![Cuba Gooding, Jr., right, as O.J. Simpson, left.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/oj-simpson.jpg?quality=85&w=2400)
By TIME Photo and Eliana Dockterman
Millions watched O.J. Simpson’s trial for murder unfold in real time, which made casting actors in the FX anthology series The People v. O.J. Simpson a challenge. Who could possibly portray now-infamous figures like Simpson, his lawyers Johnnie Cochran and Robert Shapiro, and even family friend (and ex-husband of Kris Jenner) Robert Kardashian?
A host of famous actors including Cuba Gooding, Jr., John Travolta, David Schwimmer and Sarah Paulson were tapped for just some of the roles. Check out how the cast compares to their real-life counterparts.
The People v. O.J. Simpson premieres Feb. 2 at 10 p.m. E.T. on FX.
![Cuba Gooding, Jr., right, as O.J. Simpson, left.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/oj-simpson.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/kato-kaelin.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Judge Lance Ito, left, and Kenneth Choi, right.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/lance-ito-2.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Defense Attorney Johnnie Cochran, left, and Courtney Vance, right.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/johnnie-cochran-2.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Robert Kardashian, left, and David Schwimmer, right.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/robert-kardashian.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![F. Lee Bailey, left, and Nathan Lane, right.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/f-lee-bailey.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Robert Shapiro, left, and John Travolta, right.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/robert-shapiro.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Prosecutor Marcia Clark, left, and Sarah Paulson, right.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/marcia-clark-2.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
![Gil Garcetti, left, and Bruce Greenwood, right.](https://api.time.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/gil-garcetti.jpg?quality=75&w=2400)
More Must-Reads from TIME
- Welcome to the Noah Lyles Olympics
- Melinda French Gates Is Going It Alone
- What to Do if You Can’t Afford Your Medications
- How to Buy Groceries Without Breaking the Bank
- Sienna Miller Is the Reason to Watch Horizon
- Why So Many Bitcoin Mining Companies Are Pivoting to AI
- The 15 Best Movies to Watch on a Plane
- Want Weekly Recs on What to Watch, Read, and More? Sign Up for Worth Your Time
Write to Eliana Dockterman at eliana.dockterman@time.com