The creative minds behind Laid, Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna, shed light on the significance of the notable cameos from familiar faces, such as actors from Barbie and Marvel franchises. This thrilling series, inspired by an Australian show of the same name, premiered on Peacock in December and features Stephanie Hsu, recognized for her Oscar-nominated role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, in the lead role of Ruby. As her former partners begin to meet bizarre fates, Ruby and her roommate AJ, played by Zosia Mamet, set out on a quest to uncover the mystery behind these strange occurrences.
In a recent interview with Screen Rant’s Grant Hermanns, the creators discussed the impactful guest appearances, featuring talents like Simu Liu, known for his role in Shang-Chi. McKenna elaborated on how the eight-episode series offers a distinctive exploration of Ruby’s romantic history, integrating prominent actors into this narrative. Khan emphasized that every character is thoughtfully crafted to serve a purpose within this dark romantic comedy.
The Value of Guest Stars in Laid
Strategic Use of Cameos
Joining Hsu in the lead role, Zosia Mamet portrays Ruby’s true crime-obsessed best friend, creating a vibrant dynamic within the show. Laid features a noteworthy lineup of guest appearances, including a memorable cameo from a WWE star that adds an element of fun without giving too much away. Early episodes highlight Ruby’s attempts to alert her former partners about the impending danger, which is met with skepticism, revealing that Ruby struggles in the realm of relationships.
The main cast is rounded out by Michael Angarano and Tommy Martinez, who add depth to the storyline. However, the guest stars enrich the narrative by showcasing their interactions with Ruby, while also unveiling a major secret she harbors from AJ. Tension rises as each ex-lover’s fate hangs in the balance, drawing parallels with other shows available on Peacock. This setup raises questions about what led to their demise, the lingering anger towards Ruby, and the potential repetition of her past mistakes in hiding truths from her closest friend.
Analyzing the Guest Star Phenomenon in Laid
A Unique Twist on the Narrative
Before leading Laid, Hsu captivated audiences as a standout character in the first season of Poker Face. The acclaimed detective dramedy, returning for its second season on Peacock, is known for its clever engagement with guest stars, allowing them significant on-screen exploration. Similarly, Laid, which boasts a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, adapts this framework to create a compelling dark romantic comedy.
Leave a Reply