AMY POEHLER JUST REVEALED THE ROLE SHE’S DYING TO PLAY
When Amy Poehler hears the iconic Law & Order “Dun Dun,” her mind doesn’t go to a detective or a prosecutor. Instead, she imagines herself setting the precinct on edge as a menacing character no one would see coming.
The Parks and Recreation star revealed this unexpected dream role during an August 2025 episode of her podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler. Joined by her longtime friend and Parks and Rec co-star Adam Scott, Poehler confessed that her ultimate Law & Order fantasy isn’t a guest cameo — it’s playing the villain.
“I wanted to be like the one you would not suspect, and then there’s a shocking reveal,” Poehler told Scott. “I wanted to be a pyro. A baby-faced pyro. Someone who seems like she’s helping the police and then suddenly snaps — ‘They deserved it!’ Some weird psycho thing.”
Amy Poehler envies Adam Scott’s Law & Order moment
While Poehler has never appeared in Dick Wolf’s sprawling TV universe, Scott has. The Severance star guest-starred in Law & Order Season 16, Episode 17 (“America, Inc.”), where he played Robbie Hummel, the grieving brother of a fallen soldier. His storyline placed him at the heart of a politically charged investigation, and Poehler admitted she was jealous of the opportunity.
“You got to the Law part,” she joked, impressed that Scott shared scenes with franchise legends like Dennis Farina, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Sam Waterston.
For Poehler, though, the appeal lies not in courtroom arguments but in wreaking havoc. As she explained, she’d love to step into the shoes of a seemingly innocent character who flips the script in the most shocking way — much like the best Law & Order villains always do.
Why Poehler’s dream role makes sense
Over its decades-long run, Law & Order has introduced audiences to countless unforgettable criminals — from ruthless politicians to cunning serial killers. Poehler’s comedic timing and ability to balance charm with chaos could make her an unforgettable addition to that list.
After all, if Dick Wolf picked up the phone tomorrow, Poehler wouldn’t hesitate to join the lineup of courtroom baddies who keep viewers guessing until the very last scene.
And while she’s known for the optimistic Leslie Knope, maybe it’s time to see Amy Poehler light a different kind of fire.