischler (Jimmy Barrett), found themselves in key roles within LA Noire's sprawling cast. It was a natural synergy, leveraging known talent within a familiar creative network.
Jon Hamm, of course, was Mad Men's undisputed leading man, Don Draper – a character whose complex, often morally ambiguous persona captivated audiences for years. Had he taken on Phelps, he would have brought a different kind of gravitas and perhaps a more overtly jaded quality to the character from the outset, rather than Phelps's gradual disillusionment.
The Cost of Stardom
McMahon's comments also implicitly touch on the elephant in the room: cost. While Hamm's star power was undeniable, securing a lead actor of his caliber, especially one fronting a hit TV show, would have come with a significantly higher price tag. The extensive and demanding motion-capture sessions required for LA Noire meant a substantial time commitment from its lead performers. Casting a less established, albeit incredibly talented, actor like Staton likely made practical and budgetary sense for a project already pushing technical boundaries and facing significant development costs.
Ultimately, the choice of Aaron Staton proved to be a stroke of genius. His performance helped define LA Noire, making Cole Phelps a memorable figure in gaming history. While the thought of a Hamm-led LA Noire is a fascinating
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