When Actors Can'tRest in Peace: Character Deaths in Shows and Movies

As much as we love our favorite actors and actresses, in the world of shows and movies, their characters often face the grim fate of death. But can the actors really choose to stay when their character must meet their end? This article explores the complexities behind character deaths in shows and movies, and the choices (or lack thereof) actors may have.

Why Do Characters Have to Die?

Character deaths in shows and movies are often necessary for the plot to progress or for the story to reach its climax. These endings may be due to the need to relieve an actor or to accommodate economic demands. Sometimes, an actor may leave, or their contract may expire, leading to a forced death for their character.

The Process of Including Character Deaths

When a character is expected to die, the process is often pre-planned and known by the actors. This is particularly true in literary adaptations, where the script is based on a book or existing storyline with a clear ending. In such cases, the actor's decision to stay or leave may be influenced by the known outcome of the character's story.

For films, actors typically read the entire script before production starts, which gives them a good idea of the scenes they will be filming and any potential exits from a character. However, if a death is required for the story to progress, the actor's personal feelings about the character may be less of a concern. The story often takes precedence over individual desires.

Partial Cutdowns and Last-Minute Decisions

Partial cutdowns occur when the show or movie is already in production, and some scenes are removed due to budget or scheduling constraints. In such cases, knowing a character had a fate worse than death, but it might not be immediately apparent, can be a relief for the actors involved. It also gives them an opportunity to portray their character's final moments with dignity and closure.

Some notable instances of last-minute decisions include:

The Final_series of Game of Thrones: While the show was progressing, the producers decided that Jon Snow's death was necessary for the plot to reach its ultimate climax. This decision was made after extensive discussions with the actors who played Jon Snow, and despite their personal attachment to the character, the storyline dictated that he must meet his end. Breaking Bad: Walter White's character journey and eventual death were always part of the plot, but the actors involved felt a profound connection to their characters. They understood that the drama and complexity of the series required a significant and emotionally impactful conclusion.

Actors' Decisions and Adaptations

The choice to stay or leave can also be influenced by the actors' personal preferences and the overall storyline. Sometimes, an actor may decide to leave due to personal reasons or contract expiration, leading to the death of their character. However, when a character is meant to die, the script and storyline often take precedence.

For example, in the film Alien, the death of the character Ellen Ripley was planned, and Sigourney Weaver's decision to stay on for multiple sequels did not change the storyline. The character's journey and final moments were pre-determined by the original script, which served as the foundation of the entire franchise.

Conclusion

The decision to have a character die in a show or movie is often rooted in the narrative and the storyline, sometimes to the dismay of the actor involved. While scripts and storyboards are created with the end in mind, the personal attachment and emotional investment of actors can sometimes complicate the process. However, the storyline and the narrative tend to override individual preferences, ensuring that the story progresses in the intended manner.

Keywords:

Actor Choice Character Death Movie Script