New "Ted Lasso" cast member Grant Feely described a serendipitous first encounter with star Jason Sudeikis that set a positive tone for their on-screen relationship. Feely, who takes on the role of Ted's son, Henry, in the latest season, met Sudeikis, who also serves as an executive producer and writer, during a chemistry read for "Ted Lasso" Season 4. The pair discovered they were wearing the exact same model of Nike Blue Vomero shoes, a coincidence Feely called a "kismet moment" that helped "break the ice."
IMAGE1 ![Jason Sudeikis and Grant Feely in a scene from "Ted Lasso" Season 4.]( "Jason Sudeikis and Grant Feely in a scene from "Ted Lasso" Season 4.")
Feely, 14, noted that Sudeikis was a dynamic presence on set, often rewriting scenes and incorporating improv. "He wears so many hats on set. He’s a writer, he’s an executive producer, he does a lot," Feely told Page Six. "He would sometimes completely rewrite our entire scene. So, I would have to relearn it. And, we do a bunch of improv on the show."
"Ted Lasso" returns after a three-year hiatus, with Season 4 following the titular American football coach, played by Sudeikis, as he transitions to coaching a women's team. The show, which aired its first three seasons from 2020 to 2023, garnered significant critical acclaim, earning 61 Emmy nominations and 13 wins.
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In previous seasons, Henry was primarily seen via FaceTime, with the character residing in America while Ted coached in England. Season 4 expands Henry's role, requiring the actor to possess soccer skills. Feely, who previously appeared in "Obi-Wan Kenobi," explained that the role was recast for this reason. To prepare, Feely enlisted his older brothers as coaches, humorously noting that he "had to pay them to teach me soccer! I had paid them five percent of my first episode."
Feely also shared his surprise at the demeanor of actor Brett Goldstein, who plays the gruff Roy Kent. "His character... is very gruff. He curses a lot, he’s loud…but, Brett is the complete opposite. He’s kind of quiet. He’s very nice to be around. He’s nothing like you would expect," Feely said.
Brendan Hunt, who portrays Coach Beard, was instrumental in helping new cast members acclimate. Feely recalled Hunt taking him "under his wing" and introducing him to the sport of soccer and Arsenal Football Club. Hunt provided guidance during games, explaining rules and strategy.
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New episodes of "Ted Lasso" Season 4 are released Wednesdays on Apple TV+.