As a fan of compelling storytelling and character development, I find Lawrence’s approach to creating Bad Monkey truly captivating. His ability to blend humor, emotional depth, and social commentary is a testament to his rich life experience and his knack for crafting engaging narratives. The way he has shaped Yancy as a protagonist is reminiscent of the characters I used to form around card tables in my youth, and I can’t help but feel that Lawrence and Vaughn would make an exceptional team in continuing this journey.
[This story contains major spoilers from the season finale of Bad Monkey.]
In the heart of the 1990s, before they had achieved fame, Vince Vaughn and Bill Lawrence first crossed paths at a casual poker game held by a mutual acquaintance in Los Angeles. At that time, Vaughn was not yet known for his role alongside Jon Favreau in the hit buddy comedy film “Swingers,” while Lawrence, who was then a stand-up comedian, was yet to create the ABC sitcom “Spin City” featuring Michael J. Fox, where he played the shrewd deputy mayor of New York City before revealing his Parkinson’s diagnosis.
Over time, they’d often run into each other at social functions, and they would regularly check in on one another’s achievements. In the late ’90s and 2000s, Vaughn emerged as a leading star in R-rated comedies, with blockbusters like “Wedding Crashers,” “Old School,” and “Dodgeball” under his belt. On the other hand, Lawrence found success as a prominent TV showrunner in Hollywood, creating popular series such as “Scrubs,” “Cougar Town,” “Ted Lasso,” and “Shrinking.
However, their old friendships hadn’t found the perfect collaboration until recently. This breakthrough came with the show “Bad Monkey”, which has concluded its first season on Apple TV+. Adapted from Carl Hiaasen’s 2013 book of the same title, this mystery comedy-drama series introduces Vaughn as Andrew Yancy – a quick-witted, unconventional former Miami detective turned health inspector. After receiving an arm severed by tourists, he finds himself embroiled in a perilous web of greed and corruption that wreaks havoc in both Florida and the Bahamas.
Lawrence describes Yancy as a large, intimidating figure who can be menacing at times, prone to trouble, sharp-tongued with an aggressive demeanor, but underneath it all, surprisingly endearing and possessing a deep sense of humanity that makes people want him to succeed. He didn’t create the role of Yancy for any specific actor, but one character note he included in the script was “Reminiscent of James Garner.” However, getting a time machine is necessary to find an actor like him.
As it transpires, Vaughn was an ideal match for the role. Vaughn and Lawrence found early on that they both had a talent for conversing and brainstorming. However, what sets Vaughn apart is his unique ability to make anyone he interacts with feel at ease. “Vince comes across as if everyone already knows him – and he greets them with such warmth and empathy,” Lawrence notes. “Few people can pull off the things Vince does on this show without being portrayed as the antagonist.
On Wednesday, I watched as the season finale wrapped up its grand mystery – quite a bloody conclusion indeed! Following Hurricane Mel’s aftermath in the Bahamas, resourceful Yancy concocted a plan: flying Nick (Rob Delaney) and Eve Striping (Meredith Hagner) back to Miami. The FBI, planning to apprehend them for their questionable activities, was hot on their heels.
Instead of planes taking off or landing anymore at Andros, the Striplings opt for an escape by yacht. However, in a shocking turn of events, Eve shoves Nick, who had recently lost motor function in his legs due to being stabbed with a fishing rod, overboard and stands by as he perishes. Despite this, Yancy and young fisherman Neville Stafford (Ronald Peet) are compelled to let her go. In the end, while seeking sanctuary in Portugal, Eve tragically chokes on a carrot and falls to her demise.
In a recent joint interview with THR, Vaughn and Lawrence – both executive producers on the series – talk about the finale and the challenging task of transforming one of Hiaasen’s beloved novels and characters for the screen. They also hint at the three-season plan they proposed to Apple.
***
Could you tell me what you recall about our initial discussions regarding the “Bad Monkey” project? I believe you were not required to audition for this role, is that correct?
Bill Lawrence Initially, he submitted some tapes, which were quite impressive. I later requested him to present more substantial work for my review.
Vince Vaughn Indeed, he suggested, “Let’s avoid the puppeteer vibe, but could we give it another shot?” (Chuckles)
LAWRENCE I had a feeling that Vince was just the right person for the job even before he accepted it, given my extensive knowledge of Carl’s work. It’s not an easy style to replicate, and what impressed me most was that when we began our conversation, Vince expressed immediate interest in discussing the tone.
