The Intriguing Evolution of the Storyline: From Conception to Present - Revelations by the Creator and Showrunner

Summary

Physical tells the story of Sheila Rubin, a tormented housewife battling personal demons and finding empowerment through aerobics.

In the third season, a fresh rivalry emerges involving Zooey Deschanel's character, bringing an external obstacle to Sheila's journey.

Annie Weisman, the creator, talks about the show's growth, the outstanding cast, and the delicate balance of darkness and lightness in the series.

Apple TV+'s Physical depicts the trials of Sheila Rubin, a housewife plagued by inner torment. Set in 1980s San Diego, the series explores Sheila's struggles with body anxiety and bulimia, delving into dark and deeply personal territory. However, her life takes a turn when she stumbles upon aerobics, embarking on a transformative journey towards empowerment and triumph.

In the forthcoming and final season of Physical, Sheila finds herself entangled in a new rivalry with Kelly Kilmartin, portrayed by Zooey Deschanel, who made a brief appearance in the season 2 finale. While Sheila's narrative may be nearing its conclusion, the show offers numerous profound insights and meaningful lessons for its devoted viewers. The ten-episode season is currently unveiling new episodes every Wednesday on Apple TV+, with the highly anticipated finale scheduled to air on September 27th.

Annie Weisman Talks Physical

: Annie Weisman, the creator and showrunner of Physical, recently spoke with Screen Rant to discuss the series as a whole as it nears its conclusion. Throughout the conversation, Weisman shared insights into the show's evolution and the alterations made to the original concept. Additionally, she praised the exceptional cast and their contributions to the series, and delved into how the creative team skillfully balanced the dark tones of the show with moments of lightheartedness. It's important to note that this article was written during the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, and without the support and dedication of the writers and actors from both unions, Physical would not exist.

Screen Rant: When you first came up with the idea of Physical, did you have it all planned out to where it is ending now, or did some things change?

Annie Weisman: I had a vision of where I wanted to go, but there were numerous developments that arose during the process. These were largely influenced by discussions among the writers as well as the actors' performances. Some relationships started to feel particularly fruitful, causing us to prioritize them more than we initially intended. While there were many detours along the way, I did have a clear overall goal in mind."

Screen Rant: What inspired the series? It seems to have a rather distinct concept.

Annie Weisman explained that the content is not based on any preexisting material such as a book, comic book, or cartoon. It is an original idea, which presented a challenge. She considered herself fortunate to have the opportunity to create the show, as it is difficult to produce a series that is completely unique. The inspiration for the show came from her desire to explore the contradictions of her childhood and the transformation of Southern California from the 1970s to the 1980s, when the hippie generation gave way to the Reagan era. Another important aspect for Weisman was crafting a complex female character who defies external expectations, reflecting the experiences of many women. She aimed to delve into topics like fitness culture and women's entrepreneurship, which she observed during her upbringing. Weisman felt that these themes were not fully comprehended or taken seriously, and she sought to rectify that through her work. This was the foundation and starting point for the show.

Screen Rant: Let's dive into the incredible addition of Rose Byrne to the project.

Annie Weisman: It was truly thrilling to send the script to Rose Byrne and witness her genuine interest. As a long-time fan of her talent and capabilities, I was ecstatic. When we sat down together, it became evident that we shared the same vision for this project. Rose's dedication and fearlessness in tackling the darker aspects of the story were truly admirable. She embraced every challenge, as long as it remained authentic. Working with her over the course of three years, I continued to be inspired by her commitment and consistently raising the bar. It's been an amazing journey.

Screen Rant: Did she contribute any ideas to Sheila?

Annie Weisman: It's interesting because she would deny it, as she is quite modest. But I believe she did. Our work together involved exploring certain themes, determining the direction, and enhancing relationships. So, without a doubt, it was a true collaboration with her.

Screen Rant: Can we talk about Zooey, too? She's fantastic!

Annie Weisman: By the third season, we immerse ourselves in the authentic essence of the 80s era that we have been carefully crafting. We are gradually building up towards the familiar 80s we know today. When we initially started, we were not fully embraced in what we consider the pinnacle of the 80s. However, by introducing Zooey's character, we have reached the epitome of the 80s. She embodies the perfect combination of bubbly femininity and a determined, ambitious spirit that lies beneath her exterior. It was an enjoyable concept to explore. Sheila, on the other hand, had been grappling with inner turmoil during the initial seasons. She endured immense emotional struggle, but as she gains strength and achieves success, the storytellers become merciless.

