central casting

American  

noun

Movies.

1. an agency, studio department, etc., responsible for hiring actors, especially bit players or extras.

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Etymology

Origin of central casting

First recorded in 1925–30

Example Sentences

Rocha said that as a spokesperson for American Indians, Stevens was straight out of central casting.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

If you’ve ever wondered why everyone on your social feeds now looks like they also have stepped directly out of central casting or off a billboard, there’s much more at play than judicial filtering.

From Slate • Sep. 21, 2024

During her time as a prosecutor, former New York State Acting Supreme Court Justice Diane Kiesel used to have a saying: "I don't go to central casting for my witnesses."

From BBC • May 7, 2024

But now comes the blowtorch-wielding Bugs Bunny — or at least Coach Beard, or rather special counsel Jack Smith, straight out of central casting.

From Salon • Jun. 15, 2023

Zero combined the shows into a central casting office, and every Saturday night put on a super colossal by the Cabanatuan Mighty Art Players.

From Blood Brothers A Medic's Sketch Book by Rohlfing, Sam