Bradley Cooper left fans stunned with his unexpected appearance in the Season 4 premiere of HBO’s hit comedy The Righteous Gemstones. The episode, titled Prelude, aired on March 9, 2025, setting the stage for the series’ final season with a gripping historical twist.
Cooper plays Elijah Gemstone, a 19th-century ancestor of the family, whose story unfolds during the Civil War era. The role marks a rare television appearance for the Oscar-nominated actor, best known for his work in major Hollywood films.
Danny McBride, the creator and star of the show, explained how Cooper landed the part. McBride revealed that he needed someone who could bring undeniable star power to the role. He joked that the character had to be “more beautiful than all of us,” hinting at Cooper’s leading-man charm.
Danny McBride Explains How Bradley Cooper Got the Role
McBride admitted that he initially mentioned Cooper’s name as a long shot. However, his producing partner, Brandon James, encouraged him to reach out. To their surprise, Cooper responded enthusiastically after reading the script.
“He liked what was presented,” McBride said. “He signed on quickly.”
Interestingly, Cooper had never seen The Righteous Gemstones before accepting the role. He intentionally avoided watching the series until after filming, wanting to bring a fresh, unbiased perspective to his performance.
“He didn’t want it to influence him, which I appreciate,” McBride added.
Cooper’s Role in ‘The Righteous Gemstones’ Finale Season
The fourth and final season of The Righteous Gemstones promises to be its most ambitious yet. The show, which first premiered in 2019, follows the corrupt and extravagant Gemstone family as they navigate scandals within their megachurch empire.
Cooper’s character, Elijah Gemstone, plays a crucial role in connecting the present-day storyline to the family’s tumultuous past. His performance has already been met with praise from fans and critics alike, with McBride calling him a “charismatic force” who brings emotional depth to the historical narrative.
Alongside Cooper, the final season boasts an all-star cast, including John Goodman, Adam DeVine, and McBride himself. With the show’s signature mix of dark humor, satire, and drama, The Righteous Gemstones is gearing up for an unforgettable sendoff.
Fans can catch new episodes every Sunday on HBO and Max as the Gemstone saga reaches its dramatic conclusion.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Jaja’s career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including Business Times and Brigada. As a news editor, she covered a wide range of beats, including business, economy, cryptocurrency, and personal finance. Additionally, she has successfully managed teams of writers producing content on gaming, technology, and entertainment.
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