Note: This interview includes spoilers for the Season 4 premiere of “The Righteous Gemstones.”
In “The Righteous Gemstones,” creator Danny McBride keeps things fresh by mixing genres. Over four seasons, he has added action, music, and romance to the wild story of a dysfunctional megachurch family. For the final season’s premiere, he takes a bold leap back to 1862, introducing a prologue that features one of the Gemstones’ ancestors scheming his way into a chaplain position during the Civil War.
McBride knew starting this season without familiar characters might test the audience’s patience. He felt it was essential to cast a standout lead. “I needed someone who wouldn’t let down our viewers. Someone with charm, like Bradley Cooper,” he explained in an interview. When a co-producer suggested they contact Cooper directly, McBride took the opportunity. Having met Cooper during the filming of “Aloha,” he sent him the script, and the actor was intrigued.
Interestingly, Cooper signed on based solely on the screenplay. He hadn’t watched “The Righteous Gemstones” and preferred to stay away from its tone until after filming. McBride appreciated this approach, as some guest stars often mimic the show’s regulars, which can detract from their unique performances. Cooper’s decision helped maintain the episode’s authenticity.
McBride faced a significant challenge: he had just nine days to shoot a Civil War epic on a television budget. “It pushed us to think creatively. Could we create something that felt real for that time period?” he said. A key moment in the episode features a dramatic long tracking shot of soldiers in battle, which emerged from practical needs. With a limited number of extras, McBride focused on staging one powerful shot instead of spreading them too thin across the scene.
Time constraints played a big role in how they filmed the episode. McBride focused on longer takes that not only served the story but also kept the audience engaged. For instance, a scene with Cooper and a child actor was designed to minimize resets, which were time-consuming due to the number of extras and horses involved. “Having Cooper on board was crucial. He stayed consistent and professional throughout, making it easier to execute our vision,” McBride concluded.
“The Righteous Gemstones” airs Sunday nights on HBO and is available for streaming on Max.
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Source linkBradley Cooper,Danny McBride,HBO,The Righteous Gemstones,TV
