Peacock’s new family mystery thriller “Apples Never Fall” premieres this week on the streaming service, and it’s yet another adaptation of popular writer Liane Moriarty’s melodramatic works; her famous books are known as the source material for “Big Little Lies,” “Nine Perfect Strangers” and more. The series follows a seemingly happy family on a tumultuous journey to uncover the truth about the disappearance of its matriarch. The show stars Annette Bening, Alison Brie, Jake Lacy, Sam Neill, and more.
‘Apples Never Fall’: Sam Neill On His Peacock Mystery Series, The Delight Of Working With John Carpenter & More [Bingeworthy Podcast]
Neill stopped by to discuss the series on our TV podcast, The Discourse, this week. And while you can read or listen about all of that here, including some found recollections about Neill’s time working with John Carpenter or several projects, there’s still more of the interview that’s notable.
Neill is perhaps known best for playing Dr. Alan Grant in the massively successful “Jurassic Park” films. He was most recently able to return to the series in 2022 for Colin Trevorrow’s “Jurassic World: Dominion.” David Koepp, writer of the original “Jurassic Park” film, was just announced to return to write a brand new entry in the franchise. When asked if he’d be open to returning as Alan Grant, Neill was unsure about it all, suggesting that his appearance in “Jurassic World: Dominion” already signaled a nice goodbye to the series for him and Laura Dern’s characters.
“David Koepp’s always interesting, but I know no more than you do. I just know what’s on social media,” Neil said about the new film. “But I thought Ellie and Grant kissing under the wing of that plane at the end of [‘Jurassic World: Dominion’]— that felt like a sign-off. I don’t know. The [‘Jurassic Park’] franchise has been very kind to me, and I’m full of gratitude for it. As for its future, I have no idea at all.”
Marvel fans also know Neill for his hilarious role as actor Odin in Taika Waititi’s “Thor” films, which admittedly came more from his relationship with the acclaimed director than his desire to be in a superhero tentpole franchise. Asked whether he’d be open to more, Neill essentially had a similar answer: unclear if he’ll be in more of the ‘Thor’ films, but he would be open to it and working with its director again.
“To work with [Chris] Hemsworth and Matt Damon in the tiniest parts, taking the piss out of Anthony Hopkins and things; I mean, who would have imagined that?” he said fondly recalling his time on the films. “[But] I have no idea [about another appearance], but I love Taika [Waititi], and I’m sure we’ll do something more.”
“Apples Never Fall” debuts on Peacock today, and for more from this interview, check out the full Discourse podcast below. — Additional reporting by Mike DeAngelo.