In a jaw-dropping reveal at the end of Shrinking ‘s Season 2 premiere, fans of Apple TV+ ‘s beloved comedy finally learn who co-creator and writer Brett Goldstein is playing.
Shrinking Season 2 premiere spoilers ahead.
In addition to Goldstein’s character, Louis — the drunk driver who killed Jimmy’s wife — serving as a major twist in Shrinking ‘s story, the role also marks a major departure from comedic characters Goldstein is known for playing, like Ted Lasso ‘s Roy Kent.
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Turns out, that’s exactly why fellow co-creator and star Jason Segel pushed so hard for him to get the part.
“I went through the experience of being seen a certain way for a long time, but believing I could do other stuff, and I worked hard to make that happen,” Segel told Decider over Zoom. “After How I Met Your Mother ended and I started taking movies, it was a slow road of trying to be seen in a way that I saw myself, versus how I had been previously known. I knew that Brett wanted to play Louis. And I knew that he would be great at it. And I also knew it wasn’t how he is typically seen, so there might be some barriers to entry for that to happen.”
“I felt a lot of kinship in the fact that Brett should play that part, and that he was going to nail it,” Segel, who plays therapist Jimmy Laird, added. “Everyone deserved to see how good he was going to be at it.”
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We don’t see much of Goldstein in Season 2’s first two episodes, but his introductory scene at the end of the premiere teases a different side of the actor — and not just because his face is beard-free. As a remorseful Louis confronts Jimmy in hopes of taking accountability and talking through their grief, Goldstein emits palpable sadness, offering a glimpse at a gentle soul who’s tormented by his own actions.
While Shrinking showrunner and co-creator Bill Lawrence didn’t initially see the Ted Lasso star in the more serious role, after watching it come together, he can’t imagine anyone else as Louis.
“Now I’m very grateful. I didn’t see it at first in my head. I admit it. And Brett is never pushy. So if it weren’t for Jason, it probably wouldn’t have happened. The truth — separate from some story elements — this is who Brett is. He’s such a sweet and empathetic and kind man. And once you shave his beard off, he looks like he’s 14,” Lawrence told Decider. “I think he’s so good in it. And I don’t think it would have worked without an actor that — even in light of some things they’ve done — you just inherently root for them to be OK. So I’m very grateful that he did it. Don’t ever print that or tell him.”
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From Boop To Boom: ‘Shrinking’ Season 2 Is Explosive In The Best Way At the end of Episode 2, Jimmy’s daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell) sits outside Louis’ house, but details about Goldstein’s future Shrinking storylines are locked down. That said, we do vaguely praise the actor a bit more in our full review . And Lawrence’s next comment should be enough to convince you Goldstein is still “good at shit.”
“It’s really annoying. I don’t like it when friends are more talented than I am. I find it upsetting. He’s a good writer, he’s a good actor, and he’s a good comic. Enough already. How bored are we of Brett Goldstein being good at shit?” Lawrence joked.
The answer? Not bored at all! Keep the Brett Goldstein writing, acting, comedy, and drama coming. And be sure to tune in to Shrinking to see what’s in store for his character, Louis.
New episodes of Shrinking Season 2 premiere Wednesdays on Apple TV+.
For more entertainment news and streaming recommendations, visit decider.com
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