Warning: The following contains SPOILERS for the Only Murders in the Building season 2 finale.Paul Rudd stunned viewers of Only Murders in the Building with an appearance that suggested he would be playing a major role in Only Murders in the Building season 3. This would not be the first time the series recruited an actor better known for their film work than television. However, Rudd may be the most notable actor yet to the cast of Only Murders in the Building.
Co-created by John Hoffman and murder of Bunny Folger, the president of the Arconia residents' board.
The trio clear their names and expose the real killer in Only Murders in the Building's season 2 finale. However, viewers were surprised when the finale skipped ahead in time one year for its final scenes and Paul Rudd made a cameo as the star of Oliver Putnam's latest Broadway show, just barely having enough time to establish himself before suddenly dying on stage as the curtain rose. This raises the question of how extensive Rudd's presence in Only Murders in the Building season 3 will be.
Who Paul Rudd Plays In OMITB: What We Know About Ben Glenroy
The final scenes of Only Murders in the Building season 2 introduce Paul Rudd as an actor named Ben Glenroy, who is famous enough to make Oliver Putnam's jaw drop when he is offered a chance to work with him in a new Broadway show. Charles-Haden Savage is cast in the same show but develops a negative relationship with Glenroy for unknown reasons, which leaves Glenroy demanding an apology heading into the play's opening night. Savage responds by warning Glenroy to "stay away from her" before adding "I know what you did." This suggests that Glenroy may have tried to become romantically involved with either Mabel Mora or Charles' adopted daughter Lucy, though Mabel seems the more likely candidate given she seems more distraught than anyone else when Glenroy suddenly collapses while breathing heavily and bleeding from the mouth during his opening monologue.
Paul Rudd Continues Only Murders In The Building's Casting Trend
Paul Rudd's appearance is well in keeping with a tradition that began with the core Only Murders in the Building. The Hulu series boasts an impressive ensemble of talented actors, most of whom are better known for their work in mediums outside of television. The cast ranges from living legends like Shirley MacLaine to hot young talents like Cara Delevingne. The series has also featured a number of celebrities playing themselves, such as singer Sting and comedian Amy Schumer.
Will Paul Rudd Return? Only Murders Has A Tradition of Letting Its Victims Speak
Ordinarily, a character's death would mean the end of an actor's work. That is not the case in Only Murders in the Building, which utilizes a unique scripting style that frequently breaks the fourth wall, with various ing characters narrating their actions as if they were recording a podcast about their own lives. This conceit allows the murder victims a chance to speak to the audience, as Only Murders in the Building season 1's victim Tim Kono did when he invited the audience to "get to know a fellow a little before he tells you how he died" in the season 1 finale. Bunny Folger, the murder victim of Only Murders in the Building season 2, was allowed to do the same thing in the episode "The Last Day of Bunny Folger." This makes it likely that Paul Rudd might return for Only Murders in the Building season 3 so that Ben Glenroy may comment on the events leading up to his death.
Only Murders 1-Year Time Jump Leaves Room For Paul Rudd's Character's Story
a painting by the mysterious artist Rose Cooper. That, coupled with a comment by Charles' new girlfriend, Joy, to Mabel about it having been an interesting year, suggests that Only Murders in the Building season 3 will be depicting the events of that year rather than merely referencing them. This opens the way for Paul Rudd to be a regular member of the ensemble.
How Much Will Paul Rudd Be In Only Murders In The Building Season 3?
Thankfully for fans of Only Murders in the Building, Paul Rudd appears to have a perfect gap in his schedule that will allow him to take on a leading role in the next season. His next MCU film, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, is currently in post-production in anticipation of a February 2023 release and his work with the film is done. Rudd is also scheduled to reprise his role as Gary Grooberson in the Ghostbusters: Afterlife sequel, which is slated for release in December 2023. Presuming that production on Only Murders in the Building season 3 starts soon, Paul Rudd should have ample time to appear in the new season before beginning filming on the next Ghostbusters movie.