Jason Segel Champions Brett Goldstein for Dark Role in ‘Shrinking’ Season 2

Jason Segel, co-creator and star of the Apple TV+ series ‘Shrinking‘, has played a pivotal role in casting Brett Goldstein in a surprising darker role for the upcoming second season. Brett Goldstein, known for his role as Roy Kent in the hit series ‘Ted Lasso‘, was not the immediate choice for the new character but was advocated for by Segel.

Segel revealed his rationale during the show’s premiere in Los Angeles on Tuesday. “I knew, secretly, that he wanted to play that part and I knew he would kill it,” Segel stated. Having experienced typecasting himself, Segel empathized with Goldstein’s situation and encouraged a fresh opportunity. “I have a lot of experience being Marshall Eriksen [in How I Met Your Mother] and then working to have people see me as other characters; I know he probably deals with that as Roy Kent,” he explained.

Bill Lawrence, co-creator alongside Segel, initially hesitated to cast Goldstein, equating him to his previous role. “I made a mistake that I think audience members make sometimes when you equate somebody to a part they played,” Lawrence told The Hollywood Reporter. However, Segel’s persistence paid off and Lawrence eventually agreed, recognizing Goldstein’s potential to bring empathy to the character.

The series follows Jason Segel’s character, Jimmy, a grieving therapist who begins breaking professional boundaries. The second season progresses with more complex storylines, including the continued exploration of Parkinson's disease in Harrison Ford‘s character, Paul. Lawrence disclosed that the portrayal is deeply personal, as his grandfather and Goldstein’s father were diagnosed with Parkinson’s.

In addition to the main cast, which includes actors like Jessica Williams, Christa Miller, and Luke Tennie, the new season promises developments and guest appearances. As a co-executive producer and guest star, Goldstein’s presence is a highlight for the latest installment.

‘Shrinking’ season two will debut on Apple TV+ on October 16, with a cast that aims to bring both humor and authenticity to its portrayal of profound issues, marking it as a unique dramedy in the streaming landscape.