The Morning Show EP Reveals How Jon Hamm's Casting Transformed the Series into a Slam Dunk

Summary

Jon Hamm's character, Paul Marks, in The Morning Show is more complex than a typical villain, thanks to Hamm's infusion of charm and humanity.

Despite doubts from the cast, Marks could be their sole savior, capable of rescuing the declining UBA network.

Hamm's depiction of Marks evokes similarities to his legendary character Don Draper, exhibiting his adeptness at seamlessly blending shrewdness and sentiment, thus rendering him a captivating counterpart to the primary ensemble.

The executive producer of The Morning Show, Michael Ellenberg, reveals that Jon Hamm was the ultimate choice for the challenging role of mysterious tech billionaire Paul Marks. As Cory Ellison tries to persuade Marks to buy the struggling network, the question of whether Marks will be the savior or a potential threat hangs over the anchors and executives at UBA network.

In an exclusive interview with Screen Rant for the show's third season, Ellenberg discusses his experience working with Hamm. He clarifies that although Paul Marks is not Don Draper, the character inhabits a similar world to Hamm's iconic role in Mad Men. Ellenberg praises Hamm for bringing depth and humanity to a character that could have easily been portrayed as a typical villain. See Ellenberg's complete statement below:

Michael Ellenberg expressed his gratitude for the strong pilot script and Jon Hamm's excitement to be a part of the project. Although the character is not comparable to Don Draper, it is connected to the world he previously inhabited. Working with Jennifer Aniston and Reese Witherspoon was an irresistible opportunity for him. Additionally, he enjoyed having authority over Billy Crudup until complications arise towards the end of the season. Jon Hamm's role in the series is prominent and he embraced it with depth, dimension, and humanity, accompanied by a delightful and delicious grin. The team was thrilled to have him on board and consider him a perfect fit for the role.

How Jon Hamm's The Morning Show Character Is A Modern Don Draper

Hamm skillfully combines charm and humanity in his portrayal of Paul Marks, adding layers of complexity to the character. He could have been a typical villain, resembling Elon Musk, set on destroying everything UBA represents as they face financial collapse. However, Hamm's portrayal leaves us wondering if Marks might have some good intentions or if he is simply a billionaire using this opportunity to benefit his own company.

Many regard Don Draper as Hamm's most famous role, wherein he brought charisma, intelligence, and emotional depth to a character who is fundamentally a deceiver and swindler. While Marks and Draper possess different natures, they share similarities in their approaches to various situations, particularly when it comes to negotiations, leveraging their wealth, skills, and status to manipulate the world around them. On The Morning Show, Hamm effectively combines his cunning and emotive abilities, making him a captivating foil for the main cast.

Although Jennifer Anniston's character, Alex Levy, and others may harbor suspicions about the billionaire, he appears to be their sole source of hope. With his exceptional acting skills, Hamm has the ability to portray Paul Marks in a manner that emphasizes the character's enigmatic nature, while also adding an intriguing element. Undoubtedly, Paul Marks is poised to significantly disrupt the dynamics on The Morning Show, potentially either rescuing UBA or delivering its ultimate downfall.