Cobie Smulders on That ‘How I Met Your Mother’ Reunion With Jason Segel on ‘Shrinking’

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As a huge fan of Cobie Smulders and her incredible acting career, I can’t help but marvel at her versatility and adaptability in bringing characters to life so authentically. Her recent work in Shrinking showcases her ability to embody complex and nuanced roles, while her return to Robin on How I Met Your Father was a delightful trip down memory lane for fans of the original series.

[This story contains spoilers from Shrinking season two, episode 10, “Changing Patterns.”]

This week’s episode of “Shrinking” featured an extraordinary reunion from the hit series “How I Met Your Mother”.

Cobie Smulders and Jason Segel, who portrayed Robin Scherbatsky and Marshall Eriksen respectively in a popular sitcom from the 2000s, have come together again for the second season of a comedy series on Apple TV+, with Segel as its leading star.

In “Changing Patterns,” Smulders portrays Sofi, a solitary mother planning to part with her cherished old yellow Mini Cooper, which Jimmy (Segel) yearns to purchase as a surprise gift for his daughter Alice’s (Lukita Maxwell) 18th birthday. When they cross paths in the realm of Shrinking, there’s an instant rapport as Jimmy shares that Alice has admired Sofi’s yellow vehicle for quite some time and he wishes to acquire the same model as her first car.

Here’s how it played out:

In a joking manner, Sofi suggests that your wife must dislike her significantly because of the car they’re giving her. Jimmy responds by saying, “I’m about to say something that will make you feel uncomfortable and act strangely. I urge you to resist this. My wife has passed away.

Sofi clarifies: “Indeed, she is. However, let me clarify, ‘cool’ isn’t quite the right word here. To put it mildly, my ex-husband is deceased… to me, that was a difficult reality. I often joke about this, but I make sure to present it in a more amusing light. I usually say something like, ‘He’s dead… to me.’ Yes, the sentiment remains the same.

As a passionate fan, I’m here to share an intriguing exchange from the show we both love. The characters keep bantering, and it turns out that Smulders’ character was left by her ex for her former best friend. Now, she drops her kid off at her ex-bestie’s place every other weekend. In a witty remark, she states, “I was the one who hung her wallpaper… Not a single bubble was out of place.

Later on, Sofi inquires from Jimmy if he sometimes feels that the events that occurred to her are more painful than those he experienced. In a compassionate manner typical of a therapist, he replies negatively and expresses that “we can both feel sadness without this being a contest.” Nevertheless, she asserts that he retains fond memories of his deceased wife, while all her pleasant recollections of her former husband are spoiled. Consequently, she considers herself the winner. And, Jimmy concedes to her victory.

She confides, “I’m carrying quite a bit of anger, you understand? I feel trapped and stuck. I think, in time, it might be simpler for you to find closure.” Jimmy offers, “It doesn’t seem like your anger is overwhelming, but rather, well-balanced.” He continues, “For me, letting go often feels unattainable,” to which she quickly responds, “Then don’t say it can’t be done.

In an interview with THR, Smulders reminisces about her encounter with Segel (the co-creator of Shrinking) to discuss his acting abilities as a scene partner, 10 years following the finale of How I Met Your Mother. Although Smulders hasn’t received any news regarding her participation in Shrinking season three, she expresses her enthusiasm about potentially portraying a love interest for Segel’s character, Jimmy (feeling that there is much potential for this role). She also shares the reasons why she would eagerly accept a How I Met Your Mother reboot.

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“It gave me great joy to spot you in the latest episode. My friend confessed that it ‘tickled her Heart of HIMYM’ enthusiasm.”

Oh, thank goodness, thank goodness. That’s what I’m trying to do.

How did it feel for you to act alongside Jason Segel again, a decade after the conclusion of How I Met Your Mother?

