Why a Succession Spinoff About Cousin Greg Could Actually Work
Succession star Kieran Culkin believes that a spinoff centered around Cousin Greg would be the one Succession spinoff that could actually work. Here's why this idea makes sense and why it could be successful.
Introduction to Succession and its Characters
Succession, the award-winning HBO drama, has captivated audiences with its portrayal of the wealthy and powerful Roy family and their business empire, Waystar RoyCo. The show's cast of multidimensional characters, including the immature Roman Roy, has left a lasting impression on viewers.
Connor (Alan Ruck), Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Shiv (Sarah Snook), and Roman (Kieran Culkin) Roy at Logan's funeral in Succession season 4.
After four acclaimed seasons, the series came to an end in 2023, sparking discussions about potential spinoffs. Kieran Culkin, who portrayed Roman Roy, has named the character he believes warrants a spinoff, and it's none other than Cousin Greg, played by Nicholas Braun.
Cousin Greg (Nicholas Braun) looking alarmed on the phone in Succession season 4, episode 3.
Why Cousin Greg is the Ideal Spinoff Candidate
Cousin Greg's unique position as a blood relative working at Waystar RoyCo, yet maintaining a certain distance from the main Roy clan, makes him the perfect candidate for a spinoff. Unlike other characters who are either too close or not close enough to the family, Greg strikes a balance that offers untapped territory for exploration.
Nicholas Braun, the actor behind Cousin Greg, also expressed his belief in a spinoff centered around Greg, envisioning potential storylines involving Greg and Tom navigating their roles in a foreign branch of Waystar RoyCo. Despite initial skepticism, Kieran Culkin acknowledges the potential of a Greg-focused project and the unique opportunities it presents.
Challenges and Opportunities for a Succession Spinoff
While Kieran Culkin sees the merit in a Greg spinoff, he is cautious about the idea of a Succession spinoff in general. He rightly points out the challenges of creating a successful spinoff, citing the rarity of spinoffs achieving the same level of success as the original series.
However, Culkin acknowledges that successful spinoffs, such as Frasier and Better Call Saul, demonstrate that it is possible to create compelling spinoff series when approached carefully. He emphasizes the need for a Greg-centered spinoff to be executed with care to avoid tarnishing the legacy of the original show.
