Unveiling the Genius Behind Adapting 'Apples Never Fall' and Capturing Annette Bening's Essence

The upcoming miniseries "Apples Never Fall" is another intriguing show adaptation from the author of Big Little Lies. This new series on Peacock follows the Delaney family, consisting of four children, a former tennis pro, and his wife who goes missing at a local farmer's market. As the family searches for her, they uncover dark secrets about each other and a mysterious drifter named Savannah, who played a significant role in their lives after a fateful encounter.

Leading the ensemble cast of "Apples Never Fall" are Annette Bening and Sam Neill, along with Alison Brie, Jake Lacy from A Friend of the Family, Georgia Flood, Conor Merrigan Turner, Essie Randles, Jeanine Serralles, and Dylan Turaisingham. The show combines the dark humor of a dysfunctional family, similar to the success of Succession, with the gripping mystery elements that made Big Little Lies a hit. "Apples Never Fall" promises to be another captivating addition to the mystery TV genre.

Marnich Connected Deeply With Joy & Her Mid-Life Reflections

During a recent interview with Screen Rant, creator Melanie Marnich shared her deep connection with the character of Joy Delaney in the show "Apples Never Fall." She discussed how Joy's mid-life reflections resonated with her on a personal level.

Annette Bening as Joy looking at her family at the dinner table in Apples Never Fall - Marnich Connected Deeply With Joy & Her Mid-Life Reflections

I can't wait to discuss this show with you! I've watched four episodes already and I'm loving it. What was it about Liane's novel that made you want to adapt it for the screen?

I read the galleys of the book before it was published, and I immediately connected with Joy. Her perspective on life, marriage, kids, and sacrifices resonated with me. She questioned if it was all worth it and if she was taken for granted, which I found very relatable and mature.

The story doesn't just focus on love, but also explores various shades and shifts in relationships. It delves into the theme of secrets, revealing that we may not truly know those closest to us. These elements combined to captivate me. The book's humor and insight appealed to me as a writer, making me eager to dive into it.

Translating the wit in the show was a challenge. It was like solving a tricky puzzle that kept shifting. The show balances comedy and mystery well. It has a driving mystery and procedural element, along with character drama that delves deep. And surprisingly, the funny moments aren't jokes, but they still make us laugh.

Characters in the story bring out laughter with their wit, adding a light touch to serious situations like Joy Delaney's disappearance. It's important to keep the tone respectful when dealing with such heavy subject matter. The story unfolds with a mix of character drama and family drama, revealing the complexities of the situation.

In the writers' room, we often discussed the balance between humor and seriousness in the storytelling. Sometimes we toned down the humor to maintain the gravity of the story, while other times we injected light-hearted moments to alleviate the intensity. Finding the right balance was key, adding a layer of complexity and ensuring the story had depth. I always emphasized the need for "torque" in the narrative, bringing in wit to enhance the storytelling.

Annette Bening Was The "Heart & Soul" Of The Show (& Marnich's Only Person In Mind)

Annette Bening as Joy riding her bike in Apples Never Fall - Annette Bening Was The "Heart & Soul" Of The Show (& Marnich's Only Person In Mind)

Melanie Marnich: Heart and soul. Joy is the gravitational center of the show, and that was crucial. The character needed to have a strong presence both on and off-screen. When I first started writing, I asked myself, "What happened to Joy Delaney and why?" I already had a clear image of her in my mind from the beginning. I truly believed that Annette Bening was the perfect fit for the role. When I presented the idea to the network, I was adamant that it had to be Annette Bening.

When I had my initial phone call and meeting with her, I was amazed by her talent and intelligence in her work. Joy Delaney, the incredible artist, was so generous and had a great understanding of storytelling. We connected instantly, sharing the same priorities for the project. When she agreed to come on board, I was beyond thrilled. And then came the question, "Who could play Joy Delaney's husband opposite Annette Bening?" The perfect answer turned out to be Sam Neill.

About Apples Never Fall

The Delaney family posing for a picture in Apples Never Fall - About Apples Never Fall

Apples Never Fall is inspired by the popular book by Liane Moriarty, focusing on the Delaney family. Stan (played by Sam Neill) and Joy (played by Annette Bening) are former tennis coaches who have recently sold their thriving tennis academy. They are now looking forward to enjoying their retirement years.

Looking forward to spending time with their four adult children (Alison Brie, Jake Lacy, Conor Merrigan-Turner, Essie Randles), Joy and Stan's plans take a turn when a wounded young woman shows up at their door, bringing unexpected excitement. However, Joy goes missing suddenly, leading her children to question their parents' supposedly flawless marriage as hidden family secrets start to come to light.

Stay tuned for more exclusive interviews about Apples Never Fall coming soon!

Sam Neill

Jake Lacy & Conor Merrigan Turner

Essie Randles & Alison Brie

Georgia Flood

APPLES NEVER FALL BEGINS STREAMING ON PEACOCK ON MARCH 14.

Source: Screen Rant Plus

Editor's P/S:

The article provides an intriguing glimpse into the upcoming miniseries "Apples Never Fall," based on Liane Moriarty's novel. The show promises a captivating blend of dark humor and gripping mystery, reminiscent of the success of "Succession" and "Big Little Lies." The ensemble cast, led by Annette Bening and Sam Neill, brings depth and complexity to the characters, who navigate secrets, relationships, and the disappearance of their matriarch.

Creator Melanie Marnich's personal connection to the character of Joy Delaney adds a layer of authenticity to the show. Marnich's insights into Joy's mid-life reflections resonate with the relatable themes of sacrifice, fulfillment, and the complexities of relationships. The show's balance of humor and seriousness, as well as the attention to character development, suggest a nuanced and engaging experience for viewers. The casting of Annette Bening as Joy Delaney, Marnich's first and only choice, further enhances the anticipation for this promising miniseries.