[This article contains spoilers from the season premiere of The Righteous Gemstones, “Prelude.” ]
Viewers familiar with “The Righteous Gemstones”have long enjoyed its unique blend of commercialized Christianity, cleverly-timed humor, and darkly comedic criminal undertones. The highly anticipated season four premiere, which aired on Sunday, delivers just that, while introducing an unexpected twist that harkens back to the 1860s.
This latest installment begins with a standalone narrative set during the Civil War, showcasing Bradley Cooper in a surprise role as the first Gemstone to don a clergy robe, albeit through morally questionable means. The storyline follows Elijah Gemstone, who navigates a world of drinking and swindling while the Confederate South faces defeat by Union forces. Cooper’s hidden involvement had been a closely guarded secret leading up to the March 9 episode debut, even a paparazzi photograph of him wearing a Baby Billy’s Bible Bonkers t-shirt did not raise any suspicions.
Danny McBride, the series co-creator, director, and co-writer, expressed his excitement about this opening episode of the final season. “I’m used to juggling various roles in the production process,” he explained. “In this case, I could concentrate solely on directing and establishing rapport with Bradley. I had a partner in crime to tackle something distinctive.”
In an interview conducted earlier this month, McBride discussed this unconventional season premiere and why Cooper’s initial unfamiliarity with the show ultimately benefited the production.
Genesis of the Unique Concept
When asked about the inspiration behind this ambitious start, McBride revealed it was a mix of long-held fascination and opportunity. “Growing up in Spotsylvania County, Virginia, I had a close connection to Civil War history, often finding artifacts like old bullets in my yard. So, when it came time to launch this final season, I believed it was fitting to explore the origins of the Gemstones. No one objected, and we moved ahead,” he shared.
Beyond Stunt Casting
McBride consciously avoided the temptation to stunt cast or simply dress an existing cast member in period attire. “This episode was a significant gamble. Our audience expects a certain format, and starting the season without the familiar cast meant it had to be someone special to pull it off effectively. We didn’t want it to feel like a ploy; we were aiming for authenticity,” he stated.
“Then came the thought: who could make this work? It had to be someone compelling—like Bradley Cooper,” McBride noted. Remarkably, one of his producers suggested directly approaching Cooper. “To my surprise, he was interested in the role. We sent him the script, and he responded immediately, excited about the character and the story,” McBride reflected on Cooper’s involvement. “He was willing to wear wool in the sweltering heat for ten days, all without monetary compensation. That commitment speaks volumes.”
Connie Chornuk / HBO
Cooper’s Fresh Perspective
Surprisingly, Cooper had never watched “The Righteous Gemstones”before taking on this role. “He made it clear that he wanted to hold off on viewing the series until after filming, not wanting any outside influences to shape his performance,” McBride explained. “Sometimes high-profile guest stars end up mimicking existing characters to score laughs, so I appreciated Cooper’s awareness of that pitfall.”
Crafting a Distinct Performance
McBride confirmed, “Had he watched the series, his portrayal would have been completely different. However, the remarkable thing is that Cooper embodies Gemstone characteristics seamlessly.”
The Scoundrel Connection
Discussing the exaggerated, yet charming nature of the characters, he stated, “All the Gemstones embody a certain level of scoundrelism. They aren’t the most virtuous characters, which is a delicate balance to achieve. The talented ensemble, including Walton Goggins, Edi Patterson, John Goodman, and Adam Devine, all possess a charm that keeps viewers rooting for them despite their flaws. Bradley carries a disarming charm that was essential, especially in portraying a Confederate soldier whom audiences need to empathize with.”
Balancing Humor and Drama
McBride acknowledged the ongoing debate surrounding the show’s tone. “While it can be outlandishly comedic, we strive for emotional resonance within our narratives. We aim to strike that balance in the scripts, but the actors carry a big part of that responsibility. This episode pushes the boundaries of what we’ve attempted in the past,” he summarized.
Production Insights
Addressing the production’s scale, he revealed, “Surprisingly, this may not be our most expensive episode. We filmed it in just under ten days, heavily relying on daylight for scenes, which demanded efficiency and practicality. I must emphasize that Cooper was instrumental in making this happen smoothly.”
Pushing Creative Boundaries
When asked about pitching the original concept, McBride admitted, “I didn’t want to pitch it upfront. I sent the executed script to the network without prior discussions, understanding that the premise might sound outlandish. Thankfully, Amy Gravitt was excited by our vision,” he acknowledged.
Embracing Audience Challenge
On the potential for confusing viewers with this unique episode format, McBride expressed enthusiasm. “It adds an exciting twist. Throughout this series, we’ve aimed to keep our audience guessing and engaged. Introducing unexpected elements in the final season serves to reinforce that anything is possible. Despite the viewers’ familiarity with the show, we still have several surprises in store for them.”