Warning: Contains spoilers for Only Murders In The Building season 2, episode 1 & 2.
Amy Schumer is playing herself in new characters in Only Murders In The Building season 2 is Amy Schumer, who moves into the building in the midst of the events surrounding Bunny's murder. Oliver meets her on the elevator and it quickly becomes clear that Schumer is playing an exaggerated version of herself and she quickly takes an interest in Oliver after recognizing him from the original podcast that investigated the murder of Tim Kono.
Throughout the first 2 episodes of Only Murders In The Building season 2, Amy becomes involved with Charles, Oliver, and Mabel, and their investigation into Bunny's death. Not only does she want to make a series based on the original podcast, but she wants to play Jan (Amy Ryan), Tim Kono's murderer. Oliver, being obsessed with fame, sees him jump on the opportunity to produce a show with Amy, but her involvement in the circumstances around Bunny's death goes beyond that. She also ends up in possession of the mysterious Rose Cooper painting, a key piece of evidence, but it turns out to be a forgery. Through her involvement, it's clear that audiences will be seeing a lot of Schumer this season and there are a couple of reasons why the Amy Schumer is playing herself.
Schumer seems to be occupying the role of Sting in Only Murders In The Building season 2. In season 1, The Police frontman guest-starred in the first season and was even interviewed by Mabel, Oliver, and Charles as an early suspect in the Tim Kono investigation. Although he was quickly absolved of guilt, it was a running gag that played wonderfully in season 1. Like Sting, Amy becomes a suspect in Only Murders In The Building season 2. The timing of her arrival at The Arconia is curious, placing her in the building around the time of Bunny's death. The show could be using Amy as a misdirect, making her seem suspicious to distract audiences from the identity of Bunny's real killer.
The presence of Schumer also ties into the quintessentially New York setting of Only Murders, grounding it in reality (even if it is an exaggerated version). It wouldn't be strange for a celebrity to live in the lush Upper West Side apartment building. Charles himself is a former television star and Oliver is a successful broadway director. Schumer playing herself simultaneously adds a sense of realism to the show while underscoring the absurd humor that Only Murders In The Building is known for.
Schumer playing herself in Only Murders In The Building season 2 is also a savvy career move. Despite seeing some success from her sketch comedy show Inside Amy Schumer and her movie Trainwreck, there was a considerable backlash to Schumer's comedy that saw her retreat from the spotlight. Even her gig hosting the 2022 Oscars landed her in some controversy. With her role as a new Arconia resident and possible season 2, Schumer can riff on the public's perception of her, making fun of herself while starring in a critically acclaimed television show. Whether her role in Only Murders in the Building season 2 expands beyond parody remains to be seen, but her screentime in the first 2 episodes certainly hints that Schumer may be more involved in the plot this season than Sting was in the last.