Sex and The City hunk Gilles Marini claims ‘it's time' for And Just Like That ‘to go' as fans slam ‘insufferable' show
The French actor appeared in the first movie based on the hit HBO show in 2008 as a love interest for Kim Cattrall's character, Samantha.
Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter
Sign up
5
Sex and The City star Gille Marini strips off for the memorable shower scene
Credit: HBO
5
Sarah Jessica Parker is seen on the set of 'And Just Like That…' Season 2
Credit: GC Images - Getty
His iconic naked shower scene - that involved hours of filming - launched his acting career and later resulted in a stint on Dancing With the Stars.
And although he's entirely grateful for the show, he feels the writers need to go in a new direction after 'And Just Like That...' was slammed as "insufferable" by die-hard fans.
In an exclusive chat with The U.S. Sun, he said, "Everything takes its time. It goes up, and then it goes down [in popularity]. We have to know and understand when it's time to go."
He feels viewers would still love to see more of the iconic characters, but a different spin-off may work instead of continuing to focus on Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker.
"Maybe taking the side of one of the characters and having this history behind of Sex and The City," he said.
"But making something so clearly different.. somebody else come in with something new, you know? Really fresh, like the storyline has to be completely shattered.
"And something that is meaningful nowadays. Everybody loved this show because everybody could relate. Let's have a show where really everyone can relate a little bit [more]."
He said he was aware of the criticism surrounding the show but would also love to hear from those who have watched And Just Like That but never seen the original series.
5
Gilles Marini and his wife, Carole Marini, at the ECOLUXE Pre-Espys Sports Lounge in Beverly Hills, California
Credit: Getty
Some TV critics have complained that the show's characters are now unlikeable and the show has become "unbearable to watch," while viewers have joked that the latest season was "written by AI".
And Just Like That premiered in December 2021 and focuses on Carrie and friends Miranda Hobbes and Charlotte York as they navigate life in their 50s in New York City.
Fans were stunned to learn of the death of her husband, Big [played by Chris Noth], and actress Kim has only appeared in a cameo after bowing out of returning as a full-time cast member.
The third season has seen Carrie struggle to work out her relationship with ex-fiance Aidan Shaw, who is dealing with family drama in Virginia.
Despite its critics, Marini says he has loved seeing the main characters back on screen and would not turn down the opportunity to appear in the future.
He said, "If I got the call… I'd run to it. Absolutely. I think one of the most amazing things that I had the chance to do in my life was Sex And The City."
Asked about Kim's decision not to reprise her role, he added, "To each their own. Sometimes people want to start something, and then when they're done, they're done with it.
"At the end of it, look at the career she has, I mean, everything she's done. She doesn't need [anything]. It's her decision, of course."
He told The U.S. Sun had never seen the show before he was cast and had no idea at the time of the impact it had.
Marini recalled, "Michael Patrick King, the director of the film, he said, 'Listen, when the movie comes out, your life will never be the same and your phone will never stop ringing'. And I'm like, why? Why is he saying that? And now I know why he said that.
I had never watched the show before, and I think that was key in me getting the part."
Actor Gilles Marini
"At the end of the day he [Marini's character] was not just a guy. What was very interesting is when I developed that character in my mind, it was important for me for [women] to understand that this man is just not like .. he's gonna have sex with you.
"No matter what, the moment spent with him will be unforgettable.
"He loves what he does. He loves to be with women. And he's the near image in a way of Kim Cattrall's character a couple of years prior.
"I needed to play him so that you're not ever threatened. [He's] just a guy that loves to make love.
"I've never watched it back, but everybody sends me the scenes every day because ... guys and girls, whatever flavor, send me it, 'Oh look, it's in Korean, it's in Russian, it's in Spanish'.
"Every time I hear myself in a different language, I can't resist. I have to post it.
"I had never watched the show before, and I think that was key in me getting the part.
"But it's an educational show for men. If you're a man and you watch Sex and The City, you understand a lot more the psyche of women. And you get along with them a lot better."
Years on from the scene that set pulses racing, Marini has managed to keep his physique in top-tip shape, but said taking care of his health is important, it's not about being a pin-up.
"I keep myself in shape because I like to be more of an inspiration than someone that's given up on [themselves]," he said. "I'm about to be 50 years old."
Marini is still getting plenty of roles and is also working on a movie, telling The U.S. Sun he's happy to be back in action after the pandemic saw productions in Hollywood grind to a halt.
"I'm very excited about the kind of reverse of Hollywood. It has to happen, he said.
"Because it's been like really insane for a lot of people, including myself, since the pandemic.
"Hollywood should be seen as the leader of everything [in movies]. The last time I shot something here was at Warner Bros.
"And you could tell that it was not immensely busy. And that was not even a year ago. I want to work. I must export myself elsewhere.
"I just shot a film with a beautiful Kym Johnson, one of the all-time leaders of everything in Dancing With the Stars, that I adore.
"She's amazing. And she wanted to do a beautiful film, with dancing and Christmas and love. Christmas in a ballroom. We cannot wait.
