The Intriguing World of 'Only Murders In The Building': A Broadway Twist & Emmy-Nominated Mysteries Await in Season 3!

Summary

Only Murders in the Building, starring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, has gained a devoted fanbase and critical acclaim, with multiple Emmy nominations and wins.

In a discussion with the show's co-creator, John Hoffman, he delves into the creative process of unraveling mysteries and working with actors. This includes his experience collaborating with the new cast members, Paul Rudd and Meryl Streep.

The plot of Season 3 ventures into the world of Broadway, where the characters find themselves caught in a murder case during the opening night of Oliver's show. This upcoming season guarantees to offer even greater surprises, twists, and comedic moments.

Only Murders in the Building has returned for its third season, taking the beloved podcasters to the iconic Broadway. The Hulu mystery comedy, featuring Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez, has gained a dedicated following and received critical praise, earning 28 Emmy nominations and 3 wins to date. This season, the cast is joined by Paul Rudd and Meryl Streep, ensuring that the show's success will continue to soar.

In the season 2 finale of Only Murders in the Building, the murder of Bunny, the ex-building manager of Arconia, was solved. However, "I Know Who Did It" keeps the anticipation high by fast-forwarding to the onstage death of Ben (played by Rudd), the lead actor in Oliver's production. The first two episodes of season 3 were directed by EP John Hoffman, who co-wrote the season 2 finale and season 3 premiere along with Steve Martin and Dan Fogelman, known for their work on This is Us.

John Hoffman Talks Only Murders in the Building

: In a recent interview with Screen Rant, Hoffman delved into the intricacies of the creative team's process in unraveling the enigmas that lie within each season of Only Murders in the Building. He shed light on how he collaborates not only with the leading actors but also with the guest stars, highlighting the seamless integration of talent. Furthermore, Hoffman revealed why the decision to introduce a Broadway debut in season 3 proved to be the perfect timing. It is important to note that this interview took place amidst the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, acknowledging the indispensable contributions of the writers and actors from both unions, without whom the show would not have come to fruition.

Screen Rant: I'm sure that you are no stranger to hearing, “I love Only Murders in the Building.”

John Hoffman expressed his gratitude and everlasting joy towards the mentioned content. He emphasized his lack of expectation but shared his immense happiness upon hearing about it. Furthermore, he extended his congratulations on the consecutive Emmy nominations for the second year. Specifically, the nomination for screenwriting acknowledges the successful conclusion of the mystery in the season 2 finale.

John Hoffman expressed his gratitude and immense honor at being recognized. He acknowledged that all the nominees likely share the same sentiment, considering the incredible quality of television content being produced currently. This particular nomination holds a special significance for him, and he emphasized that it is a collective effort rather than an individual achievement. John credited his talented co-writers, Rob Turbovsky and Matteo Borghese, for their contributions, as well as the entire team involved in creating the finales. Dan Fogelman, in particular, played a significant role in this episode, which required a tremendous group effort to deliver two seasons of content in a fast-paced manner.

But we strive to strike a balance between the show's wild comedic moments, like someone being scared of the inside of a tomato in slow motion, and still keeping the audience engaged by constantly surprising them. We want to reveal things in a way that keeps them intrigued at every turn.

And we've succeeded in doing just that. It's as if you guys have access to the same murder board we do, methodically eliminating different suspects and connecting the dropped clues. How do you ensure that every event and revelation logically leads to the inevitable conclusion? We want to make sure that people watching online don't question the believability of the story.

John Hoffman: Yeah, it may drive some others in the show-making industry a bit crazy, but for me, there's an organic quality to remembering what we need to achieve. I mentally create lists of all the loose ends we need to address and cleverly reveal throughout the process of developing a season. Additionally, there are other aspects of our work that I closely oversee, ensuring we don't forget certain elements. Our "not to forget" list is quite extensive.

However, the real challenge lies in executing all of this in a way that feels authentic, hilarious, and profound. We aim to touch on the core essence of the show, highlighting themes like loneliness, while making it all seem effortless. It's almost like performing a magic trick. I strive to guide the entire journey from start to finish.

And let me just say, at this very moment, that I am joining you as a producer - fully aware of the excitement and gratification that comes with working on this particular episode, as well as the entire season of our show. We are a production that highly values and appreciates our actors and writers. Right now, we are standing united in advocating for fairness for all of them. My mind is consumed by these thoughts at this time.

As you should be. I am right there with you, offering my support to the hardworking writers and actors who pour their hearts into creating remarkable shows like this one. Adina, who portrays Poppy, is a perfect example of their talent. I understand that you specifically intended to create the character for her. As a producer, do you ever find yourself conflicted when it comes to selecting a character to be the killer? Because once chosen, they ultimately have to depart from the show.

John Hoffman expressed his admiration for Amy Ryan, emphasizing that it was an honor to work with her. Despite this, he mentioned the dilemma of wanting more of her character while knowing she would meet an untimely fate. He also mentioned Jane Houdyshell, a close friend who plays Bunny, and assured her that she would have a significant role in season 2.

Hoffman acknowledged the unique nature of the show and how Adina, from her first audition, became an integral part of the storyline. Originally auditioning for a different character, Adina eventually landed the role of Poppy, which greatly influenced the direction of season 1 and season 2.

Then the whole notion of making her the reveal is that she is the subject of the podcast that drew our trio together in the very, very first episode of season 1.

Figuring out the solution to the original podcast mystery required masterful thinking and intelligent behavior. Additionally, the next season was cleverly introduced in the previous finale. Towards the end of "I Know Who Did It," the lead actor of Oliver collapses on stage. Did you already have knowledge about the double fake-out that would occur in the premiere, or was it more of a temporary pause with the intention of revisiting it later?

