Vince Vaughn and Bill Lawrence's paths first crossed over two and a half decades ago, and when the opportunity to collaborate on the cop-themed comedy "Bad Monkey" arose, the actor eagerly seized it, eager to finally team up with his long-awaited creative partner. "We couldn't stop laughing," Vaughn gushed to Variety at the Apple TV+ series' Monday night premiere, his eyes sparkling with excitement. Speaking of his collaboration with the mastermind behind "Spin City" and the beloved "Ted Lasso," Vaughn continued, "His mind is a treasure trove of brilliant ideas, and he's so receptive to others' inputs. It was a breeze working with him."
It's hardly surprising that their partnership flourished seamlessly, given Lawrence's penchant for assembling dream teams of friends and family. At this juncture of his illustrious career, he confessed, "There's nothing quite like working alongside those whose company you genuinely cherish." These words rang true as his talented daughter, singer-songwriter Charlotte Lawrence, gracefully strolled past him on the sandy-hued red carpet outside the Hammer Museum in Westwood, her presence a testament to their familial bond.
Initially, Lawrence harbored reservations about casting his daughter in the show, despite acknowledging her prowess. "She exudes confidence, but then I found myself torn," he shared, a hint of anxiety creeping into his voice. "The world of social media is unforgiving and intricate. Yet, she's navigated it all with grace and an open heart. And let me tell you, she was fantastic. Absolutely brilliant. I'd do it all over again. Trust me—if you ever find yourself in a position where you can hire your loved ones, seize the moment without hesitation."
Moreover, Lawrence relished the chance to reunite with his "Scrubs" star Zach Braff for "Bad Monkey." "I didn't even have to formally offer him the role," Lawrence reminisced with a grin. "I simply asked, 'Hey, wanna play a doctor again, but this time, with a darker, more gritty twist?' And he was all in, saying, 'Sure, why not?'" The creator's eyes softened as he added, "Being in Florida got lonely at times, so having Zach around made it all the more enjoyable."
"Bad Monkey" embarks on an intriguing journey with Andrew Yancy (portrayed by Vaughn), a former Miami Police Department member who finds himself relegated to the role of a health inspector in the picturesque Florida Keys. When an unsettling discovery—a human arm fished out of the tranquil waters by unsuspecting tourists—hits the shores, Yancy senses a chance to unravel this perplexing murder and potentially reclaim his place among the force.
The Apple TV+ series, deeply rooted in Carl Hiaasen's eponymous novel, captivated Vaughn with its unconventional narrative and playful eccentricities. "I yearned for a story that teemed with endearing characters, unpredictable plot twists, and immersive experiences," he elaborated, embodying his excitement for the project.
Natalie Martinez, who embodies Yancy's former police department colleague, was drawn to the series out of long-standing admiration for Vaughn. "He stands tall as a living legend in our genre, his brilliance undeniable," Martinez enthused. "Facing him on screen is nothing short of an honor, a testament to the caliber of talent surrounding this project."
The role further offered Martinez a thrilling platform to celebrate her Cuban American heritage and South Florida upbringing. "I reveled in the chance to unleash my accent, embrace aspects of myself that are inherently true yet often restrained by the confines of certain roles," she shared. "Portraying a character so intimately tied to my roots was exhilarating. While not born in Cuba, I deeply resonate with its culture, believing that our voices too deserve to be heard."
Kickstarting on August 14, the first two installments of "Bad Monkey's" captivating 10-episode arc will stream exclusively on Apple TV+, with subsequent episodes gracefully unfolding every Wednesday until October 9, promising a thrilling ride through the murky waters of justice and redemption.
