Kevin Smith on the Resurrection of 'Dogma'

As a kid from the East Coast who hung out a lot in comic book shops and went to Wizard World every year, I am a pretty big fan of Kevin Smith.His films are eclectic, weird, and polarizing, but no one can deny that he's an artist with a particular point of view. and a great writer. One of my favorite movies of his is Dogma, a film almost lost to time thanks to the Weinstein scandal, but now back for a theatrical release. To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the controversial and beloved film Dogma, director Kevin Smith recently joined "The Rich Eisen Show" for a look back at the making of this cult classic. Let's dive in. - YouTube www.youtube.com Dogma is Back Like I said at the top, I am a fan of the View Askewniverse. Before there was Marvel and DC, Kevin Smith was telling stories that all sort of related in small town, New Jersey. The fourth movie in his collection was Dogma, a satirical fantasy exploring themes of faith and religion as two fallen angels try to return to heaven via a loophole given by modern Catholicism. The cast for this movie was nuts... Ben Affleck as BartlebyMatt Damon as LokiLinda Fiorentino as Bethany SloaneAlan Rickman as The MetatronChris Rock as Rufus (The 13th Apostle)Jason Lee as AzraelSalma Hayek as SerendipityJason Mewes as JayKevin Smith as Silent BobGeorge Carlin as Cardinal GlickAlanis Morissette as GodBud Cort as John Doe JerseyJaneane Garofalo as LizNow, back for its 25th anniversary, I love Smith doing a press tour talking about how this movie came to be. On Eisen's show, Smith shared some insider intel. One of the most surprising revelations centered on the late, great Alan Rickman, who portrayed Metatron, the voice of God. Smith shared that Rickman loved his previous film, Chasing Amy, and actively sought a role in Dogma. In a testament to his artistic passion, the acclaimed actor agreed to join the project for minimum SAG wage, a detail Smith confirmed with a 1997 deal memo. See on Instagram Smith also told the story of the casting of legendary comedian George Carlin as Cardinal Glick. From the moment he conceived the character, Smith had only Carlin in mind and felt the famous atheist was the perfect choice to bring the role to life. In a touching anecdote, Smith revealed that Carlin joined the film while mourning the recent loss of his wife, finding a way to honor her memory on set while delivering a dedicated and memorable performance. He wanted to wear his wedding ring the whole time, so they gave Glick a ton of rings to wear in different scenes so Carlin didn't have to take his off. Another fun tidbit was that Chris Rock was so taken with the script that he actively campaigned for the part of the 13th apostle, Rufus, a role Smith had initially considered for Samuel L. Jackson. But Rock was so famous and so good that the role went to him. Smith also reminisced about meeting a young Ben Affleck during auditions for Mallrats, a meeting that would lead to collaborations on Chasing Amy and ultimately Dogma, where Affleck eagerly took and crushed on the role of the fallen angel Bartleby.Of course, this movie wouldn't work if it weren't grounded by the performance of Linda Fiorentino as Bethany, the film's protagonist. Smith praised her subtle and grounding work, noting that she served as the essential anchor for the audience in a film filled with larger-than-life divine and demonic beings.What I have always appreciated about Smith is that he is so open with his process and the way his films come together. Dogma was a bit of a miracle, and a movie that I cannot wait to see again when it comes back to theaters on June 5th. Summing It All Up Smith's recollections offer a compelling look at the serendipity and passion that helped create this cult classic. It also goes to show that when you're making things, other actors will take notice and may reach out because they're fans. If you surround yourself with passionate people who believe in a project, it will get done. And many times, done well. Let me know what you think in the comments

Jun 4, 2025 - 15:55

Kevin Smith on the Resurrection of 'Dogma'

As a kid from the East Coast who hung out a lot in comic book shops and went to Wizard World every year, I am a pretty big fan of Kevin Smith.

His films are eclectic, weird, and polarizing, but no one can deny that he's an artist with a particular point of view. and a great writer.

One of my favorite movies of his is Dogma, a film almost lost to time thanks to the Weinstein scandal, but now back for a theatrical release.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the controversial and beloved film Dogma, director Kevin Smith recently joined "The Rich Eisen Show" for a look back at the making of this cult classic.

Let's dive in.

- YouTube www.youtube.com

Dogma is Back

Like I said at the top, I am a fan of the View Askewniverse. Before there was Marvel and DC, Kevin Smith was telling stories that all sort of related in small town, New Jersey.

The fourth movie in his collection was Dogma, a satirical fantasy exploring themes of faith and religion as two fallen angels try to return to heaven via a loophole given by modern Catholicism.

The cast for this movie was nuts...

Ben Affleck as Bartleby
Matt Damon as Loki
Linda Fiorentino as Bethany Sloane
Alan Rickman as The Metatron
Chris Rock as Rufus (The 13th Apostle)
Jason Lee as Azrael
Salma Hayek as Serendipity
Jason Mewes as Jay
Kevin Smith as Silent Bob
George Carlin as Cardinal Glick
Alanis Morissette as God
Bud Cort as John Doe Jersey
Janeane Garofalo as Liz

Now, back for its 25th anniversary, I love Smith doing a press tour talking about how this movie came to be.

On Eisen's show, Smith shared some insider intel.

One of the most surprising revelations centered on the late, great Alan Rickman, who portrayed Metatron, the voice of God. Smith shared that Rickman loved his previous film, Chasing Amy, and actively sought a role in Dogma.

In a testament to his artistic passion, the acclaimed actor agreed to join the project for minimum SAG wage, a detail Smith confirmed with a 1997 deal memo.

See on Instagram

Smith also told the story of the casting of legendary comedian George Carlin as Cardinal Glick. From the moment he conceived the character, Smith had only Carlin in mind and felt the famous atheist was the perfect choice to bring the role to life.

In a touching anecdote, Smith revealed that Carlin joined the film while mourning the recent loss of his wife, finding a way to honor her memory on set while delivering a dedicated and memorable performance. He wanted to wear his wedding ring the whole time, so they gave Glick a ton of rings to wear in different scenes so Carlin didn't have to take his off.

Another fun tidbit was that Chris Rock was so taken with the script that he actively campaigned for the part of the 13th apostle, Rufus, a role Smith had initially considered for Samuel L. Jackson. But Rock was so famous and so good that the role went to him.

Smith also reminisced about meeting a young Ben Affleck during auditions for Mallrats, a meeting that would lead to collaborations on Chasing Amy and ultimately Dogma, where Affleck eagerly took and crushed on the role of the fallen angel Bartleby.

Of course, this movie wouldn't work if it weren't grounded by the performance of Linda Fiorentino as Bethany, the film's protagonist. Smith praised her subtle and grounding work, noting that she served as the essential anchor for the audience in a film filled with larger-than-life divine and demonic beings.

What I have always appreciated about Smith is that he is so open with his process and the way his films come together. Dogma was a bit of a miracle, and a movie that I cannot wait to see again when it comes back to theaters on June 5th.

Summing It All Up

Smith's recollections offer a compelling look at the serendipity and passion that helped create this cult classic.

It also goes to show that when you're making things, other actors will take notice and may reach out because they're fans. If you surround yourself with passionate people who believe in a project, it will get done. And many times, done well.

Let me know what you think in the comments