Scott Speedman Explains How He’s Balancing Leading “R.J. Decker” with His Role on “Grey’s Anatomy” (Exclusive)

Scott Speedman Balances Dual Roles in New ABC Drama ‘R.J. Decker’

Scott Speedman is set to take on the role of R.J. Decker in the upcoming ABC drama, which will premiere on March 3. This new series sees Speedman stepping into the shoes of a private investigator, a shift from his well-known character Nick, who has been romantically linked with Meredith Grey in “Grey’s Anatomy.” As Speedman navigates these two contrasting roles, he reflects on the challenges and triumphs of balancing his filming schedule across the United States.

“R.J. Decker” is inspired by Carl Hiaasen’s novel, “Double Whammy.” The show follows a former newspaper photographer who, after being released from prison, embarks on a new life as a private investigator, tackling bizarre crimes amid the colourful backdrop of Florida. The filming location for the series is Wilmington, North Carolina, which presents its own unique set of challenges for Speedman and his castmates.

While preparing for his role as Decker, Speedman has had to establish a routine that incorporates both series. “We’re about to do something where I have to go back and do Grey’s Anatomy,” he explained during a recent set visit. “So, we’re just trying to figure that out now.” He acknowledged that although Wilmington has many advantages, it isn’t always straightforward to travel in and out, especially considering the unpredictable weather.

Speedman expressed confidence in his ability to switch seamlessly between roles, thanks in part to his years on “Grey’s Anatomy.” He remarked, “In terms of creatively, I’ve been doing Grey’s now for a number of years, so I’ll just slip into that.” He described the logistical challenge of shooting briefly in Los Angeles before returning to North Carolina for “R.J. Decker,” adding that he was optimistic about the upcoming juggling act. “Ask me later because I haven’t done it yet, but I’m sure it’ll go well.”

During the visit, Wilmington was experiencing the aftermath of a snowstorm, a stark contrast to the sunny Florida feel the show aims to portray. Speedman admitted that donning a Hawaiian shirt and pretending to be relaxed in Fort Lauderdale while braving the 30-degree temperatures in Wilmington can be a bit disorienting. “Florida is a total character itself,” he noted with a playful tone, indicating the pressure to capture the state’s essence in their filming.

Fortunately, Speedman revealed that the production team intends to travel to Fort Lauderdale two to three times each season to film exterior shots. He expressed that being in Florida truly allows the cast and crew to immerse themselves in the spirit of the story. “You can put your camera up anywhere and it really feels like the show,” he added, highlighting the importance of authenticity to the series.

In “R.J. Decker,” Speedman plays a character searching for a fresh start after leaving his troubled past behind. With the transition into a new career as a private investigator, R.J. faces a variety of eccentric cases alongside a vibrant cast of characters, each bringing their own quirks to the storyline. Speedman offered insight into the character’s journey: “He comes out, he wants to leave all that behind and go on to this new world, this new life as a private investigator.”

As the debut of “R.J. Decker” approaches, Speedman’s enthusiasm is palpable. He encourages audiences to join him on this new adventure, expressing his eagerness to share R.J.’s unique stories. “The show’s about his adventures trying to solve these weekly crimes,” Speedman summarised, suggesting the series will offer a mix of intrigue and entertainment.

New episodes of “R.J. Decker” will air weekly on Tuesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC, promising a blend of mystery and humour set against the backdrop of Florida’s chaotic charm. As Speedman delves into this dual career path, fans of both dramas can look forward to a captivating viewing experience.