Many know him as Roy Kent, others as Louis Winston; either way, Brett Goldstein’s recent characters have been a big hit with fans. The longtime Ted Lasso actor was cast as Louis, the drunk driver who killed Jason Segel’s character Jimmy’s wife, in Season 2 of the Apple TV+ hit series Shrinking.
However, creator Bill Lawrence admitted that Goldstein’s casting wasn’t his idea, and he had some concerns. Goldstein was ultimately cast as Louis after Segel recommended him, but it came with a condition and a very direct (now funny) warning, as Lawrence told The Hollywood Reporter. There’s nothing like being chosen for a hit show and then getting a call from one of the co-creators warning you that you could “ruin the show.”
And as Lawrence told The Hollywood Reporter, that’s exactly how he felt when Goldstein joined Shrinking. He admitted he was hesitant because Goldstein’s Roy Kent in Ted Lasso was “too gruff,” but he agreed to cast him. The one condition? Goldstein had to shave his beard to appear more vulnerable.
Then came Lawrence’s call to Goldstein.
‘If you think you can do this, you should, but if you screw it up, you’re going to ruin the show and it’s going to get canceled’.
I called Brett up and said, then Lawrence recalls with a laugh
Lawrence explained that he was so impressed with Goldstein’s performance in Shrinking that he’s now “annoyed” it wasn’t his idea to cast him.
In the end I thought he just killed it, and I was so proud of him, and now I’m annoyed that his casting wasn’t my idea.
Lawrence admitted to THR.
All’s well that ends well, I guess.
Although Lawrence probably didn’t call Goldstein with anger in his voice, even jokingly, it’s still a fair amount of pressure for any actor. However, it was likely less a “don’t ruin Shrinking” warning and more a playful tease at Goldstein.
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This is mostly because Lawrence and Goldstein have worked together for the past three seasons on Ted Lasso. They’re also currently working together again as filming for the highly anticipated Season 4 of Ted Lasso has started.
While new seasons of both hit shows starring Goldstein are on the way, it looks like Shrinking will return before Ted Lasso. Predictions suggest a possible late-2025 release for Shrinking Season 3, while Ted Lasso will likely premiere sometime in 2026.
Source: Mensjournal