Why Community Recast Walton Goggins With Pedro Pascal For The Table Read
Jessica Wilkins Walton Goggins wasn't involved in the special Community table read and instead, his character was portrayed by The Mandalorian's Pedro Pascal.
The majority of the Community cast reunited to do a table read, but Walton Goggins' character was recast with Pedro Pascal. The actor was joined by Joel McHale, Donald Glover, Alison Brie, Gillian Jacobs, Danny Pudi, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jim Rash, Ken Jeong, and Community's creator Dan Harmon for the virtual read which benefited a charitable cause. Here's why Goggins didn't reprise his role for the memorable episode.
As part of the reunion, the Community cast performed the season 5 episode titled "Cooperative Polygraphy." Goggins guest-starred in the 2014 episode as Mr. Stone, the stern executor of Pierce Hawthorne's (Chevy Chase) will following the man's death. The emotionless Mr. Stone administered a series of polygraph tests before bequeathing the items listed on the will. The episode also laid the foundation for Glover's exit the following episode which was hilariously mocked during the table read.
When Harmon and the Community cast members announced the charitable table read, fans noticed that Goggins' name was missing. Harmon claimed that the actor couldn't make the reunion due to scheduling conflicts so they sought out another special guest star. The table read came together quickly and it was pre-recorded, so the crew was forced to recast Mr. Stone despite Goggins' stellar performance in the episode. Harmon may not have directly stated what kept Goggins away from the table read, it's simple to assume based on what he's currently working on.
The coronavirus pandemic may have thrown a wrench in many TV shows and films currently filming but networks and studios are still hard at work with production efforts. Walton Goggins has a role in the HBO series, The Righteous Gemstones, which is currently developing a second season. He also headlines CBS's The Unicorn, a series that was renewed for a second season earlier this month. Goggins also serves as an executive producer on the series, requiring an even greater involvement. In addition, the actor is lending his voice for a character on the upcoming animated series, Invincible.
Seeing as Pascal is a major star with his roles in Game of Thrones, The Mandalorian, and Wonder Woman 1984, Harmon surely didn't pass on the chance to bring him in on the fun. Pascal tried to match the deadpan demeanor of Mr. Stone, but he couldn't quite contain his laughter when the character bequeathed Pierce's frozen sperm to the rest of the Greendale study group. Pascal may be busy for the near future with his big-budget gigs, but fingers crossed that Harmon saves a role for him in the highly anticipated Community movie.
