A Creative Reunion: Pfeiffer and Kelley's Shared Journey to 'Margo's Got Money Troubles'
Hollywood Power Duo's Creative Paths Converge Again
After a significant hiatus since their initial collaboration, celebrated actress Michelle Pfeiffer and acclaimed writer-producer David E. Kelley are once again joining forces. Their latest endeavor is the upcoming Apple TV+ series, 'Margo's Got Money Troubles,' marking a notable reunion for the esteemed Hollywood pair.
Unveiling 'Margo's Got Money Troubles': First Look and Panel Insights
The new Apple TV+ production, 'Margo's Got Money Troubles,' was recently introduced at a special press event. The occasion featured a preview, exclusive images, and a panel discussion. Among those present were Kelley, Pfeiffer, Elle Fanning, Nick Offerman, and Thaddea Graham. Author Rufi Thorpe, whose best-selling novel inspired the series, also attended as an executive producer.
The Narrative Core: A Story of Entrepreneurship and Maternal Sacrifice
This eight-episode Apple Original series, a partnership with A24, centers on Elle Fanning as Margo, a college dropout and aspiring writer. Margo's background is unconventional, with a former Hooters waitress mother (Pfeiffer) and an ex-professional wrestler father (Offerman). Faced with an unexpected pregnancy, mounting debt, and a lack of funds, Margo embarks on some inventive ventures to navigate her financial predicaments. The ensemble cast also includes Marcia Gay Harden, Greg Kinnear, Michael Angarano, Rico Nasty, and Lindsey Normington.
From Page to Screen: Kelley's Vision and Casting Choices
Rufi Thorpe, the novel's author, moderated the panel, characterizing the series as a "bold and acerbic" examination of maternal sacrifices and resourceful survival. She expressed her astonishment at the "dream cast" bringing her long-conceived characters to life. When asked about his interest in the adaptation, Kelley revealed his immediate affection for the book's characters. He emphasized that the chance to adapt such unique storytelling was irresistible, especially given his prior successful collaboration with Apple TV+ on 'Presumed Innocent.' Kelley noted the ease of casting, attributing it to everyone's captivation with the material.
A Personal Touch: Kelley's "Luckiest Yes" from Pfeiffer
Kelley shared a lighthearted moment during the panel, recounting how Nick Offerman readily joined the project after reading the book, and how Elle Fanning seemed destined for the role of Margo. He then turned to Pfeiffer, humorously stating, "And the actress there in the middle, who I vowed never to work with," to which Pfeiffer playfully retorted, "I'm very difficult." Kelley clarified that upon reading the book, he envisioned only one person for Pfeiffer's role and considered himself fortunate to receive her acceptance, calling it the "second luckiest yes" he'd ever gotten from her – the first being her agreement to marry him. Their marriage dates back to November 13, 1993, and before 'Margo,' their only other shared professional credit was 'To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday,' which Kelley co-wrote and Pfeiffer starred in.
Pfeiffer's Appreciation for Exceptional Writing and Character Depth
While the exact reasons for their reunion on 'Margo' remain somewhat private, Kelley had previously mentioned to Entertainment Tonight that their decision to collaborate on this project was a "chance" that proved "quite well." During the panel, Pfeiffer lauded her husband's creative prowess, highlighting the show's "strong writing." She explained that with such well-crafted material, an actor's primary task is to recognize its quality and inhabit the character respectfully. Pfeiffer also mentioned that her character, Cheyenne, appeared in only about 10 pages of the novel before disappearing, yet she immediately recognized the part as a "gem" and eagerly committed to it.
Premiere Details: Mark Your Calendars for 'Margo's Got Money Troubles'
'Margo's Got Money Troubles' is set to launch globally on Wednesday, April 15, with an initial release of three episodes. Subsequent new episodes will be available every Wednesday, concluding on May 20. This article was updated on Wednesday, Feb. 4, at 8:30 p.m., to include their shared credit on 'To Gillian on Her 37th Birthday.'