Created by executive producer and showrunner Bill Lawrence, known for his work on “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking”—two of Apple TV+’s hit series—”Bad Monkey” combines star appeal (featuring Vince Vaughn) with comedic antics (Lawrence also created “Scrubs”).
Set against the quirky backdrop of South Florida, the show premieres on August 14 and is expected to be renewed for a second season. The series is based on Carl Hiaasen’s novel of the same name, which has a sequel titled “Razor Girl.”
If you’re curious about how the cast of “Bad Monkey” was selected and eager to potentially join the second season, you’re in the right place.
This guide offers an in-depth look at the “Bad Monkey” casting process, complete with audition tips from the show’s leading actors and the latest news on the series’ future.
What’s the Story Behind “Bad Monkey”?
Adapted from the popular novel by Hiaasen, “Bad Monkey” centers on Andrew Yancy (played by Vaughn), a disgraced former Miami cop now working as a health inspector in the Florida Keys. His fortunes appear to shift when a severed human arm is discovered by tourists.
Convinced that solving this murder mystery could restore his reputation with the Miami Police Department, Yancy embarks on an investigation. However, he soon finds himself entangled with a host of eccentric individuals and contending with a particularly troublesome monkey.
“Meet the Stars of ‘Bad Monkey’: Who’s in the Cast?”
Season 1 features:
- Vince Vaughn takes on the role of Andrew Yancy
- L. Scott Caldwell portrays YaYa
- Rob Delaney is cast as Christopher
- Meredith Hagner plays Eve Stripling
- Natalie Martinez stars as Rosa Campesino
- Michelle Monaghan appears as Bonnie Witt
- Ronald Peet features as Neville Stafford
- Jodie Turner-Smith embodies the Dragon Queen
- Tom Nowicki serves as the Narrator
- David St. Louis is Egg
- Crystal the Monkey performs as Driggs
- Alex Moffat is Evan Shook
- John Ortiz plays Rogelio
- Charlotte Lawrence appears as Caitlin
- Todd Allen Durkin takes on the role of Sheriff Sonny Summers
- Gizel Jimenez portrays Mel Campesino
- Reese Antoinette stars as Dawnie
- Nina Grollman is cast as Madeline
- Victor Turpin plays Montenegro
- Ashley Nicole Black appears as Johnna Russell
- Zach Braff portrays Israel O’Peele
Who is in charge of casting “Bad Monkey”?
Jennifer Cooper, known for her work on “Hawaii Five-0,” and Lori Wyman from “Burn Notice,” are leading the casting for Season 1 of “Bad Monkey.”
Cooper shares her advice for actors approaching auditions: “Don’t stress about what you think I’m looking for. Instead, focus on what serves the story and aligns with who you are as an actor,” she explained to Casting Networks.
“When actors try to conform to what they believe I want, it often misses the mark. What matters most to me is your genuine interpretation and essence, not whether you fit into a preconceived mold.
With every audition tape I review, I hope to find the right person. If not, I aim to help you land the role eventually and build a long-term relationship that could lead to many opportunities in the future.”
She added, “Casting is a collaborative effort between actors and casting directors. I view it as a partnership because if you succeed, I succeed. Our success is interlinked.”
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What is the “Bad Monkey” casting procedure like?
With “Bad Monkey” set in the Florida Keys, it’s no wonder the team turned to local casting director Wyman for her expertise. But how does the casting process work for someone based outside the typical hubs of NYC and Los Angeles?
Wyman explained, “I start by receiving the script and identifying the roles we need to cast locally. Since I’m based in Florida, we focus on finding local talent for these parts. My team creates detailed character breakdowns, which we then send out to local agents.
After gathering submissions, I review them thoroughly. Given my extensive experience in Florida casting, I often request specific actors who I believe are right for the roles. We conduct in-person auditions as well as accept taped submissions. Once all auditions are collected, we review them and submit our selections to the production team.”
Wyman also shared some essential tips for auditioning. “One key thing is to come fully prepared with your lines memorized.
When actors are well-prepared, their performances are stronger, and they seem more confident and less nervous. This preparation can make a significant difference in the audition,” she said.
