“Succession” creator Jesse Armstrong has ruled out spin-offs for the Emmy-winning series, which ended after its well-received fourth season last year.
The Emmy-winning series Succession concluded last year after its critically acclaimed fourth season.
Although there were previous hints at spin-offs, Jesse Armstrong, the creator of the show Succession, expressed on BBC Radio 4’s Today that it doesn’t seem particularly intriguing to him. He mentioned that he and his writing team have already explored the characters sufficiently. Matthew Macfadyen, who portrayed Tom Wambsgans, shared similar sentiments at the Emmy Awards, stating that while he would never completely rule it out, it is highly unlikely. Macfadyen emphasized that the decision would ultimately rest on Jesse Armstrong’s intentions. Despite the desire to work with the cast again, there is a consensus that the series Succession concluded in the right place, leaving the characters to navigate their peculiar and unsettling world. The idea of a spin-off, while tempting, is considered somewhat unconventional. However, Macfadyen acknowledged the uncertainty, stating, “But who knows?”
The series Succession chronicled the intricate and unpredictable trajectories of media tycoon Logan Roy, portrayed by Brian Cox, and his four offspring. Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, and Kieran Culkin, playing three of his children, engaged in relentless rivalry to secure the coveted position of CEO within their father’s highly successful corporation. Tom Wambsgans, portrayed by Armstrong, was married to Snook’s character, Shiv Roy.
Armstrong shared with Today presenter Nick Robinson that departing the show after four critically acclaimed seasons was a challenging decision. Despite the difficulty, he confessed to feeling a sense of relief about moving on. He revealed that the show had a team of writers from both the US and the UK. Now back in London, he maintains regular contact with the show’s British writers, considering it a form of “methadone” to help him gradually distance himself from the series. Reflecting on the awards season, Armstrong expressed joy at reconnecting with the cast, many of whom are primarily based in the US and whom he doesn’t see as frequently.
Armstrong, when questioned about the inspiration for his show Succession, mentioned drawing ideas not only from prominent figures like Rupert Murdoch but also from historical events, including ancient Rome, humorously stating, “We’ll steal from anywhere.” Known for his work on the BBC series The Thick of It, Armstrong, who co-wrote Peep Show for Channel 4, responded to claims that a similar show couldn’t be made today due to the current state of politics being “beyond a joke.” He acknowledged that replicating the exact show might not be feasible, but emphasized the importance of finding new ways to critique and satirize, stating, “The way to do it changes.”
Regarding his future plans, he remarked, “I’m completely in the dark, and surprisingly content with it. I have a handful of concepts floating around, but they’re in that delightful phase where I haven’t delved into them seriously, and they all appear to be exceptionally promising. Thus, I’m savoring this extended period of not engaging in the show but relishing the satisfaction of having completed it.”
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