The Intense Evolution of Wolf Like Me Season 2: A Must-Watch!

Summary

Wolf Like Me season 2 expands the world of the show, adding complexity to the lives of the characters and exploring new storylines.

Jodi Matterson, the executive producer, explores the collaborative and auteur-driven approach when collaborating with creator Abe Forsythe. Through her company Made Up Stories, Matterson strives to produce content that ignites their creative passion and resonates with both Australian and American viewers, serving as a bridge between the two audiences.

The genre relationship dramedy Wolf Like Me, available on Peacock, is returning for its second season. Season 2 delves deeper into the complicated and profound connection between the characters Gary (played by Josh Gad) and Mary (played by Isla Fisher). While the upcoming season offers more werewolf action, it remains focused on exploring the complexities of relationship dynamics. This creative direction is thanks to the vision of creator, writer, and director Abe Forsythe. In this season, the central storyline revolves around Mary's pregnancy and the mystery of the identity or nature of her unborn baby.

The production of Wolf Like Me is made possible by the executive producer Jodi Matterson, known for her work in projects such as Nine Perfect Strangers and The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. Matterson is an integral member of the Australian production company Made Up Stories, which aims to bring Australian voices and stories to a global audience, including major outlets in the US. Her collaboration with Forsythe extends back to their work on the 2019 film Little Monsters, where Matterson served as a producer.

Jodi Matterson On Wolf Like Me Season 2

In a recent interview with Our website, Jodi Matterson discussed her ongoing collaboration with Abe Forsythe, the differences between season 2 and season 1, and more. It is important to note that this interview took place during the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, and the show being discussed would not have come to fruition without the tireless efforts of the actors in that union. To ensure clarity and brevity, this interview has been lightly edited.

Our website: As you were seeing scripts and getting ready for production, what was the most exciting thing for you about coming into season two?

Jodi Matterson: This show is simply amazing, and Abe happens to be one of my closest companions. Collaborating with Abe is an absolute delight because we have the most incredible time together. The world that he has created is truly unparalleled, and it truly represents him.

When it came to season two, our excitement stemmed from the fact that we had the opportunity to expand the world. In season one, everything was quite contained with Mary, Gary, and Emma. However, in season two, we were able to broaden their lives and add more complexity. This was due to various factors like Mary's pregnancy, the unexpected arrival of someone from her past, the disclosure of the secret to others, and the investigation into the murders from season one. It was truly invigorating to have such a vast world to explore.

Does your role as a producer change when working with someone like Abe, who not only creates but also writes and directs everything himself?

Jodi Matterson: The aspect I appreciate about working with Abe is the auteur-driven production. He is the driving force behind the creative vision. While he is open to collaboration, he possesses a clear vision for what he wants to achieve. Having worked together for quite some time now, we share an extremely close professional and personal relationship. I find immense gratification in supporting him and enabling him to bring all his imaginative ideas to the screen.

Jodi Matterson: No, we did not advocate for any changes or expansions in season 2 based on business or any other factor. Our focus has always been on what will serve the story and the characters the best, rather than trying to make it more commercial or pushing it in a specific direction for any particular reason.

Originally, there were certain storylines that he discussed, but upon further exploration, we questioned if they were truly the best direction for us. However, during the discussions and development, other ideas emerged that instantly clicked and we knew we had found the right path. It was a process of uncovering and navigating different possibilities until we ultimately arrived at a place that Abe felt really good about, and that we became excited about too.

In relation to your company, Made Up Stories, it seems like you're actively bringing Australian voices and projects to American audiences. Do you ever face resistance or obstacles in getting these shows made or gaining visibility here?

Jodi Matterson believes that breaking through and capturing the attention of an audience is always a challenging task, regardless of whether you are producing content in America, the UK, or Australia. At Made Up Stories, our approach is to generate work that not only excites us creatively but also possesses a universal appeal, irrespective of where it is created or set.

Recently, we premiered a uniquely Australian show on Amazon called The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart. Although it differs significantly from Wolf Like Me, it has resonated exceptionally well with audiences worldwide, reflecting our aim of achieving global success.

When Abe presented me with this idea for season one, despite its unconventional blend of genres, at its core, it possessed a remarkably beautiful, universally relatable theme. It explores the inner struggle we've all faced at some point: the fear of exposing our true selves and questioning if anyone could truly love us once all our secrets are laid bare. This concept has the potential to deeply resonate with each and every one of us.

Did you have a clear vision of how many seasons would be ideal when you initially started creating the show, considering how the current season concludes?

Jodi Matterson: If you've watched season two, you witnessed the suspenseful ending that leaves viewers hanging. We have various ideas brewing on how the storyline with Mary and Gary can progress. We genuinely hope for the chance to delve further into this world as it brings us immense joy.

Jodi Matterson: Without a doubt, the storyline I was most thrilled to be a part of this season was when Mary's former professor made his way to Australia to search for her. Having the incredible Edgar Ramirez join our show was a dream come true. This particular storyline brought immeasurable joy to me and was the standout highlight of season two. The dynamic between Isla, Josh, and Edgar on screen is absolutely captivating, making it an irresistible and truly enjoyable storyline.

I have already spoken to Abe and your music supervisor Andrew, but I would love to inquire about the Nirvana song. Can you provide any insights on how that specific version made it into the series?

Jodi Matterson: It's fascinating because Abe, being both a writer and director, is deeply passionate about music. While he is writing, he meticulously curates playlists and puts a lot of effort into determining the musical direction. By the time we begin shooting, all the tracks he intends to use are already integrated into the script. This process greatly influences the overall atmosphere of our production.

Music is a crucial element in defining Mary's character, a fact we effectively established in season one through her connection to Queens of the Stone Age. This connection plays a significant role in driving her bond with Emma as Emma introduces her to the world of music. During this process, Abe searches for a song that holds significance for Mary and her late husband, yet can be presented by Emma in a way that avoids stirring up sadness. There were numerous discussions around classic songs and various renditions of such compositions. However, the moment we stumbled upon the mariachi version of that particular track, it became impossible not to smile at its melodic charm.

About Wolf Like Me Season 2

In the upcoming second season of Wolf Like Me, Mary (played by Isla Fisher) and Gary (played by Josh Gad) embark on the next chapter of their relationship, which entails their biggest test yet: becoming parents. Despite their efforts to experience a "normal" pregnancy, numerous uncertainties linger. Will their child inherit human characteristics or possess wolf-like traits? How long can they maintain secrecy from their family about their unique circumstance? Will their previous encounter in the outback return to haunt them? Furthermore, with the unexpected reentry of Mary's former professor, Anton (portrayed by Edgar Ramírez), can their relationship endure the revelation of long-buried secrets from Mary's past?

Check back for our other Wolf Like Me season 2 interviews:

VFX team members Adam Johansen & Damian Martin

Creator Abe Forsythe

Music supervisor Andrew Kotatko

Wolf Like Me season 2 drops on Peacock on October 19th.