The Curious Case Of Justin Theroux: Unpacking His Two Completely Different Roles On Sex And The City And His Current Stance On And Just Like That...
As of December 23, 2025, the enduring legacy of *Sex and the City* continues to fascinate fans, especially when revisiting the show’s most curious casting decisions. Among the dozens of fleeting love interests and memorable cameos, one actor stands out for a truly unique reason: Justin Theroux. The accomplished actor, writer, and director—known today for his compelling work in *The Leftovers* and *Maniac*—actually played two distinct, unrelated characters in the original HBO series. This double-casting anomaly has become a favorite piece of trivia for dedicated fans, raising the question of why and how it was allowed to happen on one of television’s most iconic shows.
This deep dive will not only explain the mystery of Justin Theroux's dual roles as two different writers who dated Carrie Bradshaw, but also provide the most current updates on his perspective, including his surprising and enthusiastic take on potentially joining the cast of the spin-off, *And Just Like That...* The explanation for his repeated casting is a hilarious testament to the show’s fast-paced dating world, and his recent comments ensure the story remains fresh and relevant for a new generation of viewers.
Justin Theroux: A Brief Biography and Career Profile
Justin Theroux is an American actor, director, producer, and screenwriter whose career spans over three decades, marked by a versatile range of roles in both independent films and major studio productions. His work is characterized by a blend of dramatic intensity and quirky, intelligent humor, often blurring the lines between mainstream and cult success. While his early career included notable television guest spots, his later work solidified his status as a leading man and a respected creative force in Hollywood.
- Full Name: Justin Paul Theroux
- Date of Birth: August 10, 1971
- Place of Birth: Washington, D.C., U.S.
- Parents: Phyllis Grissim (journalist/writer) and Eugene Theroux (lawyer)
- Education: Bennington College (Drama and Visual Arts)
- Notable Acting Roles (Film): *American Psycho* (2000), *Mulholland Drive* (2001), *Charlie's Angels: Full Throttle* (2003), *Miami Vice* (2006), *The Girl on the Train* (2016), *Lady and the Tramp* (Voice, 2019).
- Notable Acting Roles (Television): *Sex and the City* (1998, 1999), *Six Feet Under* (2004), *The Leftovers* (2014–2017), *Maniac* (2018), *The Mosquito Coast* (2021–2023).
- Screenwriting Credits: *Tropic Thunder* (2008), *Iron Man 2* (2010), *Rock of Ages* (2012), *Zoolander 2* (2016).
- Awards & Nominations: Nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Television Series Drama for *The Leftovers*.
The Two Writers: Detailing Theroux's Separate SATC Characters
The most enduring piece of trivia about Justin Theroux's time on *Sex and the City* is the fact that he is one of the very few actors to have played two completely different, non-related characters in the series. Both characters were writers and both were brief, yet memorable, love interests for Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker). The double casting is often cited as a humorous example of the show's intense focus on the New York dating scene.
Character 1: Jared (The Egotistical Writer)
Theroux’s initial appearance was in Season 1, Episode 7, titled "The Monogamists," which aired in 1998. In this episode, he played a character named Jared, an author and friend of Stanford Blatch (Willie Garson). Jared is introduced at a party as a young, somewhat arrogant, and highly self-absorbed writer who flirts with Carrie. The interaction is short-lived, serving mainly as a snapshot of the kind of pretentious literary types Carrie often encountered in her early dating life.
- Episode: Season 1, Episode 7, "The Monogamists"
- Role: Jared, an author
- Key Scene: Flirting with Carrie at a party, demonstrating a slightly egotistical persona.
Character 2: Vaughn Wysel (The Emotionally Unavailable Writer)
Theroux returned to the series just one season later, in Season 2, Episode 15, "Shortcomings," which aired in 1999. This time, he played Vaughn Wysel, a more significant love interest for Carrie. Vaughn was a successful short story writer with a charming family, including his mother, played by Valerie Harper. The relationship was promising, but it quickly hit a major roadblock in the bedroom. The episode is famous for directly addressing sexual dysfunction and emotional intimacy, as Carrie struggles with Vaughn’s inability to perform sexually, which he attributes to emotional issues rather than physical ones. The relationship ultimately fails due to this "shortcoming," making Vaughn a more emotionally complex and pivotal figure than Jared.
- Episode: Season 2, Episode 15, "Shortcomings"
- Role: Vaughn Wysel, a short story writer
- Key Conflict: Carrie’s relationship with Vaughn ends due to his struggles with sexual performance/emotional intimacy.
The Real Reason Behind the Double-Casting Anomaly
For years, the double-casting of Justin Theroux remained a fun, unexplained quirk of the series. However, Theroux himself has offered a simple, yet perfectly fitting, explanation that captures the essence of the *SATC* universe. In a recent interview, the actor joked about the practical realities of casting a show centered on the constant dating lives of four women in Manhattan.
Theroux stated that the show’s premise—"girls who are dating all the time"—meant that the production quickly "burn[s] through every single male actor in New York." Given the sheer volume of men Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte, and Miranda dated over six seasons, the casting directors likely recycled talented actors for new, unrelated roles, a common practice in long-running television, though rarely with such a recognizable actor so early in the run.
Furthermore, an explanation from one of the show’s stars, Kristin Davis (Charlotte York), sheds light on the personal connection that likely facilitated Theroux's return. Davis mentioned that Sarah Jessica Parker and her husband, Matthew Broderick, were friends with Theroux from the New York social and acting scene. This personal relationship, combined with the need for fresh faces in the dating pool, made his reappearance as a new character a convenient and logical choice for the production team.
Justin Theroux’s Current Stance on the SATC Revival: And Just Like That...
In the years since the original series concluded, Theroux has become a major television star, particularly for his critically acclaimed role in HBO's *The Leftovers*. With the launch of the *Sex and the City* revival, *And Just Like That...* (AJLT), fans and journalists alike have been curious about whether he would ever consider a return, perhaps for a third, brand-new character.
The latest updates confirm that Theroux is not only aware of the interest but is enthusiastically open to the possibility. In recent comments, he confirmed that he "would love to" join the revival if the producers were interested in having him back. This willingness to return is a significant piece of news for fans, as it opens the door to a truly meta-casting moment for AJLT.
The question remains: how would a third appearance be handled? The writers of *And Just Like That...* would have several creative options to address his history:
- The Meta-Joke: He could return as a third character, and the show could wink at the audience by having Carrie or Miranda comment that he looks "familiar."
- The Return of Vaughn: Though unlikely, Vaughn Wysel could reappear, having resolved his "shortcomings," leading to a humorous, full-circle moment with Carrie.
- A New York Celebrity: He could play himself, or a thinly veiled version of a successful New York writer/director, acknowledging his real-life fame within the show's universe.
Given the show’s tendency to embrace nostalgia while also pushing new boundaries, a third, completely new character is the most likely and most amusing option. Theroux’s updated comments ensure that the possibility remains a hot topic of discussion among the *Sex and the City* fanbase, demonstrating that even two decades later, his brief appearances have secured a permanent, peculiar spot in the show's extensive dating history.
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