It has been quite a year for actor Luke Macfarlane. Not only did he reunite with director Nick Stoller for Apple TV+’s comedy series Platonic, but he also starred opposite Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne in the show. In Platonic, Macfarlane portrays attorney Charlie, who is adjusting to his wife Sylvia’s rekindled friendship with the unpredictable Will, played by Rogen. Macfarlane’s career has recently been full of diverse roles, including his appearance in last fall’s Universal release Bros, alongside Billy Eichner. While the film generated debates due to its underperformance at the box office, Macfarlane is also known for his roles in Christmas films for networks like Hallmark and Netflix’s 2021 rom-com, Single All the Way, which focused on LGBTQ lead characters.
During a conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, Macfarlane discusses his decision to star in Platonic instead of Greta Gerwig’s summer release Barbie. He explains that he had already been cast in Bros when Stoller pitched him the show, but he was initially unsure about taking on another project. Eventually, Macfarlane decided that Platonic resonated with him on a personal level. Unfortunately, the timing didn’t work out for both projects, and he had to let go of the opportunity to appear in Barbie.
In Platonic, Macfarlane plays the more reserved counterpart to Seth Rogen and Rose Byrne’s chaotic characters. He admits that working with such talented actors was intimidating, especially given Rogen’s ability to effortlessly deliver jokes. Macfarlane found that his own naturally uptight demeanor worked well for his character, Charlie, who has a strong moral center. The contrast between his character and Rogen and Byrne’s laid-back comedy added depth to the show.
One unique challenge that Macfarlane faced while filming Platonic was his lack of dancing skills. In one scene, he had to get on a bar with Seth Rogen, but he struggled due to injuries. Despite this obstacle, Macfarlane managed to make it work and deliver a great performance. Additionally, he appreciated that the show didn’t involve a love triangle, as it allowed him to explore a straight character while being an openly gay actor, proving that audiences are becoming more open-minded.
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As for the possibility of a second season for Platonic, Macfarlane mentions that there have been talks, but nothing is set in stone. He believes that many factors, including the ongoing strike and the availability of Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen, will determine the show’s future. Regardless, Macfarlane is proud of the show’s ability to deliver jokes and make people laugh, which isn’t always the case with comedies in the prestige-TV era. He admits that jokes are crucial and that comedy is often undervalued in the industry.
Reflecting on the release of Bros and its box office performance, Macfarlane expresses disappointment that more people didn’t see the film. However, he remains proud of the movie and believes that it will stand the test of time. He believes that people will slowly discover the film, just as a gym-goer recognized him from Bros and decided to watch it at home. Macfarlane acknowledges that greenlighting expensive films, especially rom-coms that aim to be inclusive in their choice of leads, is a challenging task. Nonetheless, he remains hopeful for the future of the genre and believes that unexpected couplings will bring new life to rom-coms.
Overall, it has been a whirlwind year for Luke Macfarlane. From his roles in Platonic and Bros to his Christmas films and the inclusivity of his characters, Macfarlane continues to make a name for himself in the industry. With each project, he brings his talent and dedication, ensuring that his performances resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impression.
