Bill Lawrence’s ‘Bad Monkey’: A wild ride through Florida’s quirks
The challenge of filming in Florida
From a budgetary standpoint, Bill Lawrence, the creative mind behind hits like “Scrubs,” “Ted Lasso,” “Cougar Town,” and “Shrinking,” faced significant hurdles while shooting his new Apple TV+ series, Bad Monkey, in Florida. “There’s no tax break, and it’s immediately more expensive,” Lawrence explains. The state’s stringent wildlife regulations, frequent storms, and wandering animals added layers of complexity to the production. Yet, these challenges were non-negotiable for Carl Hiaasen, the author of the 2013 novel on which the series is based.
Carl Hiaasen’s influence
Carl Hiaasen, a Miami-based writer and Lawrence’s favorite author, had one major stipulation before signing off on the adaptation: it had to be filmed in Florida. Despite the logistical nightmares, Lawrence found himself grateful for the authenticity it brought to the show. “All of the limitations became a part of the show,” he says. For instance, the red lights used to protect turtle hatchlings gave the scenes a noirish feel, and the wildlife interruptions were incorporated into the transitions of the show.
A love/hate relationship with Florida
Lawrence has a complex relationship with Florida. His family, including his parents who now live in Orlando, hails from the state. This connection initially sparked his interest in Hiaasen’s novels. “I started reading his books when I was 15,” Lawrence recalls. Hiaasen’s surreal satire and insane situations have been a significant influence on Lawrence’s work, including the goofy scenarios in “Scrubs.”
The journey to adapt ‘Bad Monkey’
Adapting Bad Monkey became a passion project for Lawrence, who wrote the first script seven years ago. The project took nearly a decade to come to fruition. Interestingly, Lawrence’s initial meeting with Jason Sudeikis was for “Bad Monkey” before they pivoted to “Ted Lasso.” The success of “Ted Lasso” eventually gave Lawrence the momentum to get “Bad Monkey” off the ground.
Overcoming skepticism
Hiaasen, who had been skeptical about Hollywood due to past experiences, was eventually convinced by Lawrence’s dedication. “He’s got a huge, healthy skepticism about Hollywood,” Lawrence notes. Hiaasen’s previous adaptations had not gone well, but Lawrence’s respect for the author and his work helped bridge the gap. Lawrence kept Hiaasen in the loop on major changes, ensuring the author’s vision was honored.
The cast and characters
Bad Monkey, premiering on Apple TV+, stars Vince Vaughn as a former Miami cop turned Florida Keys health inspector. Vaughn’s character stumbles upon a sawed-off human arm, sparking an investigation that he hopes will get him back on the force. The series, true to Hiaasen’s style, is deeply rooted in Florida’s unique culture and its eccentric inhabitants. Watch the trailer.
Future projects inspired by Hiaasen
Lawrence’s admiration for Hiaasen extends beyond “Bad Monkey.” His next project, a 10-episode HBO comedy starring Steve Carell, is also inspired by the author. Carell’s character is loosely based on Hiaasen, portraying a “man of the people” author who navigates the complexities of a snooty New England college.
‘Shrinking’ and other ventures
Lawrence is also busy with Season 2 of Shrinking, his Apple TV+ series co-created with Brett Goldstein. After a hiatus due to Hollywood strikes, the show returns on October 16. Goldstein will appear on camera this season, adding another layer of excitement for fans. Lawrence envisions “Shrinking” as a three-season show, with each season focusing on themes like grief, forgiveness, and moving forward.
The ‘Scrubs’ reboot
Questions about a “Scrubs” reboot have been persistent. Lawrence acknowledges the passion for the show has never waned, partly due to the real-life friendship between Zach Braff and Donald Faison. While there are obstacles, including network affiliations and the busy schedules of the cast, Lawrence remains hopeful. “It would be fun to do not just because we want an excuse to hang out with each other, but because it’d be fun to do creatively,” he says.
Final thoughts
Lawrence’s journey with “Bad Monkey” and his other projects highlights his dedication to storytelling and his respect for the source material. His ability to navigate the complexities of production while staying true to the essence of the stories he adapts is a testament to his talent and passion. Whether it’s the quirky world of Florida in “Bad Monkey” or the heartfelt narratives in “Shrinking,” Lawrence continues to captivate audiences with his unique vision.
For more on Bad Monkey, check out the trailer. And for fans of Shrinking, mark your calendars for October 16.