Shrinking co-creator Bill Lawrence jokes about a condition for casting Ted Lasso‘s Brett Goldstein, along with how Goldstein ended up with a role in season 2. Goldstein, who plays the surly Roy Kent in Ted Lasso, is one of Shrinking‘s co-creators, executive producers, and writers. In addition to these vital roles, Goldstein will be a guest star in Shrinking season 2, as a character whose name and story have yet to be revealed, although he can be briefly seen in the trailer for the Apple TV+ comedy series.
While speaking with The Hollywood Reporter at the Los Angeles premiere of Shrinking season 2, Lawrence quipped about requiring Goldstein to shave his beard for the guest-starring role. On a more serious note, he explained how he made the mistake of typecasting Goldstein due to his portrayal of Roy in Ted Lasso, and that it nearly prevented him from including his creative partner in season 2, despite Goldstein being well-suited to the role. He also explained why it is important for Goldstein to be playing the new character. Check out Lawrence’s comments below:
There’s very few things that were dealbreakers to me but I wanted him to shave the beard, not really for the character as much as for how I knew it would make him slightly miserable.
I made a mistake that I think audience members make sometimes when you equate somebody to a part they played. This needed to be an empathetic, sweetheart of a guy and in my head I’m like, “No, Brett’s more like [Ted Lasso character] Roy Kent.” And then I’m like, “What am I talking about? He’s such a sweetie and he’s so lovely as a person.” Jason Segel really rallied and was like, “What are you doing man? We should just have Brett play this part.” I’m not going to spoil it but the show would only work if you end up rooting for this guy, and I think he kills it.
What This Means For Shrinking Season 2
Brett Goldstein Is Playing A Likable And Important Character
While details about Goldstein’s character are still being kept under wraps, Lawrence’s comments confirm that the new individual is an empathetic, sweet-natured individual who the audience is meant to root for in season 2. Roy was a character worth rooting for in Ted Lasso, and despite his gruff demeanor, he was ultimately an empathetic person. Based on Lawrence’s tease, Goldstein’s Shrinking character is seemingly more openly sweet and emotional than Roy was, which will be a distinct departure from his Ted Lasso performance.
Goldstein’s upcoming series debut is poised to make him Shrinking
season 2’s breakout star.
Seeing Goldstein without the beard may take some getting used to, but it will likely help in quickly distinguishing his new character from Roy. As for the identity of Goldstein’s character, he may be a new patient seeing Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel). After Jimmy’s advice led to a dark turn of events in the Shrinking season 1 ending, he will have to decide how to adapt his therapeutic approach in season 2. Goldstein’s character may be on the receiving end of that decision, with Jimmy’s advice affecting how the new character grapples with his personal challenges.
Brett Goldstein Will Be A Highlight Of Shrinking Season 2
Hearing about the comedic rapport and open dialogue between Lawrence, Goldstein, and Segel speaks to the fun and meaningful behind-the-scenes process of creating the series. In many respects, this humorous and collaborative spirit aligns with the show’s themes. Goldstein’s upcoming series debut is poised to make him Shrinking season 2’s breakout star, with his character’s introduction being just as exciting as seeing the fallout from Shrinking season 1 unfold.
Source: THR