Something magical happened. He’s simply outstanding, kind-hearted, and incredibly entertaining. We spent nearly an entire day filming our scenes together, and it was absolutely delightful. The team on set is truly exceptional. On screen, the cast is phenomenal, but off screen, they’re even kinder and more impressive. So when this opportunity presented itself, it felt like a no-brainer. I was genuinely thrilled because I’m such a fan of the show. I think it’s stunningly beautiful, with exceptional writing that beautifully captures humanity. I felt truly honored to be part of it for a day. It was an unforgettable experience.

What was it like joining a show that you were also a fan of?

As a fan myself, stepping into a show where everyone seems like old friends can certainly be nerve-wracking. It’s like starting school on the first day, but everyone else has been there since last year. Fortunately, I had a familiar face, Jason, who was already part of the crew. This made me feel more at ease and allowed me to enjoy catching up with him. The kindness, warmth, and collaborative spirit displayed by the entire team made it easy for me to settle in, and the day on set turned out to be nothing short of magical.

Did you and Jason fall right back into being comfortable acting opposite each other?

I firmly believe this. It’s delightful to engage with Jason in playful activities. Over a span of nine years, which seems extraordinary nowadays, it became quite ordinary and natural for us. Moreover, the script was already exceptionally well-crafted, allowing the character to be almost pre-existing before we even started working on it. Notably, Jason is not only an incredibly skilled actor but also a remarkable individual, making our collaboration effortless and seamless.

Sort of piggybacking off of that, what was it like working with Jason on a different kind of show?

It’s captivating because, unlike the well-known Robin-Marshall dynamic viewers are accustomed to, Jason and I have a unique connection from growing up together off-set. This shared history makes it effortless for us to create the chemistry needed for our roles. He’s incredibly skilled, and it feels natural to work with him again. I believe this fresh dynamic will intrigue audiences. In reality, I know him simply as Jason, and transitioning that bond onto the screen allows for a wide range of nuances in our performances.

Jimmy and Sofi didn’t contribute much, except for an enjoyable chat and possibly a touch more flirtatious behavior than usual from Jimmy. Would you consider reappearing in season three as a potential romantic interest for Jimmy?

Of course! However, I’m unsure about their plans for the upcoming season. But I had a fantastic experience working on the show, and I’d be thrilled to collaborate with Jason and the entire cast again. So yes, I would welcome the opportunity. Unfortunately, I don’t know what their intentions are at this moment.

Where do you think Jimmy and Sofi could go from here, hypothetically?

There seems to be a great deal of untapped potential between them. A spark ignites immediately, which both individuals seem to recognize and are grappling with. It’s intriguing when you encounter someone who is strikingly candid, not mincing words or feigning acceptance. Instead, they express their sentiments openly without pretense. This instant bond between the two is palpable, yet there are numerous factors at play. Sofi is a single mother, and her past experiences have left some scars. Furthermore, they both come from distinct backgrounds. Despite being unattached, their life stories differ significantly. As the story unfolds, it remains uncertain whether they wish to nurture this connection or explore this relationship further. However, I find it intriguing and would be eager to follow their journey to see how things develop.

It was heartening to witness Jimmy form a genuine bond with another person. Earlier, you’d shared that they confided in you about this matter. Could you elaborate on the discussions involving you potentially becoming part of the Shrinking project?

As a thrilled admirer, Bill Lawrence extended an intriguing concept for a character to me, and his persuasion was unnecessary. I instantly agreed, “Absolutely! Let’s dive in and have some fun!” After speaking with Jason about it, everything just seemed to click into place. Fortunately, at that moment, I happened to be available and nearby. It was a brief encounter, merely a day with a couple of scenes, but the time flew by. The experience was incredibly enjoyable; I didn’t want it to end. It felt like being summoned for a game of Red Rover, inviting Cobie over for the day. I jumped at the opportunity and here we are. I can hardly wait to see the final product!

