Chris Sarandon Explains Why He Wouldn’t Land His ‘Dog Day Afternoon’ Role Today

Chris Sarandon recently reflected on his role in the 1975 film Dog Day Afternoon in an interview with The Guardian. The movie, based on a true story, follows the events of a 14-hour hostage situation during a bank robbery in Brooklyn.

Sarandon played the character Leon Shermer, a transgender woman, in the film. He expressed pride in his breakthrough role but acknowledged that he likely wouldn’t be cast in the same role today. Sarandon emphasized the importance of authenticity in casting such roles and expressed his support for the LGBTQ+ community.

The film, considered groundbreaking for its portrayal of gay and transgender characters, focused on the human stories rather than the characters’ identities. To prepare for his role, Sarandon invited drag queens to his home for dinner, hoping to gain insight and inspiration for his character.

Looking ahead, a new stage adaptation of Dog Day Afternoon is set to debut on Broadway in 2026. While the casting for Sarandon’s role has not been announced, Jon Bernthal and Ebon Moss-Bachrach are set to star in the production.

Sarandon’s reflections on his iconic role shed light on the evolving landscape of representation in Hollywood over the years. His willingness to learn and grow from his experiences highlights the importance of authenticity and respect in storytelling.