Seth Rogen says the second season of The Studio will reflect the loss of Catherine O’Hara.
The actor, 43, who co-created the The Studio alongside Evan Goldberg, spoke about the impact of Home Alone star Catherine’s death after she passed away earlier this year aged 71, describing the show as now feeling “a little anchorless” without her.
In an interview with The Times, Seth said about the future of The Studio: “If anything, we’re acknowledging the idea that we are a little anchorless.
“But, honestly, that is a part of life and what we all experience.
“And so while we try not to dwell too much on heavy themes in this show, they will be there in this second season. We are not ignoring it.”
Evan, 43, added: “It has been an unbelievable challenge.
“Obviously, emotionally, dealing with the loss, but also when it comes to the show itself.
“We wrote it for her to be there. We had it all set, and the shock waves permeate throughout the entire new season. It’s been difficult. You worded it better than we could – she was the anchor, and now the anchor is gone.”
Catherine, known for roles in Schitt’s Creek and Home Alone, died on 30 January from a pulmonary embolism after missing the start of filming for the show’s second season.
She had starred in the first season as studio executive Patty Leigh, a role that later earned her a posthumous win at the SAG Awards on 1 March, making her the first woman to receive the honour after death.
Following Catherine’s death, Seth and other cast members withdrew from an Apple TV+ event scheduled for 3 February.
In a joint statement, Apple and Lionsgate said: “We are all heartbroken by the loss of Catherine O’Hara.
“An undeniable legend, icon, and incomparable talent, Catherine elevated every project she was a part of, including the singular genius she brought to her role on The Studio, and every transcendent performance she gifted to us.”
Seth later accepted Catherine’s award on her behalf at the SAG Awards.
He said: “I was asked to assume the honor of accepting this award on O’Hara’s behalf.
“I know she would have been honored to receive this award from her fellow performers who I know she respected so much. She was such a big fan of all of yours.”
He added Catherine showed “you can be a genius and be kind” – adding “one of those things does not have to come at the expense of the other”.