"It's was very sweet. It was cool. It was difficult for me because I went back to kind of dancing. [Bu] it went more than well. She's just phenomenal. I can't wait to see her again."
5
Gilles Marini attends the 25th Annual Operation Smile Fiesta in Los Angeles
Credit: Getty
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
22 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Billy Joel sets record straight over DUI rumors after multiple concerning car accidents
is setting the record straight. In his candid new two-part HBO documentary, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, the music legend tackles the ups and downs of his life in the spotlight, including long-standing rumors that he's had multiple DUIs. The 76-year-old singer, who announced he is battling the brain disorder, normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH), earlier this year, makes it clear: those stories are false. 'I didn't like the tabloid kind of press. For example, there's this rumor that I have all these DUIs,' Joel says in the film. 'That never happened.' 'But people keep repeating the myth. 'Oh, he's got so many DUIs.' I never had a DUI. So f**k you,' he adds. 'The press can be mean. So having that much attention paid to you is not easy.' The deeply personal documentary, now streaming on HBO, explores a turbulent chapter in Joel's life during the mid-2000s when he stepped out of the public eye. During that time, he was involved in several car accidents, leading many to speculate about substance use. In June 2002, Joel crashed his 1999 Mercedes-Benz. The following year, he drove a 2002 Mercedes into a tree in Sag Harbor and was treated for head injuries. Then in 2004, he lost control of his 1967 Citroen in Bayville, crashing into an empty house. The final accident left him with a cut finger and minor damage to the car, according to the documentary. Still, Joel insists those incidents weren't alcohol-related. In a 2013 interview with The New York Times Magazine, he clarified: 'I never had a DUI in my life. That's another fallacy. Look at the police records.' Instead, he attributed the accidents to emotional struggles. 'My mind wasn't right. I wasn't focused. I went into a deep, deep depression after 9/11. 9/11 just knocked the wind out of me, and I don't know even now if I've recovered from it. It really, really hurt that man could do that to man. And then there was a breakup with somebody, and it took me a while to get me back on my feet again.' And So It Goes, directed by Susan Lacy and Jessica Levin, not only clears up misconceptions but also takes a closer look at Joel's battles with depression, substance abuse, and the road to recovery. As Joel told People in a recent cover story, it wasn't easy to revisit some of those moments. 'Some of the stupid stuff I did, that's painful to talk about,' he admitted. Initially hesitant about the documentary, Joel said, 'My goal was to get it over with… When I do interviews, people just ask you about yourself and you get a little self-conscious about it eventually. It's almost embarrassing. When you're talking about your personal life detached from the material… I suppose there's a little bit of wariness involved.' The film also includes insights from those closest to him, including his sister Judy, daughter Alexa Ray, 39, and longtime friends and collaborators like lighting designer Steve Cohen and booking agent Dennis Arfa. Cohen reflected on Joel's resilience and drive: 'You make mistakes. He always said to me, "You show up. You do the best you can. You admit when you're wrong and you let other people tell you how good you are. You don't tell yourself how good you are."' And ultimately, Cohen hopes fans walk away with a deeper understanding of the man behind the music. 'I hope fans walk away realizing how f**king human he is, and I hope they come back listening to these songs again with a deeper affection. I hope that you walk away from this thing going, 'I now justify my fandom. I know why this guy is as good and why I respond to it, because that's the kind of guy I can relate to his life. I can relate to those emotions.' Despite his hesitations to do the documentary, Joel was an open book as he looked back on his failed marriages, battle with alcohol, financial troubles and much more. The singer also opens up about pre-fame suicide attempts and his mother's alcoholism. And So It Goes has already gained glowing reviews from Rolling Stone, Variety, and Newsday. In May, the Piano Man singer shared that he had been diagnosed with normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH). The condition has impacted Joel's 'hearing, vision, and balance,' according to the social media post. A spokesperson for the singer said that his condition had been 'exacerbated' by recent performances. Normal pressure hydrocephalus is caused by too much fluid collecting in the ventricles, or spaces in the brain and spinal cord, putting pressure on these areas and triggering its symptoms, including struggling to walk, an inability to control the bladder and memory problems. This happens because the excess fluid compresses and stretches the brain tissue, interfering with the control of muscles and communication between nerve cells. When diagnosed early, NPH can often be effectively treated with surgery that drains excess fluid from the brain, relieving pressure and symptoms - but it can often be mistaken at an early stage for other illnesses such as dementia. However, if left untreated, the condition may lead to permanent damage in its later stages. Joel's illustrious career as a musician began back in the mid-1960, which led to the release of debut studio album, Cold Spring Harbor (1971). But it failed to gain any real traction until after the success of his follow-up, Piano Man (1973), that peaked at number 25 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and number four on the Adult Contemporary singles chart. Now an established name on the musical landscape, Joel became a million seller with the release of Streetlife Serenade (1974), but his commercial breakout making him a bonafide star came with the release of The Stranger (1977), which featured the hit singles Movin' Out (Anthony's Song), Just The Way You Are, She's Always a Woman, The Stranger, and Only The Good Die Young. He would go on to release a 13th album - Fantasies & Delusions (2001) - that features classical compositions from Joel, a first for him during his career. With over 160 million records sold worldwide, Joel is one of the world's best-selling musical artists, and the fourth-best-selling solo artist in the United States.
