 Smith envisioned Rufus to be played by Samuel L. Jackson, but after meeting Rock, it felt like the right choice for Rock in the role.Salma Hayek followed up as Serendipity, George Carlin as Cardinal Glick, and Alan Rickman as the Metatron, who brought in Emma Thompson to play God for a brief period.Thompson left due her having a baby, with the role of God being played by Canadian singer Alanis Morissette.