In “How I Met Your Mother,” it seems that Robin and Marshall didn’t have as strong a bond compared to some of the other characters. Could you share some insights about your off-screen friendship with Jason?

Jason and I often reminisced about being the youngest cast members on the show; when I joined, I was 22, with Jason just a few years older than me. Jason is such a kind soul, always making us laugh with his wit and humor. He’s incredibly talented, musically inclined, and a true gem. Over time, we essentially grew up together on the set of How I Met Your Mother. It was my first comedy series, so I often felt insecure and uncertain, but Jason was always there to provide support and encouragement. Working with him for nine years was an absolute joy, something rare nowadays as shows seldom last that long. Even the best shows don’t usually make it for nine years. So, I consider myself fortunate to have shared laughter with him for such a lengthy period. After all, who wouldn’t want to go to work and try to entertain each other every day? That was essentially what we did for nine years on that show.

With Shrinking, when you first read the script and who Sofi was, what were your thoughts?

We dabbled with her a bit on that day, but my feelings towards her were undeniably affectionate. It’s unclear if Jimmy is the catalyst for this trait, but a woman who can find humor in a challenging past relationship and maintain self-awareness? I find that incredibly amusing and sincere. So, we only get a glimpse of this individual, but I believe she’s complex. Having emerged from something extremely difficult and currently sharing custody with someone in the same situation? That’s beyond my comprehension. Humor is often our coping mechanism. Sometimes we must say, “Alright, this isn’t what I anticipated. Let’s try to make the best out of it,” and I believe that’s what she’s striving for.

Sofi and Jimmy shared the scene with Ted McGinley’s Derek. What was it like working with him?

He’s hilarious. He’s so funny on the show and even more entertaining in real life; a really sweet guy. Apparently, we’re neighbors. I couldn’t be happier. It was perfect, perfect casting. You know, when those things align, where a human and a role kind of come together, and you’re just sitting back in awe, that’s what I feel like being with him is like. He’s constantly improvising and making it funnier and funnier.

How did it feel for you to once again play the role of Robin in How I Met Your Father, a decade since the original series concluded?

The atmosphere was intense. Bidding farewell permanently to something and then reentering the same bar later was an exceptionally emotional ordeal. Stepping into that bar once more stirred deep emotions within me. The set design team truly outdid themselves. I found myself questioning, “Is this it?” only to be reassured by the crew, “It’s not quite the same, but we managed to salvage some key elements.” Despite the familiar surroundings, I was there alone without my original companions, making the experience feel both nostalgic and lonely. It was an extraordinary adventure. The episode was directed by Pam Fryman, who helmed nearly every installment of our series, which added to the wildness of the situation. Some previous crew members remained, creating a peculiar sense of deja vu mixed with loneliness, yet it was an enjoyable experience overall.

Whenever I find myself in a scenario where a fresh series is introduced along with a new cast, yet they choose to reintroduce an old character, or if I encounter someone young, say around 15, who mentions they’re discovering the show for the first time, it’s like a warm wave. I feel so grateful for the enduring affection I have for the show even after all these years. And there’s something truly unique about experiencing that connection again. So, whenever I get an opportunity to revisit this feeling, it’s simply delightful.

Did you share that during the reboot, you found yourself on your own in a place where all of your friends used to hang out – the bar we spent so much time at together. Is there any chance you’d consider coming back to Robin with the original group again, perhaps in some role or another?

Sure. I know it’s all about the reboots. I know everybody is either doing a podcast about it, or they’re doing a whole new thing. I am not in conversations with anyone about it. The way I feel about it is, we got to do this for nine years. I feel like asking for anything more than that is like asking for too much. It was such a gift, and I loved that time. But of course. If people wanted to get back together, if there was interest for it, if it all worked out, of course I would. I want to hang out with those people all the time.

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Starting this week, new episodes from season two of “Shrinking” will be available on Apple TV+ each Wednesday, with the final episode airing on December 24th.

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2024-12-11 21:56