There’s an old saying “don’t meet your heroes” but for TV creator, showrunner Bill Lawrence, it was a dream come true.
Lawrence’s new series “Bad Monkey” for Apple TV+, premiering Wednesday, is based on a novel by Carl Hiaasen, one of his favorite authors.
Vaughn plays Andrew Yancy, a former Miami police detective now living in the Florida Keys and working as a restaurant inspector.
That’s just such an inspirational quality to have.” Vaughn goes back more than 25 years with Lawrence — they played poker together.
But, it couldn’t have been more fun.” “If you can work with your kids, do it forever,” said Lawrence.
The proverb “don’t meet your heroes” may be true, but for TV creator and showrunner Bill Lawrence, meeting his heroes was a dream come true. Based on a book by one of his favorite writers, Carl Hiaasen, Lawrence’s new series “Bad Monkey” on Apple TV+ will debut on Wednesday.
When I was fifteen years old, I began reading Carl Hiaasen books. Lawrence, who also produced the enduring Zach Braff sitcom, said, “There’s a direct line from Carl’s surreal satires and wildly insane character pieces to, like, ‘Scrubs.”. “The guy made me a better storyteller. He was just as awesome and a great guy as I had imagined. “.
Vince Vaughn, the star of “Bad Monkey,” writes in a way that complements both Hiaasen and Lawrence’s writing styles with his observational humor and snappy one-liners.
Vaughn portrays Andrew Yancy, a restaurant inspector who now resides in the Florida Keys and was formerly a Miami police detective. (A scene in which we witness Yancy at work gives rise to a recurring joke in which Vaughn plays his most reactionary character, saying that he has lost his appetite for the time being. ).
A friend requests that Yancy deliver a human arm that washed up on the beach to Natalie Martinez, the medical examiner. Upon meeting Eve (Meredith Hagner), the widow of the individual whose arm was involved, Yancy is unable to refute the claim. As the narrative progresses, themes of power and greed are mentioned.
About Yancy, who he compares to “the Energizer Bunny,” Vaughn remarked, “He can’t let himself leave something where he knows there’s some wrongdoing there.”. He is unable to stop himself. After that, he won’t stop moving forward even if he stumbles, is struck in the face, or experiences other setbacks. That’s just such a positive attribute to possess. “.
Vaughn and Lawrence have been friends for over 25 years; they have played poker together. I used to laugh at him. It was simple for me to accept the role—just to see his career take off from a distance,” Vaughn remarked.
Vaughn’s independent film “Swingers” from 1996, according to Lawrence, “helped shape a generation of writers.”. “Everyone wanted to write dialogue like that when he popped onto the screen and said, ‘You’re so money you don’t even know it.'”. “.
A sort of girlfriend who comes and goes in Yancy’s life, Michelle Monaghan plays Bonnie. Although she only has a small role in the book, Monaghan feels that Lawrence gave her a more developed backstory.
Monaghan chuckled and said, “She’s equal parts very delusional and very naive.”. She’s gregarious, playful, and aloof when we first meet her, but as the episode progresses, we discover that she’s also an excellent predator. dot. Bill develops characters that engage in outrageous behavior. “.
Not everyone was at ease improvising and trying different takes as much as Vaughn was.
“I’ll set you up if you say this,” Vince would tell the other cast members as he encouraged them. Lawrence reminisced, “It will be funny.”.
Ronald Peet, who portrays Neville, a fisherman whose storyline parallels Vaughn’s, explained that he had to get used to being able to stray from the script.
“I don’t know how I’m going to do this,” Peet said, “but every day I showed up to work and I was doing something.”. “I’m thankful for that because it’s how you develop and grow. “.
The actors encountered the kind of lazy humidity that decelerates daily life while filming in South Florida, where the episodes were shot on location.
“I have no idea what’s wrong with me. I experience discomfort when I’m in a cozy soundstage. I’m not in my head the same way when it’s hot. And I kind of enjoy saying, “I’m not thinking.”. Hagner spoke.
Thinking back, Vaughn said, “I think my hair had to be a little more hair-sprayed.”. “The Keys were outstanding. The wildlife, the ocean, and the natural surroundings. It was really enjoyable to me. “.
Martinez is from Miami, so working there allowed her to stay in touch with her family.
“I was born and raised in Miami, but I’ve lived in Los Angeles for the past 20 years. Having my goddaughter or aunt visit the set and observe me in action was enjoyable, especially since my entire family was present. Dot and I had a break. and I was allowed to visit my grandmother and have lunch with her at her home. “.
Lawrence’s daughter Charlotte, who recurs as Eve’s stepdaughter Caitlin, had a treasured opportunity to collaborate with him on “Bad Monkey.”. For singer-songwriter Charlotte, this was her first acting role.
Charlotte expressed her gratitude for the “massive chance” she was given, acknowledging that she is aware of the debate surrounding nepo babies.
Growing up, I participated in plays and musical theater, but I have always loved acting. You know, I never really made the connection or imagined that I could do this for a living,” Charlotte remarked. My desire to rebel and pursue my own interests apart from my parents stemmed from their heavy involvement in it, I believe. It was, however, incredibly enjoyable. “.
Lawrence advised working with children “forever” if possible. “I would advise everyone to do that. Who gives a damn about what other people think? It’s fantastic. “.