VAUGHN I might’ve exhausted you with the tone conversation, to be fair.
LAWRENCE But that’s the game. Carl’s books are banter-driven comedy, surrounded by surreal satire, huge characters and pathos. If you fall on the wrong side of that tone, it just absolutely stinks. But if you nail it, it’s awesome. It’s really hard, but Vince and I both talked about the movies that we grew up loving — 48 Hours, Midnight Run, Beverly Hills Cop. People remember Beverly Hills Cop and Eddie Murphy as so funny, [but] the truth is his best friend is gangland murdered in front of him right at the beginning. It’s a pathos-driven movie.
VAUGHN Personally, I was assured by Bill being the one who made and authored it. The question then became, “How can I contribute to it humor-wise? How much can we push the funny boundaries?” He’d encourage me saying, “Go ahead, go ahead. This is the perfect moment for that,” or “You need to truly feel this.” It was a process of figuring out how everything harmonized together, and I could experiment, take risks, and trust that it would be handled well.
Vince, you started your television journey making guest appearances on shows like afterschool specials, Doogie Howser, and 21 Jump Street to kick off your career.
VAUGHN You’re not wrong. I cut my teeth on those afterschool specials.
LAWRENCE While you were doing that, I was writing for Boy Meets World. (Laughs)
Instead of continuously working on live-action series like “Curb Your Enthusiasm” and “True Detective,” you’ve taken a break, and this new project marks your debut as a leading actor in a series. What drew you to the opportunity to delve deeply into a character over an extended period?
VAUGHN Watching this amusement park ride of a series was like constant laughter, and I eagerly anticipated each episode. The 10-episode format seemed perfect, as it wasn’t just an excellent storyline, but also compelling characters that made me feel immersed in the world. I even compared the experience to playing Grand Theft Auto, as we journey through Florida’s vibrant communities, which were a blast! I admired the performances of all the actors on this show, and although I didn’t film with them, watching their scenes was enjoyable. The excitement lies in waiting for the characters to collide.
As a fellow enthusiast, I can’t help but think that the allure for you might have stemmed from the chance to reimagine the action hero persona once more. Your character, Yancy, finds himself entangled in high-speed chases and intense shootouts, only to leap into open waters in pursuit of a fleeing vessel in the climactic scene.
LAWRENCE I have countless videos of Vince appearing to drift in the sea, while the rest of us are either on land or in a boat, exclaiming, “What’s your next move?”, and I would just wonder, “Is he alright out there? He seems like a good swimmer.” It was utterly astonishing, buddy.
VAUGHN Occasionally, I find that material quite appealing. Having individuals like Bill around is advantageous because they grasp it quickly without needing numerous repetitions. They’re already skilled, so I can dive right in and engage in such activities with enthusiasm. The allure of this role lies in its versatility, preventing monotony. I found the stunts exciting and unpredictable, which made it generally enjoyable for me. It’s crucial to maintain the right mindset – you don a costume in water, but you embody your character fully. That’s the essence of it.
Hi Bill! Coming from a background where you mainly create comedy through characters, what was it like tackling the intricate task of unfolding a central, ongoing mystery in a series? How did you manage to handle the various complexities and depths of this narrative?
LAWRENCE I believe I wouldn’t have stepped into this realm without a blueprint. Vince and I became acquainted with Carl, and he’s an exceptional individual. He’s now more than just an acquaintance to me, he’s my friend. This is his domain, and many have attempted to adapt his works for the big screen as a movie. At present, there’s a renowned biography about Mike Nichols that features prominently, the middle section detailing Mike’s efforts to transform a Carl Hiaasen book into a film starring Harrison Ford. The challenge lies in the fact that none can condense Carl’s work into a 90-minute movie. One might think it’s a lighthearted adventure that could be made into a movie, but in reality, it’s these absurd, satirical character studies of people interacting with each other.
Struggling with the thought of disappointing Carl was the tough part. If you approached your favorite author and suggested, “Hey, I adore your work, and I’d love to insert six new chapters into the heart of your book,” [you can only hope] he doesn’t rebuke you and tell you to leave it as is. But what was fantastic was that we had a consistent framework to fall back on, which mirrored the book’s tone perfectly. This allowed us to frequently revert to this safe space when we needed help in finding solutions.
