Bill Hader insists he never had any long range plans for Barrys storylines.
At the Los Angeles premiere of the HBO series fourth and final season on Sunday, Hader told Variety when he first began the process of developing and pitching Barry seven years ago, he had no idea where the series was going to end up.
In fact, he says, Season 4 is totally different than his original plans. As the series wrapped, Hader revealed those final days were very bittersweet, but everyone was also so tired, we were exhausted, he said, laughing.
Barrys fourth season picks up with Barry in prison after killing Janice (Paula Newsome), his mentor Gene Cousineaus (Henry Winkler) girlfriend, in Season 1. I had some sense of where we were headed, said Sarah Goldberg, who plays Sally. But I was very surprised by all the details on the way there.
Goldberg was happy to report that Hader fulfilled the one request that she first made while they were shooting Season 1 that her character has a full-blown breakdown.
I asked Bill, I dont care where Sally goes, but please can we go like full Woman Under the Influence or Opening Night?' Goldberg said. And without any spoilers he did hold true to his promise.
Hader and Goldberg star alongside Winkler, Carrigan, Wisom, Stephen Root, Michael Irby, Sarah Burns, and Jessy Hodges.
As the series begins its final chapter, the cast expressed their pride in the production. I am proud. I am so sad. I am grateful, said Winkler.
I feel like were all sad but also very proud and excited. It feels like the story ended in the right place, said Goldberg.
Root added, Its not the end for me. Now I have six new best friends and Im going to annoy them. Knock on their doors at all hours. I wont let them go.
Hader executive produced and co-created the series alongside Alec Berg. Aida Rodgers, Elizabeth Sarnoff and Duffy Boudreau also serve as executive producers alongside, producers Arturs Rusis, John T. McCracken and consulting producer Taofik Kolade.
Barrys first two episodes of Season 4 are available on HBOMax. The remaining six episodes will premiere every Sunday on HBO and HBOMax at 10 p.m., concluding May 28.