Mike Flanagan’s latest Netflix series Midnight Mass is a fascinating look at religion, faith, hope, and a tiny community who has seen better days. When Father Paul shows up, the town residents begin seeing miracles, but something sinister is at play behind the scenes.
The show stands out for its creepy atmosphere, down-on-their-luck characters, great writing and cliffhangers. The cast does an incredible job playing people who each have their own dreams and demons, and if the show was cast back in the 1990s, it’s interesting to think about who could take on which role.
Leeza Scarborough: Bianca Lawson
Fans quickly become invested in Leeza, a young girl who can suddenly and magically walk thanks to the arrival of Father Paul. Annarah Cymone plays this character perfectly as Leeza is both strong and sensitive and tries her best not to hate Joe, the man who accidentally shot her and paralyzed her.
If Midnight Mass was cast in the ’90s, Bianca Lawson could take on the part of Leeza. Lawson played Nikki Green, a filmmaker who connects with Dawson Leery, on Dawson’s Creek, a character who is also equal parts vulnerable and confident.
Bev Keane: Caroline Rhea
Bev is definitely the most dangerous person living in Crockett Island as she is judgemental, strict, and unfair. She doesn’t show other people much compassion and Samantha Sloyan, known for playing the unlikeable character of Penny on Grey’s Anatomy, does a lot with this role.
The Sabrina The Teenage Witch guest stars are all talented, and the main cast stands out as well, with Caroline Rhea famous for portraying Sabrina’s silly and wacky Aunt Hilda. Rhea has the acting talent necessary to make Bev the divisive and difficult person that she is.
Sherriff Hassan: Sendhil Ramamurthy
Before Father Paul’s arrival, Sherriff Hassan is the new person in town, and he has trouble fitting in as he doesn’t share the Christian faith that Bev and the other residents do. He’s a loving father to his teenage son and does his best to show him how to stand strong.
Rahul Kohli played this character on Midnight Mass, and Sendhil Ramamurthy, known for playing Mohinder on Heroes, would also do a great job. Mohinder is a university prof. who looks into the murder of his father, and like Sherriff Hassan, he has strong convictions.
Joe Collie: Chi McBride
Joe struggles with his drinking throughout Midnight Mass and he’s an emotional, vulnerable character who feels ashamed of hurting Leeza. All he wants is to be a better person, and he begins his journey by attending meetings with Father Paul and Riley although he meets a tragic end.
Robert Longstreet played this character, and Chi McBride could have taken on this part back in the ’90s. McBride is known for playing Steven Harper on Boston Public, the high school principal who is always polite and compassionate no matter what.
Ed Flynn: John Goodman
Riley’s father Ed is a beaten down man caught between his love for his son and his belief that Riley has truly messed up his life. He has a hard time throughout the entire series, but he keeps his relationship with Annie strong, and Henry Thomas puts a lot of care into this role.
While some Roseanne jokes aged badly, John Goodman perfectly portrays this working class parent, and he could have played Ed as well. Both characters want to provide for their families and it’s often a struggle.
Annie Flynn: Mary Kay Place
Played by Kristin Lehman, Annie is in a tough spot at the beginning of Midnight Mass. She loves her son Riley but isn’t sure how to help him through his recovery and the next phase of his life. All she knows is that she has faith.
Mary Kay Place has an accomplished resume and her role as Camille Cherski on My So-Called Life suggests that she could have played Riley’s mother as well. Mary Kay Place excels at caring characters who stand tall and listen to their gut instincts.
Father Paul Hill: Peter Gallagher
Hamish Linklater showcases his talents as Father Paul who ends up being a younger Monsignor Pruitt. This character has many big reveals and is responsible for the show’s major plot twists, and Linklater is the perfect actor to do this.
Peter Gallagher could have portrayed this important character, as he was responsible for many heartbreaking scenes on The O.C. as Sandy Cohen. Gallagher is similarly charming and charismatic, exactly what is needed for this role.
Dr. Sarah Gunning: Courteney Cox
Played by Annabel Gish, Crockett Island’s doctor is tough, intelligent, and a leader for those who don’t want to follow Father Paul near the explosive and dramatic end of the series.
Beloved for playing Monica on Friends in the ’90s, Courteney Cox could also have taken on the part of Sarah, as Cox has shown that can play both comedic and serious characters.
Erin Greene: Katie Holmes
Kate Siegel does an incredible job playing Erin, a young woman thrilled to be expecting a baby while wrestling with difficult emotions about being back on the island she thought she would never return to.
After playing smart Dawson’s Creek teenager Joey Potter, Katie Holmes could also be cast as Erin, as she would display the same sensitive and confident personality. Holmes is also good at playing emotional characters, as both Joey and Erin deal with a lot.
Riley Flynn: Jason Priestley
Riley is the heart of Midnight Mass as a sensitive and traumatized former Crockett Island resident who moves back home and quickly realizes that things are not what they seem. It’s heartwarming watching him connect with his ex-flame Erin and fans hope that he will be okay.
Just like the sweet and charming Brandon Walsh on Beverly Hills 90210, Riley is a kind person who makes friends easily, although he’s had a much more trying, difficult life than the California teen. Jason Priestley would make for an equally interesting Riley.
