New Zealand actor Sam Neill, renowned for his performances in “Jurassic Park” and “Possession,” encountered a novel challenge in his career for the series “Apples Never Fall.” The actor disclosed that he undertook training in order to convincingly embody the role of a tennis professional, a character he had not previously portrayed.
During an interview with IndieWire, Neill confessed that he required assistance to effectively depict the character of tennis coach Stan Delaney. He remarked, “I needed a lot of help and I received a substantial amount, which proved to be imperative. I am not inherently athletic.”
Despite not possessing innate athletic abilities, Neill eagerly committed to preparing for the role after being captivated by the script authored by showrunner and executive producer Melanie Marnich. He articulated his keen interest in the series, deeming it a “page-turner” and commending the visual adaptation as a triumph.
Although the series was set in Florida, it was actually filmed in Australia, contributing to an enjoyable and engaging experience for Neill. He confessed to never having visited Florida but found the setting reminiscent of the Gold Coast Canals in Australia. He described the endeavour as “deeply engaging” and one of the most gratifying experiences in his career.
Additionally, Neill conveyed his admiration for his co-star, Annette Bening, and the remaining cast, stating that they had developed a close-knit relationship and had effectively formed a familial bond during the nine-month project. He specifically lauded Bening, hailing her as one of the most fulfilling experiences of his career and expressing his eagerness to collaborate with her again in a potential subsequent instalment of the series.
The interview culminated with Neill expressing his anticipation for the release of “Apples Never Fall” on Peacock, urging audiences to tune in.
In conclusion, Sam Neill’s portrayal of a tennis professional in “Apples Never Fall” necessitated rigorous training, yet the experience proved to be one of the most enjoyable and rewarding projects in his career. His on-screen chemistry with Annette Bening and the remainder of the cast further enriched the experience, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the potential continuation of the series.