With a September premiere for their FX drama officially set, Jeff Bridges, John Lithgow, and the creative team behind “The Old Man” have revealed a significant change for the second season. Unlike the first season, the two stars will share scenes together, adding a new dynamic to the spy thriller.
Reflecting on the initial season, Bridges expressed his regret about not having many on-screen moments with Lithgow. Their characters, a former CIA operative on the run (Bridges) and an FBI assistant director (Lithgow), were engaged in a cat-and-mouse game, which limited their interactions. “I so wanted to work with Jeff,” Lithgow shared during the Television Critics Association summer press tour. “And there is an abundance of it in the second season. We had such a fantastic time.”
The second season’s plot will see Bridges’ character teaming up with Lithgow’s to rescue his kidnapped daughter, played by Alia Shawkat. “As much as you guys wanted to work together, we wanted to see you together,” co-creator Jonathan E. Steinberg told the stars, emphasizing that their collaboration is driving the show’s narrative.
Bridges and Lithgow, both second-generation actors, found common ground in their approach to their craft. “There are a lot of actors who say, ‘Please only call me by my character’s name’ or, ‘Let’s not have any contact.’ We’re the opposite of that,” Bridges noted. “Let’s be friends. Let’s get to know each other.”
Bridges, who took a break from filming the first season due to COVID-19 and his non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis, shared an encouraging update on his health. “I’m feeling great now,” he said. Reflecting on the previous season, he mentioned the “bizarre” experience of filming fight scenes with a 9- by 12-inch tumor in his abdomen. Steinberg clarified that fans should not expect the series to wrap up in the second season, as there are still many stories to explore.
In another interview, Bridges discussed the challenges he faced during his cancer treatment. “There was a time when I didn’t think I’d be able to come back,” he told PEOPLE. His co-star Lithgow added that everyone was initially very watchful and nervous about Bridges’ condition, but his relaxed attitude put everyone at ease. “You just do your best and that’s all you can do,” Bridges remarked, highlighting the supportive nature of their acting fraternity.
“The Old Man” season 2 will begin streaming on Hulu on September 12, promising fans more action, drama, and the much-anticipated on-screen collaboration between Bridges and Lithgow.
