Renowned duo Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna are uniting their talents to introduce American viewers to the celebrated Australian comedy, Laid. Khan, who initially honed her writing skills on shows like Pepper Ann and Malcolm in the Middle, has emerged as a powerful creative figure through her work on Fresh Off the Boat. She has since gone on to create Young Rock and direct successful films such as Always Be My Maybe and the horror-comedy Totally Killer. Meanwhile, McKenna made her mark as a writer and story editor on Will & Grace, contributing to various projects including The Goldbergs and Ghosted.
The collaboration on Laid also signifies a reunion for Khan and McKenna, who previously joined forces on the critically acclaimed series Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, featuring Krysten Ritter. This new venture serves as an American adaptation of the original Australian series, centering on Ruby, a party planner in her 30s who navigates the tumultuous dating landscape, finding fleeting connections but struggling to establish lasting partnerships.
The cast of Laid is led by Oscar-nominated Stephanie Hsu, known for her role in Everything Everywhere All at Once. She is joined by a talented ensemble including Zosia Mamet from The Decameron, Tommy Martinez from Good Trouble, Andre Hyland, Elizabeth Bowen, and Olivia Holt as Merci. The show boasts an impressive 96% “Certified Fresh”approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with a diverse lineup of guest appearances from beloved actors like Alexandra Shipp and Simu Liu, which enhances the comedic brilliance of this darkly funny series that is now streaming on Peacock.
In a recent conversation with ScreenRant, creators Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna shared insights about Laid, their motivation for adapting the Australian hit, the choice of Stephanie Hsu as Ruby, and the significant roles played by the celebrity guest stars.
Khan & McKenna Embrace the “Awkward Humor”of the Australian Original
“…it was a really fun challenge, in terms of updating it and making it feel modern.”
Nahnatchka Khan: We were truly enamored with the awkward humor exhibited in the Australian version. It was done exceptionally well. We sought to incorporate that essence into our rendition while also infusing Ruby with a sense of entitlement and a lack of understanding about her identity and place in the modern world, which we found to be quite relevant today.
Sally Bradford McKenna: And distinctly American. [Chuckles]
Nahnatchka Khan: Exactly! The task of updating it while maintaining contemporary relevance posed a fun challenge for us.
Sally Bradford McKenna: We were captivated by the premise from the start. Once we learned what the show entailed, we knew we had to be part of it. While we preserved the core elements we cherished from the original, we also allowed our version to evolve in its own direction. The pilot, in particular, retains a wonderful connection to the original series.
Securing Hsu as Both Star & EP Was “So Lucky”in Khan & McKenna’s Perspective
“…she kind of helped inform the character, too.”
Regarding Ruby’s character, could you share how you cast Stephanie for the role? She seems perfectly suited for it.
Nahnatchka Khan: We considered ourselves incredibly fortunate to have Stephanie on board. We have long admired her work, especially in Everything Everywhere and Maisel. When we brainstormed potential leads for Ruby, she was unanimously the best fit. Although Stephanie has shone in various roles, she hadn’t yet tackled a character like Ruby, which can sometimes lead actors down different paths. Fortunately, she was enthusiastic about the role, reviewed the script, and sought to collaborate with us, stepping into the role of both lead and executive producer. Her input in the writers’ room was invaluable as we crafted Ruby’s character — a delightful and relatable individual who also has some narcissistic tendencies, showcasing her flaws.
Sally Bradford McKenna: We recognized from the start that Ruby would be a multifaceted character with imperfections. Drawing inspiration from the original, we intended for her character to embody a certain messiness, longing for answers about her life and relationships. This necessitated an actress who could evoke likability. Stephanie’s talent spans across comedy and drama, which was instrumental in shaping Ruby’s evolving identity throughout the writing process.
Nahnatchka Khan: You’re aware, having seen several episodes, that Ruby makes some questionable decisions. We wanted her character to venture into those challenging territories, and we needed someone with Stephanie’s skills to guide us through that journey.
The Significance of Guest Stars in Laid
“…they come in, and they come in with a purpose…”
The show’s guest stars, particularly Simu Liu, are fantastic additions. Could you elaborate on the process of selecting your guest cast?
Sally Bradford McKenna: Casting this show has been a dream. Right from the inception, we envisioned a “sex timeline”featuring a diverse array of engaging characters. Unlike typical cameos, the guest appearances are meaningful and enhance the storyline. Michael Angarano, for example, is exceptional. We instantly knew he was the right fit for Richie during our Zoom interviews — he resonated with us immediately.
We compiled a wish list filled with our favorite actors we aspired to collaborate with. John Early topped that list, and we were delighted to integrate him into the show. Knowing we wanted a celebrity involved in this storyline, we applied that to Early’s character. The reception we received from the likes of Kate Berlant, Chloe Fineman, and Simu Liu was a stroke of luck that truly enriched our production experience.
Nahnatchka Khan: Each guest star is a remarkable actor who contributes meaningfully to Ruby’s journey. Rather than appearing as random characters, they interact with her and play significant roles. It provided an opportunity for unexpected surprises within the storyline, adding layers to the overall narrative.
About Laid
In this audacious romantic comedy, a woman discovers her former lovers are experiencing bizarre deaths, prompting her to revisit her sexual history to confront her past and seek closure. Laid cheekily addresses the question, “Why can’t I find love? Is there something inherently wrong with me?”with a striking response: “Yes. There is. The problem is definitely you.”
Stay tuned for more interviews related to Laid:
- Stephanie Hsu & Zosia Mamet
- Michael Angarano & Andre Hyland
- Tommy Martinez
Laid is available for streaming in full on Peacock.
Source: ScreenRant Plus
Related Articles:
Rachel Morrison Discusses Her Directorial Debut and Upcoming Collaboration with Ryan Coogler in The Fire Inside Interview
23:25
Rachel Morrison Discusses Directorial Debut in The Fire Inside and Hints at Upcoming Ryan Coogler Project
23:24
Sonic 3 Cast and Directors Reflect on Shadow Excitement and Cherished Memories from the Film Set
15:38
Leave a Reply