Avoid making excuses: “I often hear things like, ‘I only have the sides, so I’m not familiar with them,’ or ‘I know my outfit isn’t ideal, but I just came from work and didn’t have a change of clothes.’ When people arrive late, it’s always about the traffic.
Despite having four signs asking for cell phones to be turned off, many actors still bring their phones into the casting room, and they often ring right in the middle of their audition. The excuses follow about not realizing the phone was still on or that it was in their bag.”
Despite this, Wyman strives to create a positive casting atmosphere. “I have a deep passion for the art of acting, and I find joy in engaging with it every day during casting,” she said. “While many casting directors hire a reader, I prefer to read with the actors myself.”
Wyman explained, “Actors need clear communication. Often, directors provide lengthy explanations that leave actors confused. I find that a brief clarification from me can make a huge difference, so I’m willing to step in to ensure the actor understands what’s needed.”
When Does Production Kick Off for “Bad Monkey” Season 2?
“Bad Monkey” hasn’t received a renewal for Season 2 yet, but showrunner Lawrence sees room for the story to grow. In an interview with Vulture, he mentioned that if AppleTV+ decides to move forward, they could adapt Hiaasen’s sequel, “Razor Girl.”
However, Lawrence cautioned against relying on this, saying, “I don’t want to fall into the trap of thinking, ‘It’s fine if there’s no additional book! We’ll make another season, and it will be fantastic!’” So, if that’s the case, don’t hold your breath for a Season 3.
Where are the auditions and casting calls for “Bad Monkey” held?
As the future of “Bad Monkey” remains uncertain, there are no casting calls available at the moment. We recommend bookmarking our primary casting call page to stay updated on new opportunities.
If you’re looking for tips to increase your chances of landing a role in another Apple TV+ series, be sure to explore our comprehensive auditioning guide for the streaming platform.
How to Ace Your Audition and Secure a Role on “Bad Monkey”
Stay dedicated to your craft. CD Wyman, who operates out of Florida, is aware that local actors might face inconsistent job opportunities. To counter this, she suggests ongoing training—especially in theater—as a means for actors to refine and expand their skills.
“The most effective way to maintain and improve your craft is through continuous training,” she shared. “I also believe it’s beneficial to study with a variety of instructors.
Each teacher offers a unique perspective that can enrich an actor’s skill set. I always advise actors that if they gain even one valuable insight from each class, it’s worth the investment. Ideally, they’ll discover much more.”
Be courteous and well-prepared. Whether you’re on set or in the audition room, Delaney emphasizes the importance of showing respect by being both ready and kind. “You never know what tomorrow holds, so it’s worth being kind. It takes no more effort to be pleasant than it does to be unpleasant.
Arrive well-prepared and remember that kindness and readiness are crucial. Unfortunately, not everyone understands this,” he shared with us. “It might seem surprising, especially when you’re pushing hard to achieve your dreams, but being polite, attentive, and helpful can set you apart. It’s all about following the Golden Rule.”
Believe in your instincts. Turner-Smith’s journey from modeling to acting has shown her that trusting her gut feelings was crucial for her success. “Follow your intuition,” she advises. “It’s my instinct and intuition that have brought me to where I am today.
Your intuition drives you to take leaps of faith, to believe in yourself and take risks. I would definitely tell my younger self: Embrace and listen to your intuition, even when things seem unclear.”
Memorize your lines. Even though Braff has been around the industry for a while, he’s still open to picking up new techniques. On his podcast, “Fake Doctors, Real Friends with Zach and Donald,” Braff shared that his former co-star, Florence Pugh, impressed upon him the importance of being off-book for auditions.
“Florence taught me that if you’re not fully memorized and keep glancing at your script, you’re not truly in the moment,” he reflected on Pugh’s Oscar-nominated advice. “I owe Florence a nod for this insight. She explained, ‘If I know I can rely on my script, it takes me out of the scene and prevents me from fully engaging in the performance.’”
There are numerous elements at play, so ultimately, it’s about presenting your best self. “You might be perfect for the role, but if you resemble someone else too closely, or if you’re too young or too old, or if you don’t match the cast’s existing dynamic, it can affect the decision,” he explained.
“There are countless variables at work. The only thing you can control is to go in, give it your all, and perform at your best.”
