Arian Moayed on DROPPING FBombs in Succession and the Spirit of the Show

Key Concepts

Succession (TV Show): A critically acclaimed television series focusing on the Roy family, owners of a global media and entertainment conglomerate, and their struggles for control of the company.
Stewie Husseini: A character from "Succession," portrayed by the interviewee, known for his memorable lines and scene-stealing presence.
Improvisation: The act of creating dialogue or action spontaneously during a performance, rather than sticking strictly to a script.
Shooting on Film: A traditional method of filmmaking that involves using physical film stock, which can influence the pace and flow of production compared to digital formats.
Theater Background: The interviewee's experience in theater, which influences his approach to acting and his connection with other cast members.
Character Development: The process of creating and shaping a fictional character, including their background, motivations, and identity.
Iranian-American Identity: The interviewee's contribution to making his character, Stewie, Iranian-American and the reasoning behind this choice.
Social and Cultural Impact: The broader influence of "Succession" on public perception and its reflection of real-world dynamics.
Murdoch Family: A real-world family whose business dealings and dynamics are widely believed to have inspired "Succession."
Billionaire Class: The segment of society comprising extremely wealthy individuals, often with significant influence over industries and politics.

Stewie Husseini's Breakout Role in "Succession"

The interviewee, widely recognized as Stewie Husseini from the TV show "Succession," discusses his breakout role. He highlights Stewie's impact as a "scene stealer" despite not being a main character, attributing this to his impactful lines and facial expressions. A clip showcasing Stewie's intense dialogue, including numerous expletives, is presented as an example of his memorable performance. The interviewee humorously speculates on the total number of expletives used by his character throughout the series, encouraging viewers to count them.

On-Set Experience and Improvisation

The discussion touches upon the creative process behind "Succession," particularly regarding improvisation. The interviewee acknowledges that Kieran Culkin, another actor on the show, improvised some of his lines. He admits to having "thrown in a few" extra expletives himself, explaining that the show's production method, shooting on film with multiple cameras and continuous takes ("one and done"), often led to a fluid and less rigid performance environment. This approach meant that lines could sometimes be altered due to unexpected events on set, such as someone bumping into an actor. He describes the dialogue as "delicious," making it enjoyable to deliver.

Character Identity: Making Stewie Iranian-American

A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the interviewee's role in shaping Stewie's identity. He reveals that the show's creator, Jesse Armstrong, was initially undecided on the character's name and background. The interviewee proactively proposed making Stewie Iranian-American, presenting three distinct origin stories:

Pre-1950s Arrival: Coming from a family with significant oil money.
1970s Arrival: Arriving just before the Iranian Revolution and capitalizing on existing wealth.
1980s Immigrant Style: Arriving as an immigrant and building wealth from scratch.

He chose the third option, arriving in the 1980s, which was incorporated into the character without being explicitly stated in the show. The interviewee emphasizes that this was not a "heavy-handed" plot point but rather a way to demystify and normalize the presence of Iranian-Americans in business, stating, "We're regular people." He also asserts that while the characters in "Succession" are morally ambiguous, Stewie himself is not inherently a "bad guy," though he acknowledges the show's portrayal of universally flawed characters.

Personal Connection and "Succession" Fandom

The interviewee shares a humorous anecdote about meeting Arian Moayed (who played Stewie) for the first time. His phone's ringtone was the "Succession" theme, leading Moayed to believe it was a prank. The interviewee explains that he uses the ringtone regularly, even for everyday calls, due to his deep appreciation for the show, identifying himself as a "nerd" and a fan. He also reveals that his children, aged 11 and 16 at the time the show aired, do not watch "Succession" due to its mature content, including explicit language and potentially disturbing scenes.

The Cast's Camaraderie and "Succession's" Cultural Impact

The interviewee describes a strong sense of camaraderie among the "Succession" cast, attributing it to their shared background in theater. He mentions seeing fellow cast members like Peter Friedman and Jeremy Strong in theatrical productions and notes that they often see each other at events. He describes the cast as "tight" and highlights that many continue to engage in theater, with Nicholas Braun and Arian Moayed slated to perform in a play together.

He posits that "Succession's" significant cultural impact stems from its truthful portrayal of the dynamics within elite groups and their pursuit of power and wealth. He argues that the show accurately reflects the real-world influence of a small number of individuals who control major aspects of society, mirroring the "elite group of 10 to 15 people that run everything" seen in daily news cycles. The core motivations of these characters, he states, are money and power, often using other means as "shields."

"Succession" as a Mirror to Reality: The Murdoch Example

The conversation draws a direct parallel between the fictional Roy family and the real-life Murdoch family. The interviewee cites the recent settlement where Rupert Murdoch's children each received a billion dollars, noting that "Succession" was reportedly cited during their negotiations. This instance is presented as a striking example of "reality mirroring art." He also mentions hearing rumors of Murdoch children approaching "Succession" actors, asking them to be "nice."

The interviewee believes that the show's lasting impact lies in its ability to reveal "how this works" – how the billionaire class operates. He references an early scene where Logan Roy expresses annoyance at having to meet an "intern," which he interprets as a glimpse into the mindset of the ultra-wealthy. He concludes by linking the Murdochs to other prominent billionaires like Elon Musk and Larry Ellison, suggesting that "Succession" provides a lens through which to understand the behavior and influence of such individuals.