Seth Rogen Discusses How ‘The Studio’ Season 2 Honors Catherine O’Hara’s Memory: “We’re Not Overlooking It”
As The Studio gears up for its second season, the cast will face the absence of a beloved star following the passing of Catherine O’Hara at age 71. Her death has cast a shadow over the show’s upcoming return to Hollywood.
Seth Rogen, a prominent figure behind the Apple TV+ satire series, confirmed that the new season will pay tribute to O’Hara, who won a Golden Globe for her role. Initially written with her presence in mind, the season must now navigate the emotional landscape following her death due to complications from rectal cancer.
“It has been an unbelievable challenge,” Rogen shared in an interview with The Times. He described the emotional toll of losing O’Hara and how it has affected the show’s narrative. “We wrote it for her to be there… the shock waves permeate throughout the entire new season. It’s been difficult. You worded it better than we could — she was the anchor and now the anchor is gone.”
Rogen pointed out that the show would reflect its sense of loss, stating, “If anything, we’re acknowledging the idea that we are a little anchorless… while we try to not dwell too much on heavy themes in this show, they will be there in this second season. We are not ignoring it.”
Reflecting on O’Hara’s performance in the first season, Rogen remarked, “We just wanted her to think we were funny.”
In The Studio, O’Hara’s portrayal of former studio head Patty Leigh was highly acclaimed, serving as a mentor to Rogen’s character, Matt Remick.
Last month, Rogen honored O’Hara’s legacy by accepting the Actor Award for Outstanding Performance by a Female Actor in a Comedy Series on her behalf. In a heartfelt speech, he highlighted her unique blend of talent and kindness, emphasizing that “you can be a genius and be kind.”
The upcoming season promises to acknowledge both the brilliance of O’Hara’s work and the emotional vacuum left by her absence.
Seth Rogen and Catherine O’Hara in ‘The Studio’
Apple TV / Courtesy Everett Collection
