SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for the season premiere of “Your Friends & Neighbors,” now streaming on Apple TV.
As Coop attempts to rebuild his life, a new neighbor poses a fresh challenge.
The Season 2 premiere of “Your Friends & Neighbors” introduces James Marsden as Owen Ashe, a confident and affluent bachelor who drives his blue McLaren into the heart of Westmont Village’s drama. He hosts a flashy party and quickly befriends Andrew “Coop” Cooper (played by Jon Hamm) and Samantha (portrayed by Olivia Munn).
The new season picks up some time after the previous one concluded, where Coop was cleared of charges and reunited with his family following accusations of murdering Sam’s husband. Although Sam managed to reduce her charges to misdemeanors, she remains ostracized in Westmont’s social circles. Seeking a fresh start in real estate, she encounters Ashe while trying to sell her own home.
Though Ashe is new to the upper crust of this fictional New York suburb, Marsden is familiar with his co-stars, having been contacted for the role via text messages from both Hamm and Munn.
“We grew up in Oklahoma City, and she was friends with my sister, who went to the same high school,” Marsden explains about his connection to Munn. “She reached out, saying, ‘We’d love for you to join Season 2. It’s a fun role. Please say yes.’”
Although Marsden and Hamm hadn’t collaborated before, they have regularly competed against each other in a fantasy football league. “I don’t think it was meant to be a Hollywood fantasy football league, but it evolved into that,” Marsden says. “Chris Evans invited me about 10 or 12 years ago. It’s a private league, not very public, just a group of fun guys, some of whom are in Marvel movies.”
What were your initial thoughts on Owen Ashe when you first read the scripts for “Your Friends & Neighbors”?
Playing a character that differs greatly from myself is always easier. While I share some traits with him, he is mostly high-energy, wealthy, and full of swagger — someone who enters Westmont Village, stirs things up, and captures the attention of the locals, especially Jon Hamm’s character. I was excited to tackle something outside my usual roles.
I’ve encountered people like this character in my life, which I drew inspiration from to play him. But ultimately, my role is to serve the story. He’s a good foil to Jon Hamm’s character, and it’s entertaining to see if they will become friends or adversaries as the season progresses.
What are the nuances of playing a character who is both charming and a bit obnoxious?
It’s important not to overdo the obnoxious part. The character needs to be genuinely intelligent and charming. Unawareness is key — the less they realize how unsavory or self-centered they are, the more amusing it becomes. It’s vital to keep it enjoyable for the audience, allowing them to see the character’s charm and enjoy his antics without just disliking him. The humor comes from leaning into their obliviousness, especially when boasting about their cars, money, or clothes.
What makes Owen so intrigued by Samantha?
He’s astute enough to see through the superficial. He notices people gravitating towards him for his wealth and can discern if someone is being genuine. When he meets Sam, he’s intrigued by her outsider status in Westmont Village. From the start, he sees her as straightforward and unapologetic about her past. Her honesty and transparency attract him.
Owen also quickly bonds with Coop. Is he aware of more about them and the community than he admits?
I don’t think he knows specific details about Coop or Olivia’s histories. He’s relocated to this town to start anew, perhaps to settle down with his daughter. His main introduction to the community is through lavish spending and parties. However, he might be concealing some secrets. Owen is someone who tends to ask questions about others, perhaps to divert attention from himself. His professional life might be legitimate or possibly shady, with offshore accounts. He’s a complex character who likely has his reasons for moving to Westmont.
Despite this, there is a lot of good in him. He possesses a childlike excitement about the future. He is genuinely interested in understanding people’s lives. His connection with Coop comes from recognizing someone who is direct. Owen is adept at reading people and sees Coop as someone who keeps his cards close, which Owen finds intelligent. It leads him to wonder about Coop’s secrets.
Does Owen see himself in Coop?
Yes, he does. He even remarks, “We’re two bachelors living in this town together.” Owen admires people who defy conventions and notices Coop’s tendency to live on the edge, which resonates with him. Owen seeks excitement and moves on if things become mundane. He perceives a similar trait in Coop.
Was it challenging to film the party sequence over several days?
It’s not as enjoyable as it appears. Despite the beautiful estate and music, the experience can be tedious, like spending four hours in a pool for a scene that lasts mere seconds. You find yourself thinking, This is my job, I’m in a tuxedo at 4 a.m. in this pool, because it’s a night shoot that continues until sunrise. Socially, it’s pleasant because you can chat with others between takes, but continuously dancing or jumping into the pool becomes tiring.
“Jury Duty” returns with “Company Retreat.” Do you have suggestions for a third season?
Others are working on that, but if it were up to me, I’d explore a tech start-up setting. It should be a place where phones aren’t allowed, perhaps a wild Hollywood party or a weekend masquerade where phones are banned.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
