Ben Affleck recently discussed the potential of AI in Hollywood at CNBC's Delivering Alpha 2024 event, suggesting that AI could allow viewers to create personalized TV episodes. He humorously proposed an AI-generated alternate ending for HBO's "Succession," where Kendall Roy takes over the company and has an affair with Stewy. This sparked jokes online, drawing parallels to Affleck's own close friendship with Matt Damon. Despite the humor, Affleck emphasized that AI cannot replace the unique human touch in filmmaking.
Ben Affleck proposed an alternative ending for the TV show 'Succession' that involves giving the character Kendall Roy a queer twist, while discussing the impact of AI on storytelling.
Succession creator Jesse Armstrong settled the debate over whether Kendall Roy's name was underlined or crossed out in a key scene from the show's final season. During a Financial Times event, Armstrong confirmed that Kendall's name was underlined, indicating that he was being named as Logan Roy's successor to the media empire Waystar Royco. Armstrong also revealed that he subtly prepared actor Matthew Macfadyen for his character's eventual rise to CEO in the series.
Director Mark Mylod reflects on the ending of the Emmy-winning series "Succession" and shares his thoughts on the character endings. He believes that Shiv is in a delicate but influential position as CEO Tom's wife, hopes that Kendall is still alive and will find his place in the world, and envisions Roman's lifetime of wearing a mask, lacking emotional connection. Mylod also discusses the emotional intensity of filming Logan Roy's death scene and expresses pride in the team effort behind the episode. He stands in solidarity with the ongoing WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, advocating for fair compensation for artists.
Jeremy Strong, the Emmy-winning star of "Succession," said he was "gutted" by the show's finale, which left his character, Kendall Roy, at his lowest moment following one final betrayal by his siblings. The series ends with a stunned Kendall walking through Battery Park in Manhattan with Colin, Logan's former bodyguard and self-proclaimed "best friend," walking slowly behind. Many viewers thought Kendall might kill himself in the scene, and Strong said in one of the takes he did try to end the character's life.
Jesse Armstrong, the creator of HBO's hit series "Succession," said it "feels very perverse" to end the show, but he "didn't really have any doubts" about ending it now. The final episode saw Kendall Roy failing to prevent the sale of Waystar Royco to GoJo, leading to Tom Wambsgans becoming CEO of the company after GoJo's acquisition. Armstrong said that the sequence of Logan's death, the competition about whether to sell or not, and his funeral should be the show's ending.
Jeremy Strong, who plays Kendall Roy in HBO's Succession, has difficulty turning off his character's unique verbal tics. According to actor Bowen Yang, Strong remained in character during a chance encounter on the set of Nora From Queens, even asking where the bathroom was, which was coincidentally a scene he had to perform later that day. Strong's method acting has become a hallmark of his portrayal of Kendall Roy, one of the most incisive and accurate examples of the privileged, Millennial yuppie character ever recorded.
In the latest episode of Succession, Kendall rises to the occasion with a powerful eulogy at his father's funeral, while Roman falters and jeopardizes his position with Mencken. Shiv uses her shortcomings to her advantage in her play to become the U.S. CEO, while Tom's future at ATN remains uncertain. Caroline surprises everyone by showing kindness to Kerry, and Greg remains wily and ready to serve whoever comes out on top. The episode ends on an ominous note as Roman's fate hangs in the balance.
Natalie Gold, who plays Rava Roy in Succession, discusses her character's final showdown with Kendall over Logan's funeral in the penultimate episode of season 4. Gold reflects on her time on the show, Rava's feelings about Logan's death, and the breakdown of Rava and Kendall's relationship. She also hints at the possibility of a spinoff series featuring Rava and Jess, Kendall's assistant.
The Ringer's weekly power rankings for Succession season 4 are out, with the Waystar Royco shareholders taking the top spot due to the success of Kendall's Living+ presentation. Logan Roy is back on the list due to his continued influence, while Kendall Roy is in third place for his daring stock-jump ploy. Lukas Matsson, Shiv Roy, Tom Wambsgans, Karl Muller, Roman Roy, Cousin Greg, Peter, Gerri Kellman, and Joy Palmer round out the rest of the rankings.
Lorene Scafaria, the director of the latest episode of Succession, "Living+," spoke about the major moments of the episode, including Kendall's successful presentation of Waystar Royco's new Living+ product, Roman's rock bottom, and Shiv and Tom's semi-rekindling. Scafaria also discussed the prescient events of the season and the return of Brian Cox as Logan Roy. She praised the show's writers for their relevance and timely storytelling.
In the latest episode of Succession, Kendall Roy delivers a climactic speech at Waystar's Investors Day, attempting to turn it into his own personal grief counseling session. Despite being outright lying about how lucrative Waystar's glorified retirement facilities will be, Kendall manages to grab people's attention with his profound capacity to express pain and vulnerability. Meanwhile, Roman channels the "Fuck off!" parts of Logan almost exclusively, while Shiv embodies the Logan Roy Paradox.
In the latest episode of HBO's Succession, "Kill List," Kendall and Roman negotiate the sale of Waystar Royco to GoJo in Norway, with the help of Lukas Matsson. Despite their efforts to tank the deal, they end up with a better financial offer than expected. However, the sale will result in the firing of several important figures, including Frank. Peter Friedman, who plays Frank, discusses his character's journey and relationship with Kendall, as well as the shock of Logan Roy's death in the season.
In the latest episode of "Succession," Kendall, Roman, and Shiv head to Norway to close the GoJo deal and meet their match in Lukas Matsson, played by Alexander Skarsgård. The episode is filled with desperation as the characters try to figure out who will be kept on after the acquisition and who will be let go. Kendall and Roman decide to tank the deal when Lukas wants to acquire all of Waystar, including ATN, but Lukas outmaneuvers them by increasing his offer and telling Frank about it. In the end, Kendall accidentally does what is best for the company by jacking up the sale price.
The power struggle continues in the wake of Logan Roy's death on Succession. Kendall emerges as the new leader, blackmailing Hugo to run with the "bad dad stuff," while Shiv is left sidelined and literally stumbling with the revelation that she's four to five months pregnant. Roman is co-CEO but may just be window-dressing, and Connor's sympathy vote and new bride keep him in the game. Meanwhile, Greg and Tom continue to make clumsy attempts to hold onto power, and Marcia maintains her tight grasp on Logan's personal affairs.
