Who Should Play Sara Linton on Will Trent? Top Contenders and Why They’re Perfect for the Role

Will Trent has quickly become a fan favorite, captivating viewers with its compelling crime-solving storylines and complex character dynamics. One of the most intriguing aspects of the series is the character of Sara Linton, who plays a significant role in the emotional and psychological development of Will Trent. As the show continues to gain momentum, there’s a lot of buzz around who could step into the role of Sara Linton, especially given her strong, intelligent, and emotionally complex character.

In this article, we’ll explore why the casting of Sara Linton is crucial to the success of Will Trent, discuss what makes the role so challenging, and break down some top contenders who could bring Sara to life on screen.

Who Is Sara Linton in Will Trent? A Deep Dive into the Character

Before discussing potential actresses to play Sara Linton, it’s essential to understand who the character is. Sara Linton is a key figure in Will Trent, both as a love interest and a source of emotional support for Will. She is a skilled medical examiner, an intelligent, empathetic, and resilient woman who plays a vital role in Will’s journey. The character of Sara is multi-dimensional, balancing her professional life with her complex emotional history.

Sara’s relationship with Will is one of the most integral elements of the series, as their past, filled with heartache and trauma, is gradually revealed. Sara is not only an experienced and compassionate professional, but she also provides a sense of stability and grounding to Will, whose tumultuous past has left him emotionally scarred. The chemistry between Will and Sara is undeniable, and casting the right actress to portray Sara is vital for bringing this connection to life on screen.

What Makes the Role of Sara Linton Challenging?

The role of Sara Linton is challenging for several reasons. First, the character must embody a sense of strength and intelligence, as Sara is not only a highly capable medical examiner but also a resilient woman who has faced personal struggles. Second, there’s the emotional depth of Sara’s relationship with Will. The actress must be able to convey both the warmth and the pain that comes with their complicated past. It’s a role that requires versatility, the ability to shift between professional detachment and personal vulnerability, and a natural ability to develop chemistry with the other lead actor.

Additionally, Sara must be a character who stands out in her own right, with a compelling backstory and unique personality traits. She’s not merely a love interest; she’s an integral part of the story and a complex character in her own right. The challenge of casting Sara Linton lies in finding an actress who can bring these elements to life while balancing the gravity of her past with the promise of a potential future with Will.

Top Contenders for the Role of Sara Linton on Will Trent

Now, let’s take a look at some of the actresses who would be perfect to play Sara Linton. These are women who have the talent, experience, and depth of character to bring this role to life.

1. Jessica Chastain: A Strong Contender with Emotional Depth

Why She’s Perfect for the Role: Jessica Chastain has become one of the most respected actresses of her generation, known for her ability to tackle complex, emotionally rich roles. Whether she’s playing a scientist, a political figure, or a trauma survivor, Chastain always brings a sense of strength and vulnerability to her performances.

Sara Linton’s character requires an actress who can portray both a competent professional and someone with deep emotional scars, and Chastain is no stranger to balancing these traits. Her wide range—combined with her ability to portray both vulnerability and resilience—makes her an ideal candidate for Sara Linton.

Past Roles That Showcase Her Abilities:

• Zero Dark Thirty (2012) – Chastain played Maya, a determined and resilient CIA analyst.
• The Help (2011) – She showcased her ability to blend empathy and strength in her role as Celia Foote.
• Interstellar (2014) – Chastain portrayed a character full of emotion, struggling with personal loss, which parallels some of Sara’s complexities.

Chastain’s ability to exude strength while also conveying emotional depth would make her a fantastic choice to bring Sara Linton to life.

2. Kerry Washington: Charismatic, Powerful, and Emotionally Complex

Why She’s Perfect for the Role: Kerry Washington is known for her powerful performances, particularly in Scandal, where she portrayed Olivia Pope, a strong, intelligent, and emotionally complex woman. These same qualities are crucial for the character of Sara Linton, and Washington’s experience in playing multifaceted roles makes her a strong candidate.

Washington has the ability to deliver nuanced performances, seamlessly blending warmth, vulnerability, and power. She could easily step into the role of Sara Linton, portraying the character’s sharp intellect while also capturing her emotional depth and vulnerability, especially in her complicated relationship with Will.

