James Marsden Says a “Jury Duty” Producer Told Him the Show ‘Might Not Be for You’ Because He’s Too ‘Good’ of a Guy

James Marsden Reveals Producer’s Concerns About His Role in ‘Jury Duty’

James Marsden recently shared his experience working on the mockumentary “Jury Duty” and how it presented unique challenges for him as an actor. In a candid discussion on Dax Shepard’s Armchair Expert podcast, Marsden, aged 51, reflected on his time filming the show and how it diverged from his previous projects.

The actor disclosed that during filming, a producer with experience working on projects like “Borat” cautioned him that the show might not be the right fit for someone as genuinely good-natured as him. Marsden recounted, “If you’re a really good guy, this might not be for you. And he didn’t say that directly at me, but it was kinda like, this is f—ing hard, how you navigate getting the comedy people actually wanna see.”

Throughout the eight episodes of “Jury Duty,” Marsden’s co-star Ronald Gladden believed he was participating in a real court case as the foreperson of a jury, unaware that the rest of the cast were actors and comedians improvising their roles. Marsden remarked that this experience was unlike any other he had encountered in his acting career, describing it as “the closest thing I ever got [to] not acting.”

He elaborated on the improvisational nature of the show, explaining that while there were scripts provided, much of the dialogue depended on Gladden’s spontaneous reactions. Marsden found the scenarios crafted by the writers to be both funny and challenging, pushing him to explore comedic elements in unconventional ways.

As the moment approached to reveal the true nature of the show to Gladden, Marsden admitted feeling apprehensive about his co-star’s reaction. He recalled a tense moment when Gladden was informed by another cast member that everything had been staged, momentarily causing a flicker of uncertainty in Gladden’s eyes. Marsden expressed his desire to reassure Gladden and ensure he felt appreciated and respected for his role in the production.

After wrapping up filming, Marsden extended a friendly gesture to Gladden by offering to hang out and even organised a wrap party to celebrate their collaboration. He emphasised the importance of acknowledging Gladden’s integral role in the show and affirming his value as a participant in the project.

Marsden’s reflections on the complexities of balancing comedy with sincerity in “Jury Duty” offer a glimpse into the intricate dynamics at play in the realm of reality-based entertainment. His willingness to engage with the challenges posed by the show and his commitment to fostering a supportive environment for his co-star underscore the depth of his dedication to his craft.

The mockumentary “Jury Duty” is currently available for streaming on Amazon’s free streaming platform, Freevee, offering viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate interplay between fiction and reality in the world of entertainment. Marsden’s insights into his experience on the show shed light on the nuances of performance and collaboration in a unique and unconventional setting.