Phil Dunster, the actor who captivated audiences as Jamie Tartt inTed Lasso, is back with a strikingly different role. He’s traded the football pitch for the hallowed halls of academia in the new comedy,Rooster, and this time, redemption won’t come easily.
The series centers around Greg Russo, a celebrated author played by Steve Carell, who unexpectedly finds himself working at a university to support his daughter after a painful split. The cause? A betrayal involving her husband, Archie – the character brought to life by Dunster – and a student. It’s a messy situation, and Archie is squarely at the center of it.
Don’t expect a quick turnaround for Archie, though. According to co-creator Matt Tarses, Dunster was specifically chosen for his ability to make even the most “dastardly” actions endearing. “I love the word dastardly,” Dunster chuckled, acknowledging the challenge of portraying a character with such flaws.
The key, Dunster explains, lies in the writing. Archie isn’t a villain in his own mind; he’s a product of privilege, accustomed to adoration and believing he’s inherently deserving of success. This contrasts sharply with Jamie Tartt, who understood the value of hard work. “Jamie had to *earn* everything,” Dunster pointed out. “Archie feels entitled.”
In fact, the character was initially written with Dunster in mind. The creators even named him “Phil” in the early drafts, describing him as a genuine “ahole” they envisioned him playing. It’s a testament to the writers’ confidence in his ability to navigate complex, morally ambiguous characters.
Dunster relishes the opportunity to explore these nuances. He sees Archie as a “normal person in extreme circumstances,” a hallmark of the writing style of creators Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses. But beyond the compelling script, the chance to work alongside Steve Carell was a major draw. “He’s the king,” Dunster stated simply.
One particularly memorable scene – a chaotic, improvised brawl involving a ladle, a bed, and Dunster in his boxers – perfectly encapsulates the show’s delightfully absurd tone. “It was such a fever dream,” he recalled, laughing. The scene began with carefully planned choreography, but quickly evolved into a joyful, spontaneous exchange between two comedic forces.
Dunster described watching the scene back with Carell, repeatedly, a practice he admitted most actors wouldn’t embrace. But the opportunity to collaborate with an icon, and witness his genuine enthusiasm, made the experience uniquely rewarding.Roosterpromises a darkly funny, character-driven exploration of family, betrayal, and the messy realities of life.
The series features a talented ensemble cast alongside Carell and Dunster, including Danielle Deadwyler, Charly Clive, Lauren Tsai, and John C. McGinley, promising a compelling and unpredictable narrative.
