Originally, J. Michael Straczynski intended to cast McGill in the role
of Major Ryan in the
Babylon 5 (1993) episode "Severed Dreams". However, Straczynski didn't know his full name, so when he asked to have McGill contacted to set up a meeting about casting him, his assistant asked if
he meant Bruce, and Straczynski said yes. Bruce McGill was invited to meet with Straczynski, and it was only after the two met that Straczynski realized his mistake. Straczynski decided to use Bruce for the role of Major Ryan, despite this.