It became a question of who to bring into Sheila's path next. What new obstacle would she face? To stay true to her journey, we introduce a rival with a completely different approach to her profession. We had a fascination with the idea of her character from the beginning, even before considering Zooey. We envisioned someone who embodies the traditional entertainer of the past, someone who excels in variety performances and possesses entrepreneurial skills. These female stars were and still are true icons. Zooey was the perfect fit for this role because she embodies all these qualities. She sings, dances, and tells jokes flawlessly. It was truly delightful to have her join us.

Screen Rant: It can't be all sunshine and rainbows.

Annie Weisman: Yeah, there's another obstacle, making it hard. Give me an uphill battle.

Screen Rant: Were there any storylines that you had to omit but wish you had retained?

Annie Weisman: That's a remarkable question. Without a doubt, more time is always desired. There are invariably aspects that you wish you could dedicate more attention to. One example would be Murray Bartlett's character in the second season. We have an immense fondness for him, as does the entire world. However, our access to Murray is limited. We did make an attempt to bring him back for the third season, reaching out and expressing our desire. He was incredibly delightful and an absolute pleasure to work with. Unfortunately, he was content with the way his character's story concluded, and he had other commitments as well. It's a pity that we can't reintegrate Murray into the mix for the third season, but we do manage to allude to him in an intriguing manner. Everyone always craves more Murray Bartlett.

Annie Weisman shared that one aspect she particularly enjoys about this series is the fashion choices. She emphasized the importance of costumes in telling the story and capturing the essence of the time period as well as the character's self-expression. Designing the main character's appearance was focused on making her stand out, while in later episodes, they aimed to stay true to the era. Weisman mentioned the creativity involved in developing clothing that allowed women to be active while maintaining a sense of allure. It is worth noting that all the costumes are authentic to the period and carefully handmade, showcasing the tremendous artistry involved in their creation.

Screen Rant: As Physical comes to a close, what do you want fans to take away from the series overall?

Annie Weisman: I'm excited about the immense journey the protagonist goes through. At the start, she hits rock bottom and everything seems bleak and without hope. However, it's amazing to witness how she manages to find inspiration even in such a dark and closed-off state. Not only does she secure a job, but she creates one and builds a world for herself. My hope is that this serves as a source of inspiration for viewers. They can see how far she goes and how she learns to prioritize her own well-being and empowerment on her own terms. It's important to note that this journey is not an easy one - it spans three seasons and involves numerous setbacks. Nonetheless, I hope people feel inspired by the progress she makes, even from such a seemingly hopeless starting point.

Screen Rant: The series contains both intense and light elements. Can you discuss the process of striking a balance between the two?

Annie Weisman: The balance greatly relies on the other characters and their storylines. The casting choices have been remarkable and have led to the discovery of the immense satisfaction derived from witnessing female friendships portrayed on the show. This character's bond with Greta serves as a healing force for her, as eating disorders and addictions tend to thrive in isolation. In order to combat the intrusive voice and disordered thinking, we emphasize the importance of connection. Their genuine friendship becomes a crucial aspect of the show, bringing joy as we observe the strength of their dynamic and their journey of self-discovery.

Screen Rant: Can you discuss the significance of portraying positive female friendships on screen, as you mentioned earlier? It seems to be a rarity.

Annie Weisman values her long-standing friendships with her female friends as the foundation of her life. While she appreciates her husband, children, and career, she believes that the deep and understanding bond she shares with her female friends is often underestimated in society. She acknowledges the complexities and challenges that come with emotional intimacy among women, but emphasizes its significance. Annie simply wanted to portray the true importance of these friendships in her own life.

About Physical

Annie Weisman: Yes, I share the same hope. At times, the uncertainty surrounding a venture can deter one from fully committing. However, once you take that leap, it becomes a truly fulfilling expedition. I assure you that there will be a definitive conclusion, leaving no one hanging in suspense.

Transported to the picturesque yet delicate shoreline haven of vibrant San Diego in the sunny 1980s, "Physical" is a 30-minute black comedy which chronicles the tale of Sheila Rubin. Seemingly a devoted and anguished housewife, she silently endorses her intelligent yet contentious spouse's pursuit of a place in the state assembly. Nevertheless, tucked away from prying eyes, Sheila harbors her own wickedly comical perspective on life, one she seldom unveils to the world. Moreover, she grapples with intricate personal struggles pertaining to her perception of herself...that is, until an improbable outlet emerges: the realm of aerobics.

Check out our previous Physical interviews with:

Rose Byrne & Deirdre Friel

Annie Weisman

Rory Scovel

Physical season 3 premiered on August 2 with two episodes. New episodes will be released on Apple TV+ up until the finale on September 27.