Tommy Martinez Discusses His Comedy Debut, The Greatest Showman Dance Scene, and Insights on Stephanie Hsu

Warning: Some SPOILERS lie ahead for Laid! In the new series Laid, Tommy Martinez portrays Isaac, a man navigating love as he supports a woman grappling with an extraordinary and perilous situation. Martinez first drew attention as an actor in Showtime’s Shameless and has since honed his craft across a variety of roles, including significant appearances in The CW’s Riverdale and Prime Video’s Hunters. Previously, he marked his impact on the screen during all five seasons of Freeform’s drama Good Trouble as Gael.

In Laid, Isaac enlists the help of party planner Ruby to celebrate his parents’ 40th anniversary. Initially in a relationship with marine biologist Merci, Isaac becomes increasingly infatuated with Ruby as she learns about his family, crafting a deeply personalized celebration. The plot intensifies as Ruby confronts the bizarre reality that all her former lovers are mysteriously dying, presenting an unexpected challenge to the blossoming romance.

The vibrant cast of Laid also features the talented Stephanie Hsu, known for her Oscar-nominated role in Everything Everywhere All at Once, and includes Zosia Mamet, Andre Hyland, Elizabeth Bowen, Olivia Holt as Merci, and others. Developed by the Emmy-nominated duo Nahnatchka Khan and Sally Bradford McKenna, Laid holds a unique place in contemporary TV, blending elements of dark humor, sweet romance, and profound character evolution, echoing the narrative style of classic films like Groundhog Day.

As the premiere of Laid approaches, ScreenRant had the opportunity to interview Tommy Martinez about his experiences on the show, his transition into comedy, his preparation for a memorable dance sequence from episode 4, and insights into his dynamic with Hsu, particularly regarding the significant cliffhanger in episode 7 that could reshape Isaac and Ruby’s relationship moving forward.

Martinez Found He “Learned A Lot”About Comedy From Working On The Show

“…everyone is just so absurdly funny.”

ScreenRant: I’m excited to discuss Laid with you! I’ve seen seven of the eight episodes, and I’m eager for the finale. What was it about this project – your character or the concept – that piqued your interest?

Tommy Martinez: It’s truly one-of-a-kind. I’d never encountered a script that was consistently funny while also being heartfelt, prompting reflections on past relationships and their impact on us. Each episode continued to amaze me with how humorous the cast was.

This marks my first foray into comedy; my background is primarily dramatic roles. So, being surrounded by the comedic talents of Stephanie, Zosia, Michael, and Andre made for an incredibly fun and engaging experience.

I’m curious about your approach to comedic scenes, particularly since some actors play it straight while others focus on maximizing the humor. How did this dynamic work for you in transitioning from drama?

Tommy Martinez: My strategy was to remain open to the humor as it unfolded. Isaac isn’t the most comical character; he serves as a contrast to those around him. He embodies a grounded presence amid the chaos, providing a window into Ruby’s unpredictable world. This role allowed me to dip my toes into comedy without being thrown into the deep end. I absorbed a lot from my colleagues, who are genuinely the funniest people I’ve encountered.

Building A Rapport With Hsu Was Easy Once They Found The Time To Do So

“…she had a lot going on on set.”

Stephanie Hsu's Ruby smiling while interacting with Tommy Martinez's Isaac in Laid

Considering Stephanie’s exceptional comedic timing, what was your experience like building rapport with her, especially given your roles as the classic rom-com leads?

Tommy Martinez: Developing a connection with Stephanie was gradual; she was quite busy as an executive producer alongside acting. Initially, we didn’t overlap much because I joined the production after the first two episodes were filmed.

I spent some time exploring Vancouver before we hiked together, where we shared deep conversations about our experiences in love and work while enjoying nature. This time allowed us to connect and break down barriers, fostering a collaborative spirit on set. I’m grateful for her willingness to connect amidst her busy schedule.

Martinez Picked Up His Greatest Showman Choreography Fairly Quickly

“I’m definitely not a trained dancer or anything…”

Tommy Martinez's Isaac after performing a dance in Laid

I must ask about the dance sequence inspired by The Greatest Showman. How did you prepare for that unexpected yet delightful moment?

Tommy Martinez: I wouldn’t label myself a dancer, but I’ve got rhythm as a Latino, which helps. Our choreographer was incredibly patient, breaking down the dance into manageable parts before incorporating Stephanie’s elements. I felt comfortable and picked up the choreography in just a couple of days, with one-on-one tutoring over an hour or two each session.

The most challenging aspect was performing in front of the camera—it felt nerve-wracking with everyone watching. However, once I loosened up and embraced the fun, it transformed into a cathartic experience.

Laid’s Episode 7 Cliffhanger Is A “Super Pivotal Moment”For Ruby

“I think we’ve all kind of been in those moments in real life with our actual relationships.”

Tommy Martinez's Isaac looking at something Stephanie Hsu's Ruby is holding in Laid

Before we conclude, I have a spoilery question regarding episode 7’s cliffhanger, particularly the tension between Ruby’s choices. What significance does the confrontation hold for Isaac and Ruby as the season progresses?

Tommy Martinez: That moment is essential as Ruby must decide between pursuing someone new, which feels exciting but risky, or reverting to familiar territory with Isaac, where chemistry has already been established. We’ve all faced such crossroads in our own relationships.

Ultimately, viewers will need to tune in to grasp the nuances of Ruby’s decision—balancing the comfort of what they know against the trepidation of venturing into the new.

About Laid

The premise of Laid revolves around a woman who discovers that her former intimate partners are dying in unusual circumstances, prompting her to revisit her romantic history to find closure and move forward. This darkly comedic narrative poses the question: “Why can’t I find love? Is there something intrinsically wrong with me?” The answer is a resounding “Yes. There is. The problem is definitely you.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4JrUKDRClQ

Laid | Official Trailer | Peacock Original (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4JrUKDRClQ)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4JrUKDRClQ

Laid | Official Trailer | Peacock Original (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B4JrUKDRClQ)

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