MoviesNewsTalk
Shrinking season 2 ended but fans await news for season 3 after the show's recent renewal which could feature a romantic storyline between Jimmy portrayed by Jason Segel and Sofi played by Cobie Smulders of How I Met Your Mother fame. Segel spoke in a Hollywood Reporter interview regarding Smulders' guest role. Cobie Smulders first appeared in Episode 10 of Shrinking season 2 as Jimmy’s possible love interest giving a nod to many viewers regarding their unique connection.
Jason Segel told The Hollywood Reporter sharing screen with Cobie Smulders on Shrinking felt unique because they were rarely paired on How I Met Your Mother which made for a special chemistry. Segel believes that first scene between their Shrinking characters went beyond a simple introduction showcasing an important connection between the actors beyond simple character interaction. Their initial roles in How I Met Your Mother made both actors uniquely situated to recreate a similar effect.
Segel revealed the role of Sofi was not explicitly created for Cobie Smulders who both grew up together when they began filming for How I Met Your Mother during their 20s. Segel noted that they went through “formative” experiences from their early 20s into their early 30s while filming on the show making their reunion meaningful now as fully matured adults now . Segel noted this personal history translated well onto camera through their shared onscreen chemistry making the idea for further interaction extremely palpable to viewers on Apple TV+ . Their history is critical to character creation and development in television production for strong chemistry.
Jason Segel also felt unique and special relationship with co-star Brett Goldstein who also serves as co-creator of Shrinking along with Bill Lawrence and Segel on Apple TV+. Segel and Brett Goldstein showed natural synergy while filming the series specifically in a scene that provided support after spending prolonged time apart which felt “tender and intimate”. Despite a unique experience on set with other actors and crew the reunion between Segel and Smulders created a powerful impact. Brett Goldstein also portrayed Louis responsible for the car accident involving Jimmy's late wife on Shrinking creating emotional connections during that crucial scene. The series production intentionally used cameras to make the scene appear naturally close to actors rather than contrived.
Variety interviewed Segel following his How I Met Your Mother reunion with Smulders on Shrinking. Segel told Variety that working alongside Smulders was a dream giving an opportunity to complete gaps in their acting experience created because their previous HIMYM characters were never together. The first meet between Jimmy and Sofi as characters in AppleTV+ show is interesting and exciting, Segel says, creating excitement from their strong performance. Their long professional relationship created a foundation for what viewers were experiencing with on-screen chemistry. Cobie Smulders was on “How I Met Your Mother” for nine seasons creating intimate character development.
Segel mentioned their reunion during filming had a quality like a "full circle" experience. Their personal relationship helped elevate scene since they were filming as two people with a long history of growing up through struggles both personally and professionally. Smulders and Segel grew as actors on set of How I Met Your Mother further adding meaning to these unique “Shrinking” moments. The characters from Shrinking had also both individually been “through tough times” further increasing the quality of their acting. Their connection allowed for a deeper resonance with their performance.
Smulders first appeared in Shrinking during episode on December 11 during a cameo with the character Jimmy meeting with Sofi while purchasing a car. The dynamic between the characters resulted in her text messaging him immediately following their first encounter. Ted McGinley plays next door neighbor Derek whose dialogue pointed out Sofi was an attractive single mother to main character Jimmy. The text messages between the two provided indication of interest for each other while setting stage for potentially new storylines in the next Shrinking season on Apple TV+ . Jimmy's daughter Alice confronts her father just when he was replying to the text providing natural storytelling conflicts with key characters.
Smulders stated she felt lucky to become a part of Shrinking and received a call by creator Bill Lawrence with who she discussed all aspects of her appearance and cameo on set. Smulders conveyed that she did not have details about Jason Segel's involvement behind the scene but emphasized how excited she felt to participate on Shrinking given that she was a fan of the production from the very first moment of watching on Apple TV+. Smulders admired the show’s cast and appreciated the story plus getting a chance to work alongside old co star Jason Segel who she mentioned how much she greatly missed as a former colleague on "How I Met Your Mother".
Smulders said the feeling while acting on "Shrinking" felt "like one of my buddies" that gave her great confidence as she mentioned how easy the character felt to play with its powerful script from experienced writers and film production crews. Shrinking’s excellent production provided a dynamic and authentic setting for Smulders to explore this potential role and her character while providing ease and grace while on set alongside her long term colleague. Smulders noted in production the characters from Shrinking were already fully created and "alive" due to incredible writing further enhancing the professional performance by the actors.
“Shrinking” season 2 presented a mini “How I Met Your Mother” reunion with Jason Segel starring as Jimmy Laird on AppleTV+. Segel played Marshall Eriksen in How I Met Your Mother while Smulders took on the role as Robin Scherbatsky demonstrating some previous chemistry within other projects as past collaborations. Segel also acknowledged pitching Smulders as his on screen interest creating a narrative where the characters are able to connect on a romantic angle never previously seen. Smulders has always provided exceptional acting and brought unique story lines to multiple productions.
Smulders performance as Sofi in a very short but very noticeable appearance has caused much fan speculation for next season which was helped further by Bill Lawrence also speaking of Smulders return . Smulders and Jason Segel created incredible chemistry on Shrinking which may set up further storylines to be developed . Segel’s description of being able to portray "a little bit of what pre-accident Jimmy might have been like" provides more hope for this character. Bill Lawrence the Shrinking co-creator said Smulders character became "a visual representation of what moving forward looks like for Jason’s character".
Bill Lawrence told TVLine he intends to coax Cobie Smulders into participating as a character for next season because their scene “felt authentic and was so romantic” leaving strong possibility to move forward with those elements in upcoming season. Shrinking is scheduled to commence filming next season starting in January for AppleTV+ programming. The season will continue Paul’s Parkinson’s struggle played by Harrison Ford and the character progression for others like Jessica Williams Luke Tennie Michael Urie Christa Miller and Ted McGinley as well. "Shrinking" focuses on unique story structure a therapist going through emotional trauma while using his personal struggles to guide others.