Neil Pond
Updated on: October 10, 2024 3:34 pm GMT
Jeff Bridges Reflects on Iconic Roles While Promoting FX’s The Old Man Season 2
LOS ANGELES, Sept. 11 (UPI) — As FX prepares to launch Season 2 of The Old Man, star Jeff Bridges is reminiscing about some of his most beloved roles, expressing intrigue in revisiting characters that have shaped his illustrious career. The highly-anticipated season premieres Thursday at 10 p.m. EDT on FX and will be available for streaming on Hulu. Bridges, now 74, returns as retired CIA agent Dan Chase, embroiling himself once more in a dangerous rescue mission to save his daughter, Angela/Emily Chase, played by Alia Shawkat. His trusty partner in this endeavor is FBI Assistant Director Harold Harper, portrayed by John Lithgow.
Revisiting Old Favorites
Bridges shared insights about these cherished roles during a recent press conference at the Television Critics Association in Pasadena, California. He expressed his wish to reprise certain characters, specifically mentioning his roles in Starman and The Big Lebowski.
“Starman, because Karen Allen is holding my baby,” Bridges remarked, playfully referencing how his character’s story intertwined with a woman he fell for in the 1984 film. As for The Big Lebowski, he added, “The same goes for The Dude.”
These reflections remind fans of Bridges’ versatility as an actor, as he effortlessly transitions from the science fiction genre to a cult classic comedy.
Jeff Bridges returns as Dan Chase in Season 2 of FX’s The Old Man, blending action with emotional depth as he navigates the complexities of fatherhood and espionage.
A New Chapter in The Old Man
Bridges acknowledged that returning for Season 2 of The Old Man feels distinctly different from participating in a movie sequel. “In a movie, you get a beginning, middle, and an end,” he explained. “In a show like this, I don’t know what’s going to happen, just like you guys.”
The storyline in Season 2 deepens, exploring the complexities of father-daughter relationships amid high-stakes action. By diving into the backstory of Angela/Emily, who discovers she is actually Parwana Hamzad, the daughter of the Afghan warlord played by Navid Negahban, the narrative intertwines personal and political dimensions that elevate the drama beyond mere action sequences.
Behind the Scenes
Bridges revealed that former CIA operative Christopher Huttleston serves as a consultant for the series, contributing insights into the authenticity of espionage elements portrayed in the show. Growing up in a show business family, Bridges shared his perspective on the evolution of television, reflecting on how far the medium has come since the days of his father, Lloyd Bridges, who starred in series like Sea Hunt.
“I don’t see any difference,” he said about modern television compared to film, noting that the unpredictability of narrative flow in serial storytelling offers a fascinating dynamic not present in traditional filmmaking.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Bridges’ return to acting coincides with a personal journey of recovery following a serious health scare. During a 2020 hiatus in production due to the COVID-19 pandemic, doctors found a tumor in his stomach. Reflecting on this period, Bridges shared the unexpected difficulties he faced even while filming action scenes. “In the first season, when I was doing these fight scenes, I had a 9-inch-by-12-inch tumor in my body… that didn’t hurt at all,” he disclosed. Fortunately, Bridges felt renewed health and vitality as he prepared for the new season.
His journey was marked by determination, with Bridges citing the wedding of his daughter, Hailey, as a motivator to regain his strength. He recalled his hopes to walk her down the aisle and celebrated small victories throughout his recovery.
The Dynamics of Season 2
The early episodes of Season 2 explore the evolving relationships between the characters, particularly between Dan and Harold. Their partnership develops as they work together to rescue Angela/Emily, who has been taken by her biological father. The tension is palpable as both struggle with their pasts, casting doubt on their ability to navigate the dark underworld they once dominated.
While the season’s early episodes establish character arcs, pacing issues have led to criticism as some plotlines unfold too slowly. Nonetheless, Bridges’ performances alongside Lithgow maintain the narrative’s emotional core, allowing for profound moments amidst the action.
Looking Ahead
As the series progresses, fans hope for a gripping return to the intricate storytelling that made Season 1 a hit. With its blend of personal and political stakes set against a backdrop of stunning landscapes and action sequences, The Old Man Season 2 promises both challenges and revelations for its characters. Tackling the complexities of their past while forging ahead into uncertain futures offers significant dramatic weight—a hallmark of compelling storytelling.
Exciting news for fans! Season 2 of *The Old Man* starts on September 12 on FX. Get ready to dive back into a thrilling story packed with suspense and strong emotions. You’ll find yourself wondering about the characters and what will happen next!
