In preparation for its upcoming flashback episode, Grey’s Anatomy has tapped J. August Richards and Sarah Paulson to play young versions of Richard Webber and Ellis Grey.

The circa 1982 versions of the Chief and Meredith's mom will be seen on the show's February 18 episode, appropriately titled “Time Warp,” and the story should be intriguing.

The episode is expected to shed light on the beginnings of the affair between Richard and Ellis, and there are other flashbacks occurring as well, although not all from 1982.

In separate sequences, we’ll see Bailey in her pre-Nazi days, and Callie shortly before she was introduced on the show's second season. Young Thatcher is also being cast.

What are your thoughts on the casting of Richards and Paulson? Both are quality actors, and look like they could pass for young versions of their respective characters, right?

J. August Richards and Sarah Paulson will play young Richard and Ellis.

Steve Marsi is the Managing Editor of TV Fanatic. Follow him on Google+ or email him here.