Past Roles That Showcase Her Abilities:

• Scandal (2012-2018) – Olivia Pope was a masterclass in balancing power with vulnerability, something that would translate well to playing Sara Linton.
• The Birth of a Nation (2016) – Washington portrayed a woman of strength and resilience, qualities that would be key in Sara’s character.

Kerry Washington’s combination of charisma, emotional range, and experience in roles requiring both intellectual and emotional depth makes her a perfect fit for Sara.

3. Rachel McAdams: A Versatile Actress with a Warm Presence

Why She’s Perfect for the Role: Rachel McAdams has built a career playing strong yet relatable characters, from romantic leads to more dramatic roles. Her ability to bring depth and warmth to every character she plays would serve her well as Sara Linton. Sara is a character who must be both emotionally complex and nurturing, and McAdams’ performances consistently balance vulnerability with inner strength.

Her natural chemistry with her co-stars would also be an asset in portraying the complicated relationship between Sara and Will. McAdams’ ability to navigate both lighthearted moments and serious, dramatic scenes makes her an ideal candidate for this role.

Past Roles That Showcase Her Abilities:

• The Notebook (2004) – McAdams played a character who experiences deep emotional growth and transformation.
• Spotlight (2015) – In her role as a journalist, McAdams portrayed someone driven by both intelligence and compassion.
• Doctor Strange (2016) – She added a grounded, emotional layer to her role as Christine Palmer.

Rachel McAdams’ ability to convey warmth, intelligence, and emotional complexity would make her an excellent Sara Linton.

4. Naomi Harris: A Talented Actress Who Can Master Subtle Nuance

Why She’s Perfect for the Role: Naomi Harris is an incredibly versatile actress who has demonstrated her ability to play complex characters in both dramatic and action-packed roles. Known for her work in Moonlight and the James Bond films, Harris has proven time and again that she can bring nuance and emotional depth to any character she portrays.

Sara Linton requires someone who can navigate the tension between personal grief and professional poise, and Harris excels at portraying characters who are dealing with complex emotions. Her natural gravitas would also bring a sense of authority to the role, allowing her to portray Sara’s role as a respected medical examiner while still capturing her vulnerability.

Past Roles That Showcase Her Abilities:

• Moonlight (2016) – Harris delivered an unforgettable performance as a mother struggling with addiction and the effects of her choices on her son.
• Skyfall (2012) – Her role as Moneypenny showed her ability to be calm, authoritative, and intelligent.

Naomi Harris’ ability to express deep emotion and strength would make her an outstanding choice for Sara Linton.

5. Constance Wu: A Rising Star with Incredible Range

Why She’s Perfect for the Role: Constance Wu is best known for her breakout role in Crazy Rich Asians and the TV series Fresh Off the Boat. Wu has proven herself to be a versatile actress, capable of bringing both humor and depth to her characters. Her ability to transition between lighthearted and more serious roles would be beneficial for playing Sara Linton, a character who needs both emotional vulnerability and intellectual strength.

Wu’s on-screen presence exudes warmth and relatability, making her a great fit for the compassionate side of Sara. She can also handle the emotional complexity of Sara’s past with grace and authenticity.

Past Roles That Showcase Her Abilities:

• Crazy Rich Asians (2018) – Wu played a character navigating deep emotional turmoil while maintaining strength.
• Fresh Off the Boat (2015-2020) – She brought warmth and humor to her role, showing her range in both dramatic and comedic performances.

Constance Wu’s ability to convey emotion with authenticity and her depth as an actress would make her an excellent choice to portray Sara Linton.

Conclusion: The Ideal Actress to Play Sara Linton

Casting Sara Linton on Will Trent is a crucial decision for the show’s future, as the character plays an integral role in the emotional development of Will Trent. Each of the actresses mentioned in this article brings unique qualities that could breathe life into Sara Linton’s multifaceted persona.

Whether it’s Jessica Chastain’s emotional range, Kerry Washington’s commanding presence, Rachel McAdams’ warmth, Naomi Harris’ depth, or Constance Wu’s relatability, any of these talented actresses could bring Sara to life in a way that enhances the show. Ultimately, the ideal actress for the role will be someone who can balance the intelligence, warmth, and complexity required to portray Sara Linton and further elevate the emotional depth of Will Trent.

As the series continues to captivate audiences, the search for the perfect Sara Linton will be an exciting journey for fans, and the actress chosen to embody her will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on the show’s success.