David E. Kelley Initially Hesitant to Work with Michelle Pfeiffer for ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ Role
Renowned writer-producer David E. Kelley jokingly remarked that he would “never” collaborate with three-time Oscar-nominated actress Michelle Pfeiffer, who has been his wife for over three decades. However, that sentiment changed during the casting of his latest project, Apple TV’s adaptation of Margo’s Got Money Troubles.
Kelley attended a press day for the streaming platform earlier this month, where he discussed the series alongside stars Elle Fanning, Nick Offerman, Thaddea Graham, and Pfeiffer. The event showcased other notable productions, including Pluribus and The Last Thing He Told Me. During a panel moderated by author Rufi Thorpe, Kelley elaborated on the casting decisions.
“[The book] made the casting process so easy, because everyone fell in love with it. I think when you and I first talked, Nick, you had read the book, and that was it. You were in without knowing what we were gonna do to it. Elle owned Margo, I think, before I even picked up a pen. And the actress there in the middle, who I vowed never to work with…” he said, referring to Pfeiffer.
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Pfeiffer interjected with humor, “I’m very difficult.”
Kelley reflected on their long-standing marriage, stating, “When I read the book, I could only see one person playing it, and we’re lucky enough that she said yes, the second luckiest yes I’ve gotten from her.”
Pfeiffer praised the supportive dynamic within the cast. “I don’t ever feel like you work on developing a rapport. You either have it, or you don’t,” she explained. She recounted her initial nerves during the first table read, describing how star talent filled the room, along with Kelley and the rest of the ensemble. “So, honestly, we just had fun every day, and every day was discovery,” she added.
Scheduled for release on April 15, the comedy-drama—secured by Apple in a competitive bidding war—follows Margo (Fanning), a recent college graduate and aspiring writer, as she navigates new motherhood and escalating financial challenges, with Pfeiffer portraying her mother, an ex-Hooters waitress, and Offerman as her father, an ex-pro wrestler.
The cast also features Nicole Kidman, Greg Kinnear, Marcia Gay Harden, Michael Angarano, Rico Nasty, and Lindsey Normington.
