Just in case you’re wondering, HBO definitely didn’t cheap out on “Succession” props.
TheWrap asked Nicholas Braun, who plays Cousin Greg on the media-empire drama, what exactly is on those damning papers, IRL, that his character saved from Tom’s (Matthew Macfadyen) fire pit. (You know, the subsection of the ones Greg first saved from Waystar Royco’s shredders.)
Now, we know — basically — what the papers say in “Succession” world, but what is actually printed on the props?
“They printed out — and I think they mocked them up — they were claims. Abuse or sexual harassment or those types of things,” Braun said. “I can’t remember the details, but they were specific to the cruise situation.”
Much like the show’s thorough writers and its property department, nothing the real Braun did with the fake files was haphazard.
“When I was shredding documents, I wanted to make sure things looked like they were worth shredding,” he told us. “I’m very much focused on that whenever I have to have to a prop. Because I never know when a paper is gonna get seen, or maybe they’re gonna zoom in for a close-up with the way that our show shoots. You just can’t risk that not being a real thing, whatever’s on those pages.”
Whatever’s on those pages is Greg’s insurance policy. If you’re wondering why the character hasn’t taken the easy way out of this whole mess by bailing on Waystar Royco while his $250 million future inheritance from his grandpa — Logan’s (Brian Cox) brother — collects interest, well, we asked Braun that too.
“Greg comes from a broken-up family. His father’s not around, his mother feels far away — the more we’ve shot the show, the mother feels that she’s not so important of a figure,” he said. “And the grandfather is an a–hole. There’s no connection with him, like, no actual connection.”
“The money would be great, but I sort of think Greg went to a place of ‘But what would I do with it?’ And I guess I’d just be waiting around for him to die so I would have all this money, and then what?” Braun continued. “The Roy family gives him– there’s enough good moments with these people that I think he feels like he’s part of a clan. He’s part of a tribe, and Logan, at times, is a father figure and gives him a pat on the back — that’s something he’s never really had from a man.”
Admit it — you never thought Cousin Greg would be so deep, did you? There’s more…
“And there’s adversity here that he’s overcoming. He’s able to be ambitious and it’s working, somewhat, sometimes it’s not. He needs that stuff and it’s not just about the money. And I think he thinks Logan will take care of him financially as well,” Braun said. “So, I think he’s taking a bet on himself and he’s taking a bet on the Roys in that moment and hoping it pays off.”
Until that whole congress thing happened, that is. Bad bet, cuz.
'Succession,' 'Mandalorian,' 'The Boys' and 15 More Shows to Binge-Watch Over the Holidays (Photos)
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Gorge on these hits and deep cuts after you’re done opening presents
Once all the presents are unwrapped, check out TheWrap's list of shows you can binge over the holidays. Most of these are freshman series or shows with shorter seasons, so that you can get through your selections before your break comes to an end. And don't worry, we've included dramas, comedies, action series and sci-fi shows from multiple platforms, so there's something for everyone.
Gorge on these hits and deep cuts after you’re done opening presents
Show: "Succession" Net: HBO Now, this one you can watch with your parents and then appreciate how much more stable you are than the Roys. Plus, there's two seasons' worth of drama to binge on.
Gorge on these hits and deep cuts after you’re done opening presents
Show: "The Good Place" Net: NBC Currently in its fourth and final season, you can catch up on the first three years on Netflix and head over to Hulu for the available Season 4 episodes.
Gorge on these hits and deep cuts after you’re done opening presents
Show: "Prodigal Son" Net: Fox The breakout hit of broadcast's Fall TV season just went on midseason hiatus, so catch up on Hulu when you have some down time from the Yuletide festivities.
Gorge on these hits and deep cuts after you’re done opening presents
Show: "The Mandalorian" Net: Disney+ If you haven't already started the new "Star Wars" series, now is the time so you don't embarrass yourself in front of your relatives when you don't know about Baby Yoda.
Gorge on these hits and deep cuts after you’re done opening presents
Show: "Watchmen" Net: HBO This nine-episode adaptation of Alan Moore and Dave Gibbons' beloved graphic novel just came to an end and binge-watching it might be the best present you could give yourself this week.
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Show: "The Boys" Net: Amazon Prime Video A superhero series with a badass twist that's already been renewed for Season 2. Enjoy the incredibly foul-mouthed ride.
Gorge on these hits and deep cuts after you’re done opening presents
Show: "Batwoman" Net: The CW Now here is a superhero show that's more mild-mannered, but led by a badass female character who is breaking barriers with her inclusion in the LGBTQ community.
Gorge on these hits and deep cuts after you’re done opening presents
Show: "Servant" Net: Apple TV+ This psychological thriller from M. Night Shyamalan is a great distraction from any family drama going on this Christmas -- because this family's drama is definitely worse.
Gorge on these hits and deep cuts after you’re done opening presents
Show: "Umbrella Academy" Net: Netflix The superhero theme continues with this show. And so does the dysfunctional family aspect, actually.
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Show: "Tidying Up With Marie Kondo" Net: Netflix Someone has to clean up after you're done ripping open all those presents, might as well watch a pro show you how it's done.
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Gorge on these hits and deep cuts after you’re done opening presents
Show: "On Becoming a God in Central Florida" Net: Showtime If you're looking for a story about a woman pulling herself up by her bootstraps in the most bonkers way possible, here's the show for you. Also, Kirsten Dunst remains a delight.
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Show: "Fosse/Verdon" Net: FX Maybe the talents of Gwen Verdon (played by Michelle Williams) and Bob Fosse (played by Sam Rockwell) will inspire you to get on your feet to work off some of those Christmas cookies.
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Show: "Euphoria" Net: HBO For those looking for something a little darker, that's still a lot of fun.
Gorge on these hits and deep cuts after you’re done opening presents
Show: "Good Omens" Net: Amazon Prime Video Angels and demons. Michael Sheen and David Tennant. The genius of Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett finally realized in a limited series. Yes, this is definitely a good way to spend your break.