Vince, using both the book and the scripts, how did you come to understand Yancy’s motivations?
PARAPHRASE This character resembles a mythical trickster figure who is compelled to pursue a mission, even when all logic suggests otherwise. He feels an inner calling and believes that, against all odds, he can somehow achieve victory or bring justice. Though it may not be in his personal best interest, he persists, making him someone we can’t help but cheer for. We’ve discussed the example of a relentless Energizer bunny, which embodies resilience and refuses to stop. The narrative takes an unsettling turn, yet he maintains his unwavering determination, demonstrating who he is at his core and what motivates him.
What I found particularly engaging about developing this character is his dynamic code system, which is constantly evolving. He carries a deep wisdom passed down from his father and has accumulated a wealth of life experiences, yet these elements culminate in a newfound self-awareness that he initially lacks. This self-examination was something he had been deliberately avoiding.
ME You know those summer flicks we adore? The ones where the protagonist has numerous opportunities to abandon their quest – to return to their old job or past life. Yet, they choose not to. Instead, they stay on this journey, growing along the way. That’s the kind of subtext that Vince masterfully added to the character, reminiscent of the films we both cherished as kids.
In the finale, just as it was in the first episode, Yancy’s former partner, Rogelio (played by John Ortiz), presented him with another intriguing mystery he couldn’t help but get involved with. So, where do you suppose we find Yancy at the end of the finale?
Lawrence rarely penned sequels for his novels; however, an exception was made with the publication of “Razor Girl“, a follow-up to this story we possess. Carl often shares with me that he is a firm advocate of “one step forward, two steps back” when it comes to his main characters. However, he felt compelled to write a second book to illustrate Yancy’s transformation into an individual who no longer obstructs his own path to happiness.
As a fan, I’m not convinced he’s learned all his lessons yet. He seems destined to remain a lonely man after Rosa [Natalie Martinez] left him, grappling with the regret of another self-inflicted wound and, perhaps subconsciously, yearning for the chance to reclaim his past glory. But if you’re curious about what happens next, just give “Razor Girl” a read. It’s an engaging tale.
VAUGHN I believe those words ring true – they mirror reality. I feel he remains authentic, but carries a heightened sense of his own identity. It’s challenging to alter someone who has endured as he has for such a prolonged period, and that’s something we can all recognize. He yearns for actions to be ethical and voluntary, stemming from the right motivation, but hasn’t yet fully evolved to align these desires with his actions consistently. I believe it is this newfound awareness he now carries, where he recognizes the impact and influence he has on others positively.
LAWRENCE It’s high time we give credit where it’s due, and that goes to Matty Tarses, one of our fellow head writers for the show. Together, we penned quite a bit at the end, and we wanted Yancy to experience the satisfaction of knowing he’s made it through tough times. What becomes clear to him is that he might not only be surviving himself, but also influencing the growth of others in a positive way. One of my favorite parts comes when we describe him as a survivor, a “Key deer,” who can adapt and thrive with minimal resources, even with saltwater in his mouth. Sometimes I worry that our discussions veer too much into philosophical territory for what’s supposed to be a light-hearted summer movie, but I hope that deeper meaning is something viewers will pick up on.
Although Yancy figuratively and literally released her hold, it felt quite fulfilling to see Eve receive her just desserts in Portugal, given that she was the one who caused the deaths of Nick and the Dragon Queen (Jodie Turner-Smith) in the final episode.
It’s quite amusing, I must say, though I’m not sure if Vince is in on this: Meredith Hagner, a charming comedian with a great sense of humor, bombarded me with around twenty messages, each one proposing a different scenario for her survival. I kept them!
VAUGHN I think that was everybody, because we really enjoyed the experience.
On the very day her character met her demise, she continued to propose possibilities suggesting she hadn’t actually perished. I found myself saying, “A dog comes and laps up your brain matter – you’re deceased!” She countered, “Perhaps you aren’t certain that I’m gone.” I retorted, “You couldn’t be more dead.” (Laughs) One aspect of Carl’s affection for the story is that the hero doesn’t always get to witness the consequences, and in this case, he didn’t with Eve and Nick.
What reasons led you to present the Dragon Queen’s tale differently on screen compared to the book, and what was the motivation behind her demise at the end of the narrative?
