The cast of “Dog Fight” keeps getting more and more interesting. Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis and Jason Sudeikis all made sense for the Jay Roach-directed comedy about two politicians (Ferrell and Galifianakis) running for office. But last week it was announced that “serious actor” Dylan McDermott was joining the cast as a political consultant for Galifianakis’ campaign, and now word is coming through Variety that Indie Spirit Award nominee Brian Cox is being lined up to play Galifianakis’ father.
Cox is known for being a reliably great actor, but not necessarily a comedic one. You have to look back to his virtuoso turn as screenwriting guru Robert McKee in “Adaptation” for a view of this guy’s ability to be hilarious—but it’s there. He also knows how to hang out with comic actors, as evidenced by his presence on the short-lived Jon Favreau conversation show, “Dinner for Five.” During Cox’s episode, he gamely listened to Vince Vaughn’s funniest ramble ever (watch below).
Cox’s casting also brings up how the rest of the ensemble will fan out. Since Cox and McDermott both factor into Galifianakis’ side of the story, it’s safe to assume there will be some upcoming casting news for Ferrell’s campaign staff and/or family members. Katherine LaNasa and Sarah Baker have been announced as Ferrell and Galifianakis’ wives, respectively, but aside from the seven actors mentioned above, no other roles have been cast for the film, which begins shooting this month. “Dog Fight” hits theaters on August 10, 2012.