Recasting Andre Braugher, Season 2

From the very beginning, the new Netflix murder mystery series "The Residence" had a clear vision of who the killer and victim would be. Inspired by Kate Andersen Brower’s book "The Residence: Inside the Private World of the White House," creator Paul William Davies crafted a story that kept viewers on the edge of their seats for eight thrilling episodes.

The series follows Detective Cordelia Cupp, played by the talented Uzo Aduba, as she investigates the murder of White House Chief Usher A.B. Wynter, portrayed by Giancarlo Esposito. The murder takes place during an Australian state dinner at the White House, and Cordelia’s investigation leads her to uncover a web of lies, deceit, and betrayal within the walls of the prestigious residence.

As Cordelia delves deeper into the case, she interviews numerous suspects and witnesses, eventually pinpointing Lilly Schumacher, played by Molly Griggs, as the killer. Lilly, a social secretary with grand ambitions of transforming the White House, is revealed to have murdered A.B. in a fit of rage after he threatened to expose her criminal activities. In a cleverly crafted plan, Lilly uses poison to frame A.B.’s death as a suicide, but Cordelia’s keen detective skills unravel the truth behind the murder.

The series expertly weaves together a complex narrative, blending elements of mystery, drama, and suspense to keep viewers guessing until the very end. With a stellar cast led by Aduba and Esposito, "The Residence" delivers a gripping story that explores the dark underbelly of power and privilege within the White House.

Davies, a seasoned writer-producer with a background in Shondaland productions, brings his expertise to the series, creating a compelling storyline that captivates audiences from start to finish. With twists and turns at every corner, "The Residence" is a must-watch for fans of murder mysteries and whodunit thrillers.

As the series comes to a close, Davies hints at the possibility of more stories to tell with Detective Cordelia Cupp, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating what mysteries lie ahead for the "World’s Greatest Detective." With its stellar cast, gripping storyline, and shocking revelations, "The Residence" is sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences and solidify its place as a standout thriller on Netflix.

Uzo Aduba truly shines as Cordelia, bringing such depth and range to the character that it’s hard to imagine anyone else in the role. Her portrayal of Cordelia as a bird-loving, sharp-witted, and fiercely intelligent woman is captivating and truly brings the character to life. Aduba’s performance adds a layer of authenticity and complexity to Cordelia that makes her stand out among the colorful cast of characters in the show.

The large ensemble cast in “The Residence” adds a layer of complexity and intrigue to the show, with each character bringing something unique to the table. How did you work with such a diverse group of actors to bring your vision to life?

Working with such a talented and diverse group of actors was a dream come true. Each actor brought their own unique perspective and interpretation to their character, adding depth and richness to the world of “The Residence.” I was fortunate to have such a dedicated and passionate cast who truly understood the tone and vision of the show. We worked collaboratively to bring out the best in each character and create a dynamic and engaging ensemble that kept viewers guessing until the very end.

The tone of the show was something that evolved naturally through the writing process and was further solidified during filming. The mix of comedy, romance, and drama was carefully balanced to create a multi-dimensional story that kept audiences on the edge of their seats. The cast’s ability to seamlessly transition between these different tones and emotions helped bring the world of “The Residence” to life in a way that felt authentic and engaging.

Overall, “The Residence” is a testament to the power of storytelling and the incredible talent of its cast and crew. Uzo Aduba’s standout performance as Cordelia, combined with the richly developed characters and intricate plot twists, make this show a must-watch for fans of murder mysteries and character-driven dramas. As the show continues to gain momentum and captivate audiences, it’s clear that “The Residence” is a true gem in the world of television. We were lucky in that Giancarlo was able to step in seamlessly and bring his own unique flair to the character of A.B. His portrayal was slightly different from Andre’s, but it added a new dimension to the character that we hadn’t initially planned for. Giancarlo’s chemistry with the rest of the cast was fantastic, and he really brought a new energy to the role. We were sad to lose Andre, but we couldn’t have asked for a better replacement than Giancarlo.

Overall, the production went smoothly, and we were all thrilled with how everything turned out. The cast and crew worked together seamlessly, and there were no hard conversations or disagreements throughout the process. It was a collaborative effort from start to finish, and I couldn’t be happier with the final product. “The Residence” is a show that we’re all incredibly proud of, and I can’t wait for audiences to see it.

It was a pleasant surprise that he was willing and able to commit to the role, and he did a fantastic job. He brought a level of authenticity and depth to the character that really elevated the scenes he was in. It was a great experience working with him, and I think his presence added a lot to the show.

Overall, the challenges we faced with the unfortunate passing of Andre Braugher were immense, both technically and emotionally. However, with the talent and dedication of Giancarlo Esposito stepping in, we were able to navigate through the difficulties and create a seamless transition for the character of A.B. The support and understanding from the cast and crew were instrumental in making this process smoother.

As for the cameos of Kylie Minogue and references to Hugh Jackman, they added a fun and lighthearted element to the show. Kylie’s cameo was a delightful surprise, and her enthusiasm and willingness to go above and beyond were truly appreciated. While we were unable to secure Hugh Jackman for the role, his presence and mention in the show added to the comedic aspect we were aiming for.

In the end, the collaboration with talented actors like Al Franken, Kylie Minogue, and the late Andre Braugher made “The Residence” a memorable and impactful series. The dedication and professionalism of everyone involved in the production were truly commendable, and I am grateful for the opportunity to work with such incredible individuals. As I reflect on the experience of working with Al Franken on the show, “The Residence,” I can’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity. He brought a legendary presence to the set and truly excelled in his role. It was a pleasure to collaborate with him, and I believe that viewers thoroughly enjoyed the scenes he was a part of.

The title of the show, “The Residence,” opens up a world of possibilities for future seasons. The idea of setting the next chapter in another famous home, perhaps in a different country, is an intriguing concept. While I haven’t had much time to fully explore this idea, it’s something that has been on my mind. The dynamic between Cordelia and Edwin, played by Randall Park, has always held a certain allure, and I believe there is room to further develop their story in new and exciting ways.

When considering a second season, I envision delving into new mysteries that are both distinctive and familiar in their approach. Drawing inspiration from classic detective fiction, I aim to create a sense of comfort and intrigue for viewers. Just as iconic characters like Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot have their unique styles and methods, I seek to craft a narrative that is both fresh and reminiscent of the genre’s timeless appeal.

As I continue to brainstorm ideas for future episodes, I am excited about the prospect of exploring different settings and unraveling new puzzles. The essence of a great mystery lies in its ability to captivate audiences while offering a sense of familiarity and excitement. Building on the foundation we have established in the first season, I look forward to crafting a second season that delivers on both fronts.

In conclusion, the possibilities for “The Residence” are endless, and I am eager to see where the journey takes us next. With a wealth of ideas waiting to be explored, I am confident that the show will continue to captivate viewers and offer a fresh take on the detective genre. Stay tuned for more adventures to come!

*This interview has been edited and condensed.*