The Scene Drift

​Simon Baker and Hunter Parrish share a unique challenge in the new Prime Video series Scarpetta. Both actors are tasked with portraying Benton Wesley, the seasoned FBI profiler, at vastly different points in his life. During our conversation, the pair made it clear that they share more than just a character name. They even put their similarities to the test with a playful “Benton DNA test,” comparing hair, style, and stage presence while laughing at how much their versions of the character actually overlap.

​When it came to finding the rhythm of Benton, theme tunes were quickly debated. Both actors agreed that his focus does not come from a loud playlist. Instead, Benton operates from a calm and methodical mindset. For Simon Baker, preparing for the role meant diving into the memoirs of what he calls “questionable people.” It was the perfect inspiration for a character who spends his life navigating the darker corners of human psychology. Hunter Parrish took a different route, leaning on instinct and the scripts to guide his younger version of the profiler.

The logistical realities of the job were also a topic of humor. Long stakeouts in the Scarpetta universe require practical fuel, and both agreed that Benton is a granola bar man. “It is a healthy and reliable choice for a night spent in a car,” Parrish joked. “You can’t exactly order a three course meal while you are tracking a serial killer.”

​This procedural mindset extended into their film tastes as well. When asked where Benton might fit in other nineties crime dramas, the actors pointed toward the intensity of A Few Good Men or Mississippi Burning. “Those are films that mirror the analytical nature of the character,” Baker said. “Benton would have fit right into that era of high stakes legal and criminal drama.”

​The behind the scenes stories were equally vivid. While Nicole Kidman was rarely on set at the same time as the men, her presence was felt through her meditative routine of grabbing a few almonds during breaks. It was a stark contrast to Jamie Lee Curtis. Baker and Parrish recalled her uncontainable energy on the first day of filming. “She arrived decked out in a sequined green jumpsuit with flickering earrings,” Baker recalled with a laugh. “It immediately set a lively and chaotic tone for the entire production. You couldn't help but smile.”

​Beyond the anecdotes, the actors were clear about the human story at the heart of the series. While the forensic investigations drive the plot, Scarpetta examines the personal wear and tear of a life spent in the FBI. “It is a portrayal that balances intensity with humanity,” Parrish concluded. “We wanted to show the personal challenges that create the real drama.”

Scarpetta is now streaming on Prime Video, offering audiences a compelling look at Benton Wesley across decades, brought to life by Simon Baker and Hunter Parrish.