McCormack & Son: A Family That Slays Together?
Honestly, when I first read this, my brain kinda did a little stutter-step. Eric McCormack, the guy who made a whole generation laugh with his perfectly timed quips and those impeccable sweaters, is now getting into the head of a serial killer. And his kid? His actual son, Finnigan, who’s like 23 years old. They’re both playing the same guy, just decades apart. That’s a bold move, Cotton. A really bold move.
You gotta hand it to them, or maybe to the show’s creators, Jake Coburn and JJ Bailey, who apparently cooked up this “crazy, wonderful notion” for The Hunting Party. McCormack told Us Weekly that if you’d asked him or Finnigan if they wanted to work together, “we probably wouldn’t have said, ‘Oh, let’s play the same serial killer.'” And yeah, no kidding. That’s probably not the typical father-son bonding activity you envision. Like, “Hey son, wanna learn how to convincingly strangle someone on camera? We can practice in the garage!” It just… it makes you think, doesn’t it? About family. About acting. About what kind of dinner table conversations they’re having now. “Pass the salt, dad. And also, how do you make your serial killer’s eyes look extra dead?”
Generational Psychopathy, Anyone?
The thing is, Eric booked the role first. Then, somehow, the idea came up for Finnigan to play the younger version. And he signed on. I mean, good for them for getting work, obviously. Especially together. But it’s not like they’re playing, I don’t know, two generations of charming bakers, or a father and son who discover a love for competitive bird-watching. No. It’s a serial killer. A killer. That’s a pretty intense character to share. It’s almost like a twisted passing of the torch. “Here son, take this dark, twisted character and make him your own… but also, make him my own, just younger.”
So, What Does This Say About Hollywood?
Look, I’ve seen a lot of actors try to break out of their iconic roles. Like Bryan Cranston going from Malcolm in the Middle to Breaking Bad. That was genius, pure genius. But this? This is different. This isn’t just one actor stretching; it’s a family unit diving headfirst into the darkest corners of humanity together.
“I don’t think that would have been the answer, but it wasn’t our idea. It was this crazy, wonderful notion from Jake Coburn and JJ Bailey, who created the show.” – Eric McCormack on playing a serial killer with his son.
It makes me wonder if there’s a certain pressure now for actors, especially those known for lighter fare, to go really dark. To prove they’ve got range. And to bring your kid along for the ride? That’s… a statement. Maybe it’s a smart career move, a way to ensure Finnigan isn’t just “Eric McCormack’s son” but “Finnigan McCormack, the guy who played a young serial killer alongside his dad.” It certainly grabs your attention. My attention, anyway. I’m writing about it, aren’t I?
The Art of the Kill, Family Edition
Honestly, if I’m being honest, I’m kinda fascinated. Like, how do they approach character development? Do they sit down and map out the killer’s pathology together? “Okay, so when I’m 23, I’m just starting to get good at this. But by the time you’re 62, Dad, you’re a seasoned pro.” It sounds morbid, sure, but it’s also probably a super interesting acting challenge. They’re not just playing a character; they’re playing a timeline of a character. A very, very messed-up character.
I mean, every actor wants to play a complex role, right? And serial killers? They’re basically the ultimate in complex, disturbing psychology. This is like, next-level method acting. Family method acting. The shared DNA, the actual familial connection, probably adds a layer of eerie realism to the whole thing. It’s not just two actors playing the same guy; it’s a father and son looking into the abyss together, through the eyes of one very disturbed individual. It’s… kinda brilliant, actually, in a twisted sort of way.
What This Actually Means
Here’s the thing: you can be known for something light and funny your whole career, but one role like this, shared with your son, playing a serial killer across generations? That’s gonna stick. That’s a headline. It’s a talking point. It proves you’re not just Will Truman, forever. You’re Eric McCormack, the actor who wasn’t afraid to go to the darkest places, and bring his son along for the ride. And Finnigan? He’s making his mark, not just by following in his dad’s footsteps, but by sharing some seriously dark shoes.
So yeah, maybe it’s a bit unsettling. Maybe it’s a genius move. Probably both, if I’m being real. But one thing’s for sure: it’s not boring. And in this business, that’s half the battle, isn’t it? Just don’t ask them what they did for their next project. Maybe a family sitcom where they solve murders together? Too on the nose? Probably.
