A Final Bow for ‘The Righteous Gemstones’

On May 4, HBO’s hit comedy series, ‘The Righteous Gemstones,’ came to a triumphant close, marking a significant milestone for its creator and star, Danny McBride. After years of the frantic pace of Hollywood, McBride and his family made Charleston, South Carolina, their home in 2017, where he wrote and produced this beloved show.

Escaping the Hollywood Hustle

"Nobody in Los Angeles would let us shoot in town," McBride recalls, reflecting on the frustrations of filming there. With California's production landscape faltering, McBride’s decision to relocate seems foresighted. Now, his creative community thrives in the charming port city, ripe for whatever project he has next.

Rediscovering Creativity Outside the Bubble

For McBride, being away from Hollywood’s chaos has been liberating. He admits that driving around LA left him irritable and uninspired. In contrast, the slower pace of the South has rejuvenated his creativity, enabling him to think clearly and engage positively with collaborators.

Challenging Old Norms of Masculinity

As ‘Gemstones’ wraps up, McBride sees it as a culmination of a trilogy where he satirizes outdated notions of masculinity. His characters often cling to antiquated ideals, and he delights in flipping these stereotypes on their heads.

Lessons from Iconic Mentors

McBride also reflects on insights from his wife’s uncle, Cheech Marin, who advised him on the brevity of a comedian's peak. This advice resonated deeply with McBride, reinforcing his ambition to craft meaningful projects rather than become just another side character in countless films.

The State of Suburban Movie Theaters

While McBride has been thriving creatively, he’s candid about the film industry’s challenges, particularly regarding suburban movie theaters. He believes that many have become relics of the past, struggling to entice audiences away from their beautifully equipped home theaters. The decline of these local cinemas represents a deeper crisis in how films are marketed and experienced.

Adventures in Horror and Collaboration

Having worked on revivals of iconic franchises like ‘Halloween,’ McBride learned valuable lessons in collaboration and marketing from filmmaker Jason Blum. The idea of merging creative visions early in the process proved pivotal in defining a project’s identity.

Reflecting on the Impact of 'Gemstones'

In wrapping up ‘The Righteous Gemstones,’ McBride ensured his characters experienced genuine growth, a vital element he believes is necessary for a satisfying conclusion. The characters often fall into familiar traps but ultimately grow from season to season, making it essential to conclude their journey meaningfully.

The Future Holds Possibilities

As he looks toward future projects—including a potential adaptation of Grady Hendrix's ‘The Southern Book Club’s Guide to Slaying Vampires’—McBride remains undeterred despite some setbacks in development. He sees it as a treasure waiting to be unearthed.

A Trust Established with Talented Co-Stars

Throughout ‘Gemstones,’ McBride’s collaboration with actors like Walton Goggins has been deeply rewarding. Goggins’s fearless approach to tackling challenging material has only strengthened their creative bond.

As the curtain falls on this chapter, McBride looks ahead with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation, eager to see where his creative journey will lead next.