In the realm of vampire lore on television, Spike (portrayed by James Marsters) was known as the debonair bad boy of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” and “Angel,” frequently recognized for his black leather ensembles and “cool” bleached hair. Meanwhile, David Boreanaz’s character, Angel, exuded a more mature allure with his rugged charm and his occasional share of leather attire.
When it came to finding the perfect male lead for “Bones,” showrunner Hart Hanson knew he was searching for an elusive quality that could complement the strong female protagonist. According to Hanson’s interview with TV Insider, the mere suggestion of Boreanaz for the role was enough to convince him, bypassing the need for a typical actor meeting. Hanson was set on avoiding “pretty boys” and wanted someone who could generate dynamic chemistry with the show’s leading lady.
“We cast David first. I didn’t even need a meeting when [then-chairman and CEO of Fox Television Group] Dana Walden said, ‘Would you consider David Boreanaz?’ I was going, ‘Yes, I’ll take him.’ We had been looking for our leading man for a couple of months, and I didn’t want a pretty boy. The idea was to have this incredibly strong female lead, I wanted a guy, so we had lots of sparks. We’d seen some very good man-boys. [Laughs.] And David is incredibly that guy; he’s an American male. He has a retro feeling to him,” Hanson explained.
That “retro feeling” Hanson referred to helped Boreanaz craft an image for his character on “Bones,” Seeley Booth, that resonated with the traditional American male archetype, blending integrity and sensitivity in equal measures. Despite this charm, fans of “Buffy” might agree that an Irish accent might not be within Boreanaz’s wheelhouse of talents.
FAQs About David Boreanaz’s Casting in ‘Bones’
- Why did Hart Hanson immediately agree to cast David Boreanaz?
- Hart Hanson was set on finding a leading man who wasn’t a “pretty boy,” but someone who could spark chemistry with a strong female lead. When David Boreanaz’s name came up, Hanson agreed without hesitation because Boreanaz exemplified the all-American, retro vibe that Hanson desired for the role.
- Did Hart Hanson meet with David Boreanaz before casting him?
- No, Hart Hanson did not even need to meet with David Boreanaz before casting him. He made his decision based on the suggestion made by Dana Walden and Boreanaz’s established acting profile.
- What unique quality does David Boreanaz bring to his characters?
- David Boreanaz has a “retro feeling” to his presence that allows him to portray characters with traditional American male qualities. This vibe helps him deliver performances that are both strong and sensitive.
- What is David Boreanaz known to struggle with in his acting performances?
- According to the article, David Boreanaz is not particularly known for pulling off a convincing Irish accent, as some “Buffy” fans might remember.
Conclusion
The casting of David Boreanaz in “Bones” highlights how a performer’s essence can be more influential than a formal audition process. Boreanaz’s inherent “retro” charm and his ability to embody the classic American hero archetype made him an immediate and perfect choice for the role of Seeley Booth. His performance on “Bones,” which was both strong and nuanced, proved Hart Hanson’s instincts correct. This casting choice serves as an example of how sometimes the perfect fit for a role is instantly recognizable, even without a traditional meeting or screen test.