LAWRENCE It’s intriguing how the Dragon Queen character in the book is clearly portrayed as a swindler and fraud from the start, and she was modeled after a real person. Carl has news articles about this woman who had caused many deaths and was greed-driven, and we discussed with him the possibility of crafting a more extended, rehabilitative tale.
Day by day, Jodie conversed with the consultant. She managed her wardrobe and makeup personally. I believe she excels at it, as when discussing tone, one should never feign it, but approach it as if embarking on a genuine adventure – she approached it sincerely from the get-go. She selected that role for herself. The reason L. Scott Caldwell, who portrays Yaya in this adaptation, is included, is because we wanted to retain a matriarch figure from Carl’s book of a different era. However, we crafted a journey for that character that I find particularly rewarding due to her performance. We desired a compelling redemption arc for her, but we set up the condition that she would have to pay with her life. It’s a challenging narrative, as we grew fond of her character and actress.
Bill, you once said that Vince taught you a lot about what you like about comedy. How so?
Lawrence intends to bring together Vince and Carl, as both share a knack for creating banter-filled comedy that I greatly appreciate. There’s a clear link between Carl’s eccentric, unconventional characters and the humor found in shows like ‘Scrubs’, particularly the fantasies and similar elements. As a teenager, I was captivated by Carl’s books and enjoyed Vince’s films due to their witty dialogue. Writing banter comes naturally to comedy writers or comedians, and Vince and I felt we would mesh well professionally because we often engage in such banter in everyday life. The challenge lies in infusing this interaction with a genuine undercurrent of human emotions and authenticity.
What consistently resonated with me is that Vince often imbued his characters with a poignancy beneath their actions, whether it was longing or sadness, which added depth and significance to the performances. This essence is reflected in the shows I create, as I strive for a balance between humorous, lively, playful banter that could spark laughter among friends gathered around a card table, and moments of emotional resonance where the story carries weight and meaning. I recognize Vince played a role in cultivating this skill within me, and I felt our collaborative efforts would be fruitful in achieving this balance together.
Bill, it’s apparent that there’s another book of yours that could serve as the foundation for future seasons of Bad Monkey. However, the structure of your series suggests that you could create a fresh mystery each season and continue following this character for quite some time. How long do you envision delving into Yancy’s life?
When I presented the idea [to Apple], I had a clear outline for a three-season narrative, detailing the character’s development and growth, and they were very supportive of it. Creating television shows is demanding, especially when you have to relocate to produce them. Incredibly, we both relocated to Florida! It was quite an adventure. The heat in Florida isn’t like anywhere else; it feels like carrying a load of wet cement on your back. It’s incredibly hot – almost unbearable.
VAUGHN But beautiful.
LAWRENCE Yeah, but beautiful.
I think what’s cool, if we were able to do it, is that you have these season-long stories [where] you get caught up in characters’ lives. You see redemption stories, descents into the dark side for other characters, and that story gets told. But in my head, Yancy will move a step forward. I always categorize people and characters in my head as “This person has the ability to end up happy,” or “This person will always shoot themselves in the foot and not end up happy.” I think that Yancy is the quintessential question for that.
In simpler terms,
Vince, would you be up for more seasons of Bad Monkey?
Absolutely. The character, the setting, the ambiance – I adore every bit of it. Therefore, it seems thrilling, undeniably so with Bill being the creator, to explore a sequel and witness the journey this character takes.
LAWRENCE It’s truly a privilege to be in our line of work, where we all give our best on an enjoyable set. Our aim is to create a series that we ourselves would enjoy watching. I was considering renaming my production company to Noble Failure Productions because if we can produce something that friends and family find entertaining, that’s the goal.
VAUGHN Working on it is incredibly enjoyable! It’s not just amusing, but also carries deeper meanings and emotional resonance. As I delve into it, I see reflections of our own lives, and the conflicts portrayed are filled with empathy, making it all very relatable.
LAWRENCE Carl’s possessions consistently convey an environmentalist theme due to his extensive journalism career in that region. He often expresses concern about America’s role in damaging Florida’s natural beauty through careless housing, development, pollution, and other factors. This concern is not only present but also serves as a hidden, somewhat subversive message beneath the fun aspect of his work.
***
All episodes of Bad Monkey are now streaming on Apple TV+.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-10-10 03:26