This is one of my biggest gripes with RoP! Aside from my issues with some of the writing, I believe they really missed the boat by not casting a few notable names like you’ve mentioned. Having that extra oomph of star power or a well-known character actor could’ve given the show a little more gravitas.

A lot of the cast were basically unknown and while that’s fine, sometimes a veteran actor can “rise above the material” and add a little extra. And with some of the questionable writing on this show, in my opinion, that would’ve been welcome.

I just think the casting team could’ve known their audience better. You’re entering the world of fantasy, they could’ve followed other shows by casting an iconic actor from that genre. Think: Winona Ryder and Sean Astin famous for movies in the 80s in Stranger Things, Sean Bean famous for LOTR in Game of Thrones, Matt Smith famous for Dr. Who in HotD. It was just such a missed opportunity considering their budget! I think the casting for RoP was okay, but sometimes I watch a show just for a famous actor. And not having one gave me another reason not to be as excited for the next episode.

(Also how could you forget the brilliant Emmy nominee and BAFTA winner Fiona Shaw absolutely killing it in Andor! 😋)