Daniel Radcliffe, widely known for his role as Harry Potter, has emerged as a pivotal element in NBC’s latest sitcom, “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins.” The show’s creators, Robert Carlock and Sam Means, expressed their appreciation for Radcliffe’s contributions during a recent promotional event, revealing that his presence was instrumental to the show’s unique appeal.
In “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins,” Radcliffe portrays Oscar-winning documentary filmmaker Arthur Tobin, who is working on a documentary about a disgraced NFL player, played by Tracy Morgan. The show sets itself apart from classic mockumentaries like “The Office” and “Parks and Recreation” by positioning Radcliffe’s character at the forefront, thereby creating a new narrative layer that enhances its family-oriented, sports-infused storyline.
Carlock explained that the goal was to embrace the documentary format while highlighting how characters navigate the dynamics of being on camera. “It felt like a nice extra layer,” he noted, while Means added that making Radcliffe’s character actively involved in the documentary allowed for fresh storytelling opportunities.
Although Carlock and Means have collaborated with Radcliffe previously in projects like “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt” and “Mulligan,” they were pleasantly surprised by his adeptness in physical comedy, particularly given his background in the Harry Potter films that involved extensive stunt work. They incorporated parkour into Radcliffe’s character, showcasing his physical prowess.
Radcliffe himself shared insights on the challenges of documentary filmmaking, admitting that while the series did not directly teach him about the field, it highlighted the difficulties involved. He reflected on his past experience producing documentaries, noting that his character’s more egocentric approach to filmmaking contrasts with his own.
Co-star Bobby Moynihan, who has connections to the world of sports despite his comedic persona, shared a humorous anecdote about his high school hockey days, where he famously used chicken nuggets as a strategic advantage during face-offs. His self-deprecating humor brought a lighthearted touch to the discussion, with Radcliffe supporting his unconventional tactic.
The connection between “SNL” and “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” runs deep, as both Moynihan and the show’s creators have ties to the iconic sketch show. Alums like Tina Fey and others from the SNL family lend familiarity and camaraderie to the project, enhancing the collaborative atmosphere on set.
Radcliffe, a fan of SNL, expressed his admiration while listening to Moynihan recount stories from his time on the show, signifying a shared appreciation for the SNL legacy.
Inspired by real-life athletes and documentaries, the creators crafted “The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins” to explore themes of redemption and self-examination. They cited real athletes like Barry Sanders and Marshawn Lynch as inspirations for potential subjects of future seasons, indicating a desire to weave authentic narratives into the fabric of the sitcom.
The show’s premiere is set for February 23, offering audiences a fresh comedic perspective while presenting a heartfelt exploration of familiar tropes through the lens of documentary filmmaking, with Daniel Radcliffe’s standout performance at its core.