The Journey Behind Casting Barney Stinson: A Behind-the-Scenes Look

From the outset, casting Barney Stinson, a beloved character from the iconic TV show How I Met Your Mother, was a pivotal step in shaping the series. Neil Patrick Harris's journey to embodying Barney Stinson involved a series of key steps that ultimately led to his iconic portrayal.

Auditioning

Initially, the character of Barney was designed to be a recurring role, and the casting directors held auditions to find the right actor to bring the character's charm and complex essence to life. Neil Patrick Harris, known for his roles in Doogie Howser, M.D., was a strong contender. During one of these auditions, Harris found himself in a particularly memorable scene—a laser tag venue. In this scenario, he attempted to perform a dive-roll but failed, colliding with a chair. The casting crew found this attempt hilarious, which piqued their interest immensely.

Character Development

Craig Thomas and Carter Bays, the creators of How I Met Your Mother, had a clear vision for Barney. He was envisioned as a womanizer, a charismatic and often outrageous character. His humor needed to be balanced with depth, showing growth over time. The character needed to resonate with audiences and evoke a mix of laughter and appreciation for his complexity.

Chemistry Reads

After narrowing down the candidates, the producers conducted chemistry reads with the rest of the ensemble cast. This was crucial to ensure that Barney would fit well within the dynamic of the show. Neil Patrick Harris's chemistry with actors like Josh Radnor, Ted Mosby, and Jason Segel, who played Ted and Marshall, respectively, was essential. The producers aimed to create a cast that would mesh seamlessly, bringing the narrative to life with authenticity and energy.

Neil Patrick Harris's Return

Neil Patrick Harris was already a well-known actor, having starred in Doogie Howser, M.D.. He had been away from the spotlight for a while, and thus his return came as a welcome surprise. His audition brought a fresh and unexpected angle to the character, which ultimately won the producers over. Harris's comedic timing, charisma, and ability to balance humor with character development were key factors in his casting.

The Final Decision

After the audition process, the producers felt that Harris embodied the essence of Barney Stinson. His performance became iconic and integral to the show's success. Harris's portrayal of Barrel Stinson was one of the most memorable aspects of How I Met Your Mother, contributing significantly to the show's popularity and Harris's own career resurgence.