Behind the scenes of Nuremberg, John Slattery recalls a fleeting Mad Men moment with Colin Hanks

John Slattery is stepping back into the spotlight with a story fans didn’t see coming, one that links his latest film to a beloved piece of TV history.

While working on Nuremberg, surrounded by the intensity of its wartime setting, Slattery found himself sharing an unexpected full-circle moment with Colin Hanks, a brief exchange that instantly transported him to his Mad Men days.

The actor revealed that this behind-the-scenes interaction stood out amid the heavy material, offering a surprising bit of nostalgia in the middle of a demanding shoot.

Let’s break down what sparked this quick callback to Mad Men and why the moment stuck with him.

A Brief Encounter That Came Full Circle

John Slattery and Colin Hanks are sharing the screen in Nuremberg, but their professional relationship began years earlier on Mad Men. The two actors barely interacted during their time on that acclaimed series. Yet that fleeting moment laid the groundwork for a deeper connection.

Slattery starred as Roger Sterling throughout all seven seasons of Mad Men from 2007 to 2015. He appeared in 85 episodes of the show and directed five. Hanks joined during season 2 in 2008, playing Father John Gill for three episodes only.

Despite separate storylines, Slattery told People, “We did [meet] briefly back then,” he added, “I didn’t have anything to do with him story-wise on the show, but we had met and chatted.” The encounter was pleasant but brief for both actors then.

Now, the actors reunited for Nuremberg, a historical drama about post-World War II trials. Slattery described Hanks as a “great guy” and noted they spent considerable time together during filming. Their reunion transformed a fleeting connection into something genuine.

From Sterling Cooper to Nazi Trials

Nuremberg brought Slattery and Hanks together in a far more serious context than their Mad Men days ever did. The film was released in theaters nationwide on November 7, 2025, coinciding with the 80th anniversary of the actual trials.

Slattery portrays U.S. Colonel Burton C. Andrus, the commandant responsible for overseeing Nuremberg Prison during the trials ahead. His character supervised high-ranking Nazi officials while they awaited judgment for their war crimes. Hanks plays psychologist Gustave Gilbert, brought in to provide expert opinions on prisoners.

The film follows American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, played by Rami Malek, as he evaluates Nazi leaders, including Hermann Göring specifically. Russell Crowe delivers a commanding performance as Hitler’s right-hand man in this psychological thriller about justice.

The stellar cast also includes Michael Shannon as Supreme Court Justice Robert H. Jackson, who served as chief prosecutor then. Richard E. Grant, Leo Woodall, and Mark O’Brien round out the ensemble in important supporting roles throughout.

The Weight of History on Set

Filming Nuremberg proved emotionally challenging for the entire cast, particularly during scenes involving actual Holocaust footage shown to them. Slattery revealed that the production team showed graphic concentration camp documentary footage just once. The decision aimed to protect cast and crew from repeated exposure to traumatic material.

Slattery explained, “It’s a devastating sequence of footage that you see, and it’s unbelievable.” He ultimately chose to watch as a human being rather than overthink the character’s response to horror. The filmmakers could then decide whether to use his genuine reaction in the final cut.

Despite the heavy subject matter, the cast found ways to decompress after intense shooting days ended each time. Slattery shared that the entire cast stayed in the same hotel and regularly hung out together after filming wrapped. They bonded over the belief that the material was important and worth their collective effort together.

Working with Director James Vanderbilt

Slattery expressed great admiration for director James Vanderbilt throughout the press tour for Nuremberg and its promotion. He described Vanderbilt as a great collaborator who brought both skill and humor to the set.

Slattery praised Vanderbilt as funny and enjoyable to work with despite the serious subject matter at hand. The actor appreciated having a director willing to discuss ideas and make adjustments throughout the production schedule. This collaborative approach allowed actors to contribute while maintaining the director’s overall vision for the story.

The director worked from a script based on Jack El-Hai’s 2013 book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist. The source material provided detailed accounts of the psychological evaluations conducted before and during the trials.

Slattery noted that not everything from the real Colonel Andrus’s experiences could fit into the film’s runtime. The actors and director collaborated to determine which elements best served the overall story being told. This selective approach meant sacrificing some historical details for narrative clarity and emotional impact throughout.

The Mad Men Legacy Continues

The Mad Men connection between Slattery and Hanks adds an interesting layer to their Nuremberg collaboration today. Both actors carry the prestige of that groundbreaking AMC series into their current work.

Hanks was a huge fan of Mad Men before being cast in season 2 of the show. He read about the show in The New York Times and immediately contacted his agent for a meeting. Creator Matthew Weiner initially considered him for a different role before casting him as Father Gill.

Slattery’s portrayal of Roger Sterling became iconic, earning him multiple Emmy nominations throughout the show’s run. His performance captured the complexity of a privileged man slowly confronting his own limitations and mortality. The role showcased Slattery’s ability to blend humor with dramatic depth in performances.

The reunion of Mad Men alumni on various projects has become a pleasant trend for fans. These collaborations remind audiences of the talent pool that shows assembled and the lasting relationships formed. Slattery and Hanks join other Mad Men veterans who continue working together, maintaining creative connections.

TL;DR

• John Slattery and Colin Hanks briefly met on the Mad Men set in 2008 despite never sharing scenes.
• Slattery played Roger Sterling for all seven seasons while Hanks appeared as Father Gill in three season 2 episodes.
• The actors reunited 17 years later for Nuremberg, released November 7, 2025.
• The film follows psychiatrist Douglas Kelley evaluating Nazi leaders including Hermann Göring before the Nuremberg trials.
• Cast includes Rami Malek, Russell Crowe, Michael Shannon, Richard E. Grant, and Leo Woodall.
• Filming in Budapest required actors to watch graphic Holocaust footage only once to capture authentic reactions.
• Slattery praised director James Vanderbilt as a great collaborator who balanced history with entertainment.

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This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.