Gabriel Macht on Why Returning as Harvey Specter in ‘Suits LA’ Was the ‘Right Thing’ to Do: ‘I Did Think About the Fans’

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Suits LA” is scheduled for release on February 23, approximately six weeks following the destructive wildfires that ravaged Pacific Palisades and Altadena. Initially, the show was planned to be set in Los Angeles, with filming taking place in Vancouver. This is where the pilot episode was filmed in August. However, after receiving a tax credit from the state of California, production shifted back to L.A.

At the red carpet event on February 20th for the debut of “Suits” spinoff, the actors and producers involved in the project marked its relocation to Los Angeles by celebrating it.

Stephen Amell, the star, shared with EbMaster that they shoot scenes at the northeastern part of Universal’s studio lot. There’s a nearby entrance used for filming, which is a quick route for him to get to work. However, he avoids taking this shortcut. Instead, he enters through Gate 4 on Lankershim and travels from one end of the lot to the other. He does this to savor his time here, to cherish the rich history that this studio lot holds.

Bryan Greenberg recounted, “I visited Universal Studios when I turned 10. Back then, I dreamt of becoming an actor. Amazingly, I’m here daily now. It feels… pretty awesome!

According to writer Aaron Korsh, working in Los Angeles after the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, coupled with the wildfires that occurred during production, has been a deeply emotional experience. When crafting each episode, he aims to incorporate real locations throughout the city to make it feel like another character. The characters’ law offices are situated in Century City. In one scene, they visit the iconic Musso & Frank restaurant in Hollywood.

Korsh explained that he often considers which location would best suit a particular scene. By adopting this approach, he finds that iconic locations naturally emerge during production, and he also discovers lesser-known spots that offer a unique perspective of Los Angeles.

In the TV show “Suits LA,” Amell takes on the role of lawyer Ted Black. His legal practice primarily deals with criminal and entertainment law, often representing actual celebrities. The late John Amos makes a cameo as himself in one episode, while Patton Oswalt plays an over-the-top version of himself in another.

[The show] highlights the unique, eccentric charm of this town,” Oswalt commented. “It has an abundance of peculiar qualities that one can’t help but be drawn to… It doesn’t avoid these idiosyncrasies.

Actor Josh McDermitt, who plays the character Stuart Lane, the head of the firm along with Black, noted that the show also shines a light on the “down-to-earth” or ordinary folks residing in Los Angeles.

McDermitt stated that the show highlights individuals who are genuinely wonderful at heart. They’re extremely generous, community-oriented, and proactive, contrary to L.A.’s reputation for being fickle. As evidence, he pointed out how quickly everyone came together during the wildfires. Essentially, he described the show as a heartfelt tribute to Los Angeles.

Kevin Weisman, who plays a key character in the series, commented on a significant push to employ more people. This move benefits the cast and crew members, including Teamsters and craft services personnel, as well as everyone else involved.

Azita Ghanizada, portraying the straightforward secretary Roslyn, expressed her excitement as production resumes. She emphasized the importance of revitalizing our city and returning it to its former glory. She also hoped that this would serve as an inspiration for all showrunners and studio executives to advocate for tax incentives in filmmaking.

Korsh promised that fans of the original series will not be disappointed.

Maintaining consistency in the rhythm and narrative approach, I’ll strive to keep the essence of the original show. It won’t be an identical replica, as we have new characters and settings, but the overall vibe remains similar to the original. I believe this familiarity will bring a sense of comfort to our audience.

Kristen Hager, a regular character on the show as Valerie Thompson, mentioned that “Suits” was one of her favorite shows to unwind with.

Hager expressed gratitude for the escape, finding it both amusing and engaging, yet he noted its absence of genuine cruelty. At that particular time, it was a realm he cherished immensely,” Hager stated.

Lex Scott Davis, who has been added to the cast as attorney Erica Rollins, admitted that she hadn’t watched the show before her audition, but soon found herself captivated and turning into a devoted fan afterward.

Scott Davis admitted he spent his study time watching an entire season instead of memorizing lines for his audition. However, he’s determined to approach the vast world he’s entering with utmost seriousness.

Characters from the initial show are set to make guest appearances in the spinoff, with Gabriel Macht, the original lead, appearing for three episodes as Harvey Specter. Filming of his scenes hasn’t occurred yet, so viewers can expect to see him later during the season, and it took some persuasion to get him involved in the project.

Initially, I needed some time to ponder over it. I wanted to ensure it aligned with my current creative flow. What other creative projects are ongoing, and what narratives are we crafting? Considering the fans, I eventually decided that supporting the debut of this new show was the appropriate action.

Macht was coy when previewing how Specter will figure into the split.

He mentioned that there are moments when things from the past recur. There was a bond between Harvey and Ted in the District Attorney’s office, and it’s clear they share similar qualities. Their friendship runs deep, and they care for each other deeply.

Korsh guaranteed there’d be an unexpected guest star joining the cast this season, but who that might be is still shrouded in secrecy.

“You can lay your money on Meghan [Markle] if you want to,” Korsh chuckled.

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2025-02-22 04:17