Carey Mulligan and Oscar Isaac Tease ‘Exciting’ Reunion in “Beef” 13 Years After “Inside Llewyn Davis” (Exclusive)

Carey Mulligan and Oscar Isaac are set to reunite for the highly anticipated second season of Netflix’s series, “Beef.” This project marks their third collaboration, following their work in “Drive” (2011) and “Inside Llewyn Davis” (2013). In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, both actors shared insights about their roles and the dynamics of their characters, Josh and Lindsay, highlighting the intricate challenges their on-screen marriage faces.

In “Beef,” Mulligan and Isaac portray a couple grappling with a tumultuous relationship. Josh is a general manager of a country club, while Lindsay works as an interior designer. Their marital struggles are exacerbated when employees Austin, played by Charles Melton, and Ashley, portrayed by Cailee Spaney, inadvertently record a heated confrontation between the couple at their home. This episode becomes a pivotal moment that drives the narrative forward.

Isaac, now 47, reflected on his history with Mulligan, noting that their previous projects had limited interactions. “In ‘Drive’, I was kind of passing through,” he said. While those earlier collaborations were meaningful, Isaac noted that their time on the eight-episode season of “Beef” allowed for greater depth in their character development. He expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to construct their characters and relationship over an extended period.

Mulligan, 40, shared her own excitement about engaging with Isaac in a deeper and more sustained capacity. “It was thrilling to work with Oscar properly for an extended period, especially on a relationship that is this outrageous and complex,” she explained. She emphasised that viewers encounter Lindsay at a particularly challenging moment, describing it as “the worst moment of her life,” which sets the stage for a dramatic exploration of her character’s psyche.

Furthermore, Mulligan spoke of the challenge and intrigue of portraying a character undergoing significant turmoil. “I didn’t know how to approach this,” she said, acknowledging the complexity of navigating Lindsay’s mental state. She found it liberating to portray someone so multi-faceted, adding that the character’s journey becomes more captivating as Lindsay attempts to mask her struggles.

Prior to filming, Mulligan and Isaac collaborated closely with the series’ creator, Lee Sung Jin, often via Zoom sessions. This preparatory work was instrumental in shaping their characters and understanding their backgrounds, allowing them to delve into the nuances of their relationship. Mulligan noted that this process enabled them to gain a clearer picture of “where they were at the beginning of the absolute worst,” providing a framework to inform their performances.

Isaac echoed Mulligan’s sentiment about the importance of their preparatory sessions, highlighting the freedom they had to share ideas and explore the underlying themes of “Beef.” He expressed appreciation for Sung Jin’s openness in allowing them to draw from their personal experiences and insights, which helped to flesh out the complexities of their characters.

As the premiere date for Season 2 approaches, anticipation builds among fans. The series, known for its engaging storytelling and character depth, is set to return with new layers of drama. Those interested in the intricacies of Josh and Lindsay’s relationship will find much to unpack in the new episodes.

“Beef” Season 2 is set to premiere on 16 April 2024 exclusively on Netflix, promising to deliver an emotional rollercoaster as it navigates the tumultuous terrain of love and conflict. With Mulligan and Isaac at the helm, viewers can expect a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of relationships in contemporary society.