Rian Johnson‘s murder-mystery series Poker Face took the streaming world by storm earlier this year, with the gravelly-voiced, charismatic Natasha Lyonne at the helm as Charlie Cale. Charlie’s old-school charm and the show’s Columbo vibe make it a fun, breezy watch. While the overarching narrative sees Charlie on the run from a mafioso-type character, each episode is its own story. Charlie utilizes her innate “bullsh*t detector” to solve murders in towns across the country.
The series brings in an array of talented guest stars in Season 1, from Adrien Brody and Judith Light to Lil Rel Howery and Cherry Jones. In honor of the show’s renewal, I’ve compiled a list of six dream guest stars for Season 2. Peruse at your peril.
RELATED: Catch up on the murder mystery madness with our Poker Face recaps!
Greta Lee
Perhaps this is wishful thinking and my desire for a Russian Doll reunion, but I’d love to see Greta Lee make a guest appearance in Poker Face Season 2. We already know she boasts a playful chemistry with Lyonne based on their scenes in Russian Doll. Lee can also lean into the eccentric, whimsical energy of Poker Face. Look no further than her Russian Doll character, Maxine. She’s no stranger to the surreal. Plus, she’s got excellent comedic chops (and dramatic ones, too).
Perhaps she can portray someone who’s the polar opposite of Maxine — someone more cerebral and dark — like a stereotypical serial killer. I’d go for that.
Charlie Barnett
You can never have too many actors from Russian Doll on your show. Charlie Barnett, Lyonne’s time-traveling, Groundhog Day-defying partner in crime on the aforementioned Netflix series, is another dream guest star for Season 2. I can picture him playing a straight man-type character akin to Alan or maybe stepping outside that box and becoming a larger-than-life force of nature. Sure, we’ve done the “dramatic actor” character (see the fabulous Ellen Barkin and Tim Meadows in “Exit Stage Death”), but I’d love to see Barnett portray something in that vein.
RELATED: Catch up on the time-traveling shenanigans with our Russian Doll recaps!
Robert Sheehan
If you’ve seen The Umbrella Academy and Misfits, you know Robert Sheehan is a versatile performer, capable of making you laugh until your face hurts and cry until you’re bereft of tears. I’ve been an avid fan of his since 2011. I think he’d be the perfect addition to Poker Face. He can easily meld with the show’s vintage ’70s Columbo energy while offering a modern comedic sensibility. He could tackle a Klaus or Nathan-type character or break free of that archetype. Maybe he becomes friends with Lyonne’s Charlie Cale and helps her solve a murder. Or he’s a foil that thwarts her every step of the way. Regardless, Sheehan can do anything.
Aubrey Plaza
Who doesn’t want to cast Aubrey Plaza in everything? From her breakout role as the resident weirdo in Parks and Recreation to her most recent run on The White Lotus, Plaza’s a veritable star with the acting talent to match. She makes everything better. I can envision her portraying an uber-rich Hollywood starlet or a kooky shut-in who refuses to work with Charlie. Not to mention, she perfected that unnerving stare as April in Parks and Recreation. Perhaps it’s time to dust that off again.
RELATED: Russian Doll Season 2 Thoughtfully Explores Motherhood and Trauma
Alan Tudyk
Admittedly, if I had to select one, Alan Tudyk might be my top choice out of this bunch. His hilarious performance on Resident Alien makes him a must-have for any series that needs comedic relief. Like everyone on this list, Tudyk is capable of physical comedy, humorous one-liners and heartstring-tugging monologues. He’s as versatile as they come. He would also have an easy, naturally ebullient chemistry with Natasha Lyonne. They’d play off each other well. While I can picture him portraying a character similar to Harry Vanderspeigle on Resident Alien, Tudyk can do anything. He’s an underrated gem.
Angela Bassett
The legendary Angela Bassett has a prolific career that spans decades. She’s a two-time Oscar nominee. She’s an all-around acting badass and bona fide royalty. A series of this nature needs someone with divine star power like her. From her incredible, commanding performance in Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to her starring role in 9-1-1 to her Academy Award-nominated turn in What’s Love Got to Do with It, Bassett is a force to be reckoned with. While she’s churned in powerful dramatic work, I’d love to see a lighter, more comedic approach from her. She can truly do it all.
Who are your dream guest stars for Poker Face Season 2? Sound off in the comments below!
Poker Face Season 1 is now streaming on Peacock.
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
Bylines in: Tell-Tale TV, Culturess, Sideshow Collectibles, and inkMend on Medium.
Critic: Rotten Tomatoes, CherryPicks, and the Hollywood Creative Alliance.
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