John Hoffman: That's an excellent question. I absolutely love it because there were definitely elements that we had set aside. Placing markers or pins in certain aspects is crucial, as we delved into our imagined possibilities and contemplated where we wanted the story to go. We extensively pondered these ideas before approaching the end of a season, aiming to plant seeds of anticipation and build upon them.

We definitely had a plan to focus more on Oliver and his theater world in season 3. However, there were certain elements and surprises that we kept in reserve and only revealed when the time was right. One of the factors was Paul Rudd's availability and his interest in being more involved in season 3, which was a big request. Initially, we asked him to come for just one day at the end of season 2, allowing him to take eight months to pursue other commitments before returning to us.

The question we asked was, "Would you like to come back for us?" This show has always been a dream of ours, attracting extraordinary individuals who are eager to play and take on substantial roles. This was certainly the case with Paul Rudd, and it is the same with Meryl as well.

Having Meryl with us now, no one can even dream about it. Everyone will agree with that. It must feel surreal to have the opportunity to direct Meryl Streep and guide her through her character development. What have you learned from working with her?

John Hoffman: Absolutely! We are incredibly fortunate. When you collaborate with someone of her stature, someone who carries the weight of her long and impressive career, it's remarkable how she effortlessly breaks down those barriers and brings everything back to the present moment. She asks questions that reveal her vulnerability, and she's always quick to remind us that she's just a girl from Jersey. She doesn't exude this grand persona, which I believe is an integral part of her success in her craft. It was unexpected, but in the most wonderful way. Her generosity and down-to-earth nature immediately set me at ease.

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I enjoy working with actresses who are eager to find the right answers and I take pleasure in being the one who answers their questions in this show. I have extensive knowledge and understanding of the show's feel, execution, history, and more. However, there are times when I don't have the answers, and I'm not afraid to admit it because it is impossible to know everything.

But what amazes me even more is the openness and creativity of the incredible people I collaborate with. They constantly bring new ideas and possibilities to the table. Season 3 was particularly awe-inspiring for me because of this.

Speaking of collaboration, all three of your lead actors are also executive producers. How hands-on is that? What is that collaboration like, and where do they give input?

John Hoffman expresses his satisfaction with the collaboration, describing it as intense yet fantastic. He emphasizes that the intensity does not come from a hovering presence, but rather from the development of a shared language between himself and the team on a daily basis. This familiarity has become integral to their collaboration. Hoffman appreciates the fact that he can approach them with ideas and receive their input, leading to discussions on the next steps to take. He notes that the team now understands the characters in a way that aligns with the overall vision, creating a harmonious dynamic. Although there is still work to be done in guiding the characters through their arcs for the season, Hoffman finds this process exciting and occasionally requires adjustments. Overall, he expresses his admiration for the team, describing their collaboration as fabulous and their abilities as great.

The characters' actions feel genuine and in line with their personalities. Unlike other shows where you might question the believability of a character's choices, I don't feel that way here. It's as if Selena herself expressed a desire to behave in that manner.

John Hoffman: I can assure you, it's truly fascinating to witness their intuition at work. Each of them, without exception, is incredibly kind and generous... I genuinely mean this: they are the most delightful collaborators. There's no ego involved in those moments. It feels authentic, and when they approach me with ideas, I'm taken aback. I question, "Are we really doing this?" But I've learned to trust their instincts because their suggestions come from a place of insight. They make me see things in a different light. We then explore alternate routes together, and it's truly beautiful.

When I think of Martin Short, the theater always comes to mind. Bringing Broadway into the story of "Only Murders in the Building" has been an exciting experience. While seasons 1 and 2 hinted at it, now we are fully diving into it. For me, it was important to ensure that this direction aligned with the overall narrative of our show without veering off into a completely different realm. Personally, being someone who has deep connections and fondness for the world of New York theater, it was a thrilling opportunity to incorporate it into the storyline.

Also joining us in season 3 were the talented collaborators Justin Paul and Benj Pasek, leading our virtuoso team in composing music. They brought with them the incredible talents of Sara Bareilles, Mark Shaman, Scott Whitman, and Michael R. Jackson. The upcoming content is truly extraordinary, especially considering the actors' extensive experience in stage performances. It's a captivating environment to be in, while still staying true to the essence of our show. Personally, I find it incredibly exciting to be part of such a dynamic and vibrant arena.

On a different note, how many more years do you plan to grace us with your presence at the Emmys? What is your long-term vision?

John Hoffman: We are open to as many seasons as they are willing to have us! I truly mean it. This show brings so much joy to everyone involved – and I can confidently speak for the trio and the rest of the team. When you have such a unique and captivating combination of talent, it becomes irresistible for others to want to be part of it. I hope this momentum keeps the show going for a long time.

Sometimes, I do sense a certain skepticism about the premise. Well, I believe season 3 will provide answers, and I have numerous other ideas on how to... If anything, the essence of this show is encapsulated in the season 1 poster, where you see Steven Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez together. It's unexpected and carries a lot of potential for longevity. However, who really knows? I honestly have no clue.

About Only Murders in the Building Season 3

Selena Gomez, Steve Martin, and Martin Short in Only Murders in the Building season 3

In season three, Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez star as Charles, Oliver, and Mabel respectively. They delve into a murder investigation within the world of Broadway. Paul Rudd portrays Ben Glenroy, a famous Hollywood action star who tragically dies during his Broadway debut. With the help of co-star Loretta Durkin, played by Meryl Streep, our trio takes on their most challenging case yet. Meanwhile, Oliver, who also serves as the director, struggles to salvage the show. Get ready for the new episodes of Only Murders in the Building season 3, exclusively on Hulu, premiering every Tuesday.

Source: Screen Rant Plus