How do you follow being partnered with Mariska Hargitay onLaw & Order: SVU?
How about being partnered with an animated flying unicorn?
That is the scenario which is unfolding this October afternoon on the Brooklyn set of the new SYFY showHappy!
Credit: Syfy
I fully realize that I am talking to a unicorn, but my credibility has its limits!
Yep, this is not your average crime show.
And either way is a good!
Syfy
Part of our idea was to do a modern update of things likeScroogeorIts a Wonderful Life.
Its likeA Christmas Carol-meets-Pulp Fiction, lets say, he adds with a laugh.
The graphic novel just seemed special, says Taylor, explaining how he got involved in the project.
Syfy
You see this deranged, beaten down dude with the Happy horse, youre like, Theres something there.
I was all in.
I got a call from my agents one night, he says.
And I said, I think its thestupidestthing Ive ever read in my life.
And she said, I dont understand, why is it stupid?
And I was like, Ive already booked my ticket!'
Macmanus recalls that Morrison played an extremely active role in pitching ideas for the show.
He was absolutely invaluable, for two reasons.
But he also wasnt precious about it.
If he thought that we were doing something better, then he was all for it.
There was never a sword that he was going to fall on.
You know, in the graphic novel world, there are some passionate fans out there!
According to Taylor, the casting of Meloni as the tough, wise-cracking Nick Sax was an easy choice.
The material is very odd.
Its not for everyone.
You know, hes atrueproducer on this show.
Hes bringing a ton.
He brings ideas on set, he brings ideas on scripts.
On every level, hes pouring everything that he has into it.
I think its like a really special role for him.
Hes very convincing as a kind of dramatic ass-kicking guy [and] his comedy is fantastic.
But usually he doesnt get to do them both.
Its either one of the other.
So, this is his first chance to give us the whole Meloni experience bottled up in a character.
Thats kind of how we feel about Happy.
Like, all of a sudden, its completely different [with] what Patton Oswalt is bringing.
Its worth all the hassle of having the animated character when you see the final result.
The first season ofHappy!will eat up the entire plot of the original graphic novel.
But Taylor reveals he and Morrison have already been plotting more adventures should the show get renewed.
Weve got a lot of ideas for a second season, but I dont like thinking ahead.
I cant stand movies that act like theyre having a sequel before anybody even likes it yet.
Taylor even teases the possibility that Nicolas Cage might appear on the show further down the track.
I love that guy, says Taylor.
If youre a Nic Cage fan, he is exactly what you hope he would be.
Hes all of it, and not only when the cameras rolling either, hes 24/7.
Hes a force to be reckoned with.
I would love to have him do something inHappy!season 2.
EW initially assumes the director is justhorsingaround.
Brian has brought that up several times, says Macmanus.
I dont know what role he would be in, yet.
Watch theextremetrailer forHappy!, below.
Happy!premieres on Dec. 6 at 10 p.m.
