Jason Sudeikis is going to be back on the “Ted Lasso” set like he never left.
The actor who almost parted ways with the TV series and almost turned down a massive payment has shared the reason why he chose to return to the show. This comes after his co-star, Hannah Waddingham, called him out for his behavior with impromptu script changes.
Jason Sudeikis previously let fans in on a little secret about what to expect in the coming season. The fourth season of “Ted Lasso,” which premieres next month, has fans filled with anticipation about what will hit the screens.
Sudeikis revealed that from the get-go, his plan for the series involved shooting for three seasons and then calling it a wrap. This decision was not tied to his pay from “Ted Lasso”; that is why he was prepared to still walk away despite earning $1 million per episode by season 3.
There were provisions to let the actor walk away with “significantly more [pay] if he agreed to continue,” but he reportedly wasn’t eager to just keep going. In his mind, there was no way forward for his character, judging from the season 3 finale.
“That wasn’t a negotiation tactic,” the actor said of his plans not to return for the fourth season despite the huge paycheck. “The story was told. Ted went home [to Kansas City] to be with his son. I wasn’t going to have Ted uproot their life to justify the money truck. It made no sense to me.” Sudeikis explained during his interview with The Hollywood Reporter.
The Actor Says ‘Ted Lasso’ ‘Saved’ Him
The TV personality changed his mind about coming back to the series when he realized how much of an impact the show and his character had on the fans. To Sudeikis, “Ted Lasso” was not just another project.
When fans would reportedly tell him that the series had saved them, Sudeikis’ usual reply was, “It saved me, too,” and he meant it. “It is infectious to play a character who sees the best in people and isn’t mad at the world for all its foibles and bullies and shadows,” the actor further explained.
Sudeikis admitted that he needed the show as much as his viewers needed him back on the screen. In case you didn’t know, the actor plays a bubbly American football coach on “Ted Lasso” who was hired to manage a British soccer team despite having no experience with the sport.
Jason Sudeikis Revealed A Major Shocker For The Upcoming Season
After it was officially confirmed that the comedy-drama TV series had been renewed for a fourth season, Sudeikis shared that his character might surprise fans with a new move in the coming season.
“We’re writing season 4 now,” adding, “That’s the official word, yeah. Ted’s coaching a women’s team,” the TV personality disclosed on a podcast a few months ago. Though Sudeikis remained tight-lipped on further details, fans are filled with anticipation to see how this new shift would play out, considering where they left off in season 3.
The Blast shared that fans are filled with questions about whether his character would officially say goodbye to English football and start the season on a new path. The “Horrible Bosses” star did not provide any further clarity to calm the expectations, so it remains unclear if Ted would be leaving AFC Richmond for good.
Hannah Waddingham Called Her Co-Star Out For ‘Last Minute Changes’
Waddingham plays AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton on the hit Apple TV+ series. Recently, she stated that one of the challenges they have on set is tied to the last-minute changes Sudeikis often makes to the scripts.
She noted that he had the habit of reworking dialogue in the moment, and this often kept the other actors on their toes. With that boy, you’ve got to roll with the punches. He and I have an ongoing love-hate relationship that he changes it last minute,” Waddingham explained.
The Blast reported that despite this hiccup, the members of the cast have a good relationship and speak regularly behind the scenes. During the same conversation, the “Sex Education” alum addressed the pressing question about whether or not there would be a romantic spin on Ted and Rebecca’s relationship.
Waddingham noted that Ted and Rebecca are “undoubtedly soulmates”; however, the show may or may not choose to explore that avenue for the characters.
Jason Sudeikis Was ‘Scared’ By Overzealous Fans
Nearly two years ago, the Emmy-winning actor expressed that he was scared by fans who waited to get autographs from him for hours. According to previous reports, up to 20 people waited outside The Dynasty Typewriter Comedy Club in Los Angeles from around 6:30 p.m when he arrived till 9:30 p.m when he was seen exiting the club.
The Blast shared that Sudeikis was met with fans who flooded him seeking to have their items signed. After signing one or two autographs and seeing the clamoring crowd, the actor started heading to his car, refusing to sign any more autographs.
In footage uploaded about the incident, Sudeikis could be heard saying, “Guys, please, stop, stop, I’m not going to sign anything. I literally have to go!” as they chased him down the street.
“I’m sorry, that was a lot; that scared the sh-t out of me. For real, I’m just a human being. Please, I’m going home – good night,” the TV star added before getting into his car.
Is Jason Sudeikis’ reason to return to “Ted Lasso” one that others will resonate with?
