I think there was probably some consideration of other people who are more household names, but it didn’t surprise me for a second that it ended up being Mark Rylance.
I think that was just a rumor that went around but wasn’t actually the case.
Mark and Steven had just worked together on two movies, and he’s literally considered the best stage actor in the world.
Here’s the thing — with Mark Rylance, you’re not casting someone that’s LIKE James Halliday.