George Saunders has revealed the cast of the audiobook edition of his forthcoming novel, Vigil.
Saunders’ novel, scheduled for publication on Jan. 27, 2026, by Random House, follows Jill “Doll” Blaine, a dead woman who’s been sent to comfort the dying oil baron K.J. Boone. She finds that Boone is unwilling to repent for the harm he and his industry have caused the environment. In a starred review, a critic for Kirkus wrote of the book, “Saunders has crafted a novel that feels deeply resonant, especially in these fractious times.”
Saunders announced the cast of the audiobook in a Zoom video that he posted on his Substack, Story Club.
Judy Greer, the actor known for her roles in films including What Women Want and Jurassic World, will lend her voice to Jill in the audiobook. “I got to hear some of her recording, and she’s so endearing and soulful,” Saunders said.
Boone will be played by Stephen Root, the actor who has appeared in films including Office Space and O Brother, Where Art Thou? and the series NewsRadio and Barry. “He just nailed the part of this kind of crusty old oil guy,” Saunders said.
The author, Random House said, will make a cameo in the audiobook as well, which will feature 19 other voice actors.
Saunders’ previous novel, Lincoln in the Bardo, also had a star-studded audiobook version, with voice actors including Nick Offerman, Megan Mullally, Susan Sarandon, Jeff Tweedy, Keegan-Michael Key, Ben Stiller, and Julianne Moore.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
