Culture Interviews Cinema & Tv

“We’d like it to destigmatise the world of therapy, a journey from darkness to the light with a sense of humour”: Bill Lawrence, Christa Miller, Lukita Maxwell and Luke Tennie on Shrinking

“We’d like it to destigmatise the world of therapy, a journey from darkness to the light with a sense of humour”: Bill Lawrence, Christa Miller, Lukita Maxwell and Luke Tennie on Shrinking

Shrinking is a ten-part comedy series created by Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein and Jason Segel. It follows a grieving therapist Jimmy (played by Segel) who, after suffering a devastating loss, isolates his own daughter Alice (Lukita Maxwell), breaks his ethics at work and makes huge changes, not only to his own life, but to the lives of those around him.

The ensemble cast includes Harrison Ford in a pivotal role as Dr Phil Rhodes, an astute therapist and head of the practice that Segel works for. His character provides an emotional haven for the people around him, bringing to screen the different aspects and consequences that stem from Jimmy’s loss.

The Upcoming had the pleasure of speaking to Maxwell and Christa Miller about their roles in the film, what drew them to the script and what it was like working alongside the legendary Ford.

Luke Tennie spoke to us about the appeal of bringing to screen the idea of a central male character grieving a loss, the moment he met Ford and what it was like working with Segel on set.

We also spoke to series creator Lawrence about the foundations of the story, how he went about the casting process and what he hopes that viewers will take away from the exploration of what a family can be.

Ezelle Alblas

Shrinking is released on Apple TV+ on 27th January 2023.

Watch the trailer for Shrinking here:

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