Replacing a Legend: The Story Behind Giancarlo Esposito's Role
Netflix's latest murder mystery, The Residence, stars the legendary Giancarlo Esposito as A.B. Wynter, the Head Usher at the White House. But here's the twist—Giancarlo wasn't the original choice for the role. When executive producer Shonda Rhimes and series creator Paul Williams Davies first started casting for their screwball comedy, they had someone else in mind: Andre Braugher, the beloved star of Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Unfortunately, Andre passed away in 2023 due to lung cancer, leaving a void that needed to be filled. Enter Giancarlo Esposito, who stepped up to the challenge at the age of 66.
Why Giancarlo Was the Perfect Fit
In a recent interview with Netflix ahead of The Residence premiere on March 20, Paul Williams Davies opened up about how Giancarlo became the perfect replacement. "Giancarlo joined the show after Andre’s tragic death," Paul explained. "Giancarlo knew Andre personally, and that connection was really important and meaningful to all of us. When Giancarlo came in, he brought his own take on A.B. Wynter, and it’s absolutely amazing." Paul went on to share how grateful he was for Giancarlo's contribution, both personally and professionally. "He was great with the other cast members, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have him as part of this project," he added.
Giancarlo's Take on A.B. Wynter
Paul also highlighted the depth and complexity of the character A.B. Wynter. "A.B. is more than just a tough boss," Paul noted. "Over the course of the series, you'll learn a lot about him and come to understand him better. The character Giancarlo created is truly wonderful." It’s clear that Giancarlo brought his signature charm and gravitas to the role, making A.B. a standout figure in the show.
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Facing the Challenge of Stepping Into Andre's Shoes
Filming for The Residence was already underway when Andre Braugher passed away unexpectedly. For Giancarlo, taking over the role was no easy task. The two actors had worked together before on Homicide: Life on the Street and shared a connection through New York City's vibrant theater scene. "It was a difficult decision for me to step into the shoes of Andre," Giancarlo revealed in a conversation with Shondaland on March 17. "When you know someone you admired and were friendly with, it’s a monumental task to figure out how to honor them while reshooting scenes they originally filmed. It’s an emotional trigger, but I looked at it as a way of paying tribute to Andre and all he gave us."
Bringing Personal Touch to the Role
Giancarlo admitted that there were moments during filming that felt surreal. "There was a moment where I’d see images of myself superimposed over Andre, and I’d think, 'Oh, there’s Andre!'" he recalled. "But I had to remind myself that he wasn’t a ghost; he was part of me. Andre did visit me in spirit, though. He was a friend, and it was tough to fill that space with someone I respected and missed so deeply."
From Gus Fring to A.B. Wynter
For fans of Giancarlo's work, you might recognize him as the ice-cold drug lord Gus Fring from Breaking Bad. While A.B. Wynter shares some of Gus's calm and collected demeanor, the two characters couldn’t be more different. Despite this, Giancarlo found inspiration for his portrayal of A.B. in an unexpected place—his own past experience in the food industry. "I’ve worked as a waiter in dinner theaters and behind reservation desks," he explained. "All those years gave me an understanding of what A.B. Wynter’s job entails. It brought a level of authenticity to the role."
Through it all, Giancarlo honored Andre Braugher by bringing his own unique perspective to the role, creating a character that stands on its own while paying homage to the late actor. As viewers tune in to The Residence, they'll see just how Giancarlo turned a challenging situation into a testament to friendship, respect, and artistry.
