Phil Dunster, known for captivating audiences as Jamie Tartt inTed Lasso, is back with a strikingly different role in the new comedy,Rooster. This isn’t a story of redemption, but a descent into darkly humorous chaos, alongside comedy legend Steve Carell.
The premise is simple, yet explosive: a successful author, Greg Russo (Carell), takes a job at a university to support his daughter after a devastating betrayal. Her husband, Archie (Dunster), has had an affair with a student. This single act ignites a chain reaction of conflict and unexpected encounters.
The dynamic between Archie and Greg is immediately combustible. Their clashes aren’t just verbal sparring; they escalate quickly, leading to one particularly memorable scene involving a ladle, a bed, and a very surprised Phil Dunster in his boxers. He recalls the moment as a “fever dream,” initially questioning the script’s audacity.
“When I first read it, I was like, ‘Is this right?’” Dunster laughed. “I’m in pants, and Steve’s going to be hitting me on the bottom with a ladle?” What followed was a surprisingly joyful process of choreography, playback, and improvisation with Carell, a performer Dunster affectionately calls “a king.”
Dunster’s ability to portray characters who are both flawed and strangely endearing is what drew creators Bill Lawrence and Matt Tarses to him. They envisioned Archie as someone the audience could still connect with, even while witnessing his less-than-admirable actions. They even initially named the character “Phil,” intending him to be a genuine “ahole.”
The key, according to Dunster, lies in the writing. Archie isn’t malicious; he’s simply privileged and oblivious to his own shortcomings. Unlike Jamie Tartt, who understood the effort required for success, Archie seems to believe his talent entitles him to everything. This fundamental difference makes Archie’s journey – or lack thereof – far more compelling.
“I think that Jamie probably knows that whilst he’s incredibly talented, he’s had to work his entire life to get to where he is,” Dunster explained. “Whilst Archie’s incredibly talented, he probably also feels entitled to be where he is.”
Ultimately,Roosterisn’t about finding easy answers or quick fixes. It’s about exploring the complexities of human behavior, the consequences of choices, and the enduring power of flawed characters. It’s a show that dares to ask: can someone truly change, or are some people simply beyond redemption?
The series features a talented ensemble cast alongside Carell and Dunster, including Danielle Deadwyler, Charly Clive, Lauren Tsai, and John C. McGinley.Roosteroffers a compelling blend of sharp wit, uncomfortable truths, and moments of unexpected tenderness.
