If you’ve ever caught yourself humming “We Both Reached for the Gun” from the hit musical Chicago and wondered, “Who are these smooth operators pulling the strings?”—you’re in the right place!
Let’s break down the star-studded ensemble that brought this iconic number to life.
1. Richard Gere as Billy Flynn – The Master Manipulator
First up, we have Richard Gere, the ultimate charmer in the role of Billy Flynn, the lawyer with a silver tongue and a heart as cold as Chicago’s winter. Gere’s portrayal of Flynn is the epitome of suave manipulation. In “We Both Reached for the Gun,” Flynn is the puppet master—literally—steering the narrative that Roxie Hart, his client, and her unfortunate victim were just two innocent folks caught in a Wild West-style showdown. Gere’s smooth delivery and effortless charisma made audiences question why they ever trusted any lawyer, ever.
2. Renée Zellweger as Roxie Hart – The Puppet with Ambition
Then there’s Renée Zellweger, who plays Roxie Hart, a starry-eyed chorus girl with dreams of fame and a bit of a problem with, well, shooting her lovers. In this number, Roxie is the perfect puppet—quite literally perched on Flynn’s lap, with Zellweger nailing the wide-eyed, innocent act. She’s the epitome of “damsel in distress,” but with a twist—Roxie knows exactly what she’s doing, letting Flynn pull the strings while she basks in the media spotlight.
3. The Chorus of Reporters – The Gullible Puppets
And let’s not forget the chorus of reporters, played by an ensemble of talented performers who perfectly capture the clueless frenzy of the media. These characters, like puppets on strings, dance and sway to Flynn’s narrative, lapping up every word he feeds them. The way they echo Flynn’s every line in “We Both Reached for the Gun” is both hilarious and a sharp commentary on how easily the media can be manipulated.
4. Catherine Zeta-Jones as Velma Kelly – The Showstopper (Offstage)
While Velma Kelly, played by the ever-glamorous Catherine Zeta-Jones, isn’t a part of this particular number, her presence looms large over the entire musical. Velma is the original bad girl with a heart of stone, and Zeta-Jones’s performance throughout Chicago is nothing short of electrifying. In a way, she’s the foil to Roxie’s naivety—if Roxie’s the puppet, Velma’s the puppeteer of her own story, refusing to let anyone else pull her strings.
5. John C. Reilly as Amos Hart – The Forgotten Husband
Finally, there’s John C. Reilly as Amos Hart, Roxie’s poor, clueless husband who’s nowhere to be seen in this scene, but whose presence is always felt. Amos is the only character who sees through the manipulation, but he’s also the one nobody listens to. Reilly’s portrayal of the ever-loyal, ever-ignored Amos adds a layer of tragic comedy to the musical, making you feel for the guy even as you laugh at his misfortune.
Ultimately, the true stars of “We Both Reached for the Gun” aren’t just the actors—it’s the brilliant satire and the theatrical spectacle that make this number unforgettable. The song is a sharp jab at the media, the legal system, and the public’s insatiable hunger for scandal. With its catchy tune and clever choreography, it’s no wonder this number has taken on a life of its own, especially in today’s TikTok era.
So next time you find yourself caught in the earworm that is “We Both Reached for the Gun,” remember the stars who brought it to life—and the biting commentary that made it a classic. Whether you’re team Roxie or team Velma, one thing’s for sure: in Chicago, the show-stoppers never stop showing off!
