Shondaland’s New Murder Mystery Series
The latest murder mystery series from Shondaland, “The Residence,” has some similarities to Netflix’s whodunit, Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out.”
Inspiration from Classic Whodunits
During the premiere of “The Residence” in Los Angeles, showrunner Paul William Davies shared with Variety that Johnson’s film was a significant influence, as it revitalized the genre, particularly drawing from 1970s murder mysteries.
Encouraging Creative Development
Davies stated, “He experimented with the genre’s history,” highlighting how Johnson’s approach inspired others to think, “Oh, yes, we can revisit those themes.”
Cast and Storyline Overview
Streaming on Netflix, “The Residence” stars Uzo Aduba as the quirky detective Cordelia Cupp, who must unravel a murder mystery that occurs at a White House state dinner. In building this screwball comedy, Davies drew inspiration from ensemble casts in “Death on the Nile,” “Murder on the Orient Express,” “Clue,” and “The Last of Sheila,” as well as the sitcom “Fawlty Towers” and the play “Noises Off,” which lent a sense of farce and theatricality.
Guest Appearances
Unexpected cameos in “The Residence” include comedian and former senator Al Franken as a fictional politician, alongside Kylie Minogue, who portrays herself.
Welcoming Kylie Minogue
Executive producer Betsy Beers expressed excitement about securing Minogue for the show, while Shonda Rhimes shared their initial uncertainty regarding her participation. According to Davies, the team approached her, and upon reading the material, she was enthusiastic. He noted, “For someone of her stature, she was surprisingly down-to-earth and approachable.” Minogue even performed her hit song “Can’t Get You Out of My Head” in the series.
Honoring Andre Braugher’s Legacy
At the premiere, the cast paid tribute to Andre Braugher, who originally played A.B. Wynter, the White House Chief Usher. Braugher passed away during production, leading Giancarlo Esposito to take on the role. Esposito honored Braugher’s legacy by committing to perform to the best of his ability, reflecting on their professional bond and Braugher’s impactful career.
