Quinta Brunson says some 'Abbott Elementary' cast members want to pursue other projects: 'Show is very time-consuming'
Abbott Elementary was renewed for an impressive fifth season in January, but Quinta Brunson and some of the cast have started to wonder about life out of school.
"We are so fortunate and blessed to be on a network TV show for five seasons, and for people to still be fans,' Brunson, who created and stars in the show, told Bustle in a new interview. 'That being said, I have cast members who would love to pursue other projects, and our show is very time-consuming. We shoot about seven months out of the year. That can stop people from being able to do a lot of other things.'
She continued, "Right now, I'm receiving scripts, and waiting for that moment that feels like, 'Oh man, this is exactly what I've been looking for.' Abbott has been so successful, and I want to use that success to get other people's projects off the ground."
For example, she told the outlet, "I'm always interested in playing against type. I think that's any actor's dream. Right now my type is 'Janine' and 'teacher.' I'm looking forward to moving away from that a little bit."
The ABC comedy, which debuted in 2021 and was inspired by Brunson's mother's 40 years as a public school teacher, focuses on the staff at an underfunded public school in Philadelphia. Brunson costars on the Emmy-winning show with a cast that includes Sheryl Lee Ralph, Tyler James Williams, Lisa Ann Walter, Janelle James, William Stanford Davis, and Chris Perfetti.
Brunson explained her mantra and approach to being the face of the show to Bustle.
"People used to tell me at the beginning of this that the No. 1 on the call sheet sets the tone, and the producer sets the tone — and I'm both of those roles," she said. "I understand now, after doing this for four years, how important it was that I set the tone that I did when we first started."
"Sometimes it's as simple as I'm the first one in the morning," she added, "and the way I carry myself in the morning can determine how the rest of the set runs, not only as an actor, but as the creator of the show. I try to come in with a good attitude and a positive attitude, and it's not hard to do. I'm very excited to go to work and appreciative of my cast and crew and naturally want the morale up."
A premiere date for season 5 hasn't officially been announced, but the main cast is expected to return. The first four seasons can be streamed now on Hulu.
Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
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