Scottish Sun
23 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Harry & Wills' pal the Duke of Westminster welcomes first baby with wife Olivia as pair reveal adorable name
The Duke is godfather to Prince George BABY JOY Harry & Wills' pal the Duke of Westminster welcomes first baby with wife Olivia as pair reveal adorable name Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE Duke and Duchess of Westminster are "thrilled" as they welcome their first child. Their baby girl, Cosima Florence Grosvenor was born today in London. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 The Duke and Duchess of Westminster have welcomed a baby girl Credit: PA 3 The pair got married in June 2024 Credit: Getty Hugh Grosvenor, a Billionaire aristocrat who is a long-term friend of the Duke of Sussex and Prince William, and his wife Olivia, married last year. A spokesperson for the couple said: "The Duke and Duchess of Westminster are thrilled to announce the birth of their baby daughter. "Both the duchess and Cosima are doing well. "The duke and duchess now look forward to spending this special time together as a family." They announced the pregnancy in March, with a spokesperson saying: "The couple are delighted with the news and are very much looking forward to starting a family together." The Duke is godfather to Prince George, and also reportedly to Prince Archie. During the couple's wedding at Chester Cathedral in June 2024, William acted as Usher. Harry wasn't in attendance amid his long-running rift with his brother. Hugh had previously been considered one of the country's most eligible bachelors. He became an instant billionaire when he inherited his title, and the historic Grosvenor Estate, aged 25 following the death of his father from a heart attack in 2016. Duke of Westminster's wedding exposed Harry & William's brutal rift - one encounter would've been excruciating, says pro His property company, Grosvenor Group, owns hundreds of acres of land in Mayfair and Belgravia, as well as major city developments like Liverpool's One shopping centre. In 2020, Hugh donated £12.5 million to the Covid-19 relief effort across NHS Charities Together, as well as across medical research and development. 3 Prince William acted as usher at their wedding at Chester Cathedral Credit: Getty
Daily Mirror
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mirror
David Beckham hugs Harper and Victoria on superyacht amid stormy family feud
For months, rumours have rumbled of a bitter split within the Beckham family - but proud dad David looked happy as a clam as he hugged his daughter and wife on a luxury holiday David Beckham looked in good spirits on the high seas as he hugged his daughter and wife during a trip to St Tropez. The 50-year-old sporting legend joined wife Victoria, 51, and daughter Harper Seven, 14, on the deck of a luxury yacht. The sport star looked casual in a sand coloured cap and dark t-shirt - and with a smile stretched across his face. Victoria pouted alongside her husband with her hair loose around her shoulders. While teenage daughter Harper looked pretty in a pink as she wrapped up in a casual hooded top. The trio were spied on the deck of the boat lined up for a photograph together. The famous family are known for heading to the south of France to enjoy a summer break year after year. And they were joined by second son, Romeo, 22 - who reportedly spent the afternoon zipping around the sea on a jet ski. Father, daughter and wife posed and smiled for the cameras as their boat - worth a reported £16 million - bobbed gently on the Mediterranean waters. The Daily Mail shared the sun-soaked snaps which made the family look like they had not a care in the world while enjoying the picturesque French weather. The calm image is in contrast to the stormy headlines that have haunted the Beckham family in recent months. A feud is said to have erupted between the family and eldest son Brookyln - who is married to American Billionaire heiress Nicola Peltz. Fans became concerned for the Beckhams after they noticed Brooklyn and his wife snubbed David during his 50th birthday celebrations in May. In subsequent months, there have been reports that Brooklyn and Nicola have clashed with his younger brothers - while other reports have suggested the family have been at odds since Nicola and her husband got married in 2022. There have also been shady comments and social media quips that have left fans reading into the smallest details for evidence of a feud. On Saturday, social media posts featuring Romeo and his younger sister Harper hinted they were glad to be in the sun and away from feud-fuelled headlines. The duo were spotted heading out for dinner in St Tropez and both cut casual appearances. Romeo was pictured wearing a red baseball cap, teamed with a round neck white sweater. Meanwhile Harper opted for a white hoodie with the word "Seven" emblazoned across the front of it. Both looked in high spirits as they enjoyed an evening out with their parents. While Vicky, Dave and their kids have been lapping up the sun in France, estranged son Brooklyn has been spotted in the UK - far from his Hollywood home. The couple took a leisurely stroll through a picturesque garden where they were spied by fans. Nicola took a candid photo of her husband by a quaint garden well, while they both opted for casual outfits for their trip. One sweet photo shows Brooklyn kissing Nicola as they pose in front of a mirror. Fans noted, however, that the couple enjoyed time in the UK while the rest of the Beckham family were abroad - raising speculation they may have coordinated their trip to avoid a run in.
