Danny McBride Reveals How Bradley Cooper Joined The Righteous Gemstones Season 4 (Exclusive)

Fans of The Righteous Gemstones are in for a major treat as Hollywood A-lister Bradley Cooper is set to appear in the highly anticipated fourth season of the hit HBO series. But how did the A Star Is Born actor end up joining the outrageous world of televangelists, family feuds, and over-the-top drama? Series creator and star Danny McBride has finally spilled the details, and the story behind it is as unexpected as the show itself.

A Chance Encounter or a Longtime Plan?

According to McBride, Cooper’s involvement wasn’t something that had been in the works for years—rather, it all came together in a surprisingly organic way. “Bradley and I had talked about working together before, but it was always one of those ‘one day, maybe’ kind of things,” McBride revealed in an exclusive interview. “Then, out of nowhere, he reached out and said he was a huge fan of The Righteous Gemstones and wanted to be a part of it. I was like, ‘Wait, seriously?’”

The idea of a major Hollywood star voluntarily reaching out to join a show that thrives on its wild comedic energy was both shocking and exciting for McBride. “Usually, we’re the ones chasing people down, but Bradley just came right to us,” he added. “That was a pretty surreal moment.”

Why The Righteous Gemstones?

With an Oscar-nominated actor known for dramatic and emotionally rich roles, some fans might wonder why Cooper would want to step into the chaotic and darkly comedic world of The Righteous Gemstones. But according to McBride, Cooper was already a devoted fan.

“He told me he’s been watching since season one, which blew my mind,” McBride shared. “He loved the absurdity, the satire, and just how committed everyone is to these totally unhinged characters. He said he’d never done anything quite like this before and wanted to challenge himself.”

While Cooper has dabbled in comedy (The Hangover trilogy being a prime example), his involvement in The Righteous Gemstones marks a bold and unexpected shift from the serious, intense performances fans have come to expect from him in films like Silver Linings Playbook and Nightmare Alley.

Who Will Bradley Cooper Play?

McBride was careful not to give too much away, but he did tease that Cooper’s role will be very different from anything he’s done before. “Let’s just say he’s playing a character that’s going to shake things up in a huge way,” McBride hinted. “When we sat down to talk about what kind of role he wanted, we just threw caution to the wind and said, ‘Let’s go all in.’ And, man, he did not hold back.”

Rumors have already begun circulating that Cooper’s character may be connected to the Gemstone family’s past—or perhaps a new rival looking to take them down. Given the show’s history of bringing in major talent for scene-stealing roles (think Eric André’s Lyle Lissons in season three), fans can expect Cooper to deliver something equally unforgettable.

A Perfect Fit for Season 4

With The Righteous Gemstones consistently pushing the envelope in its storytelling, adding a star of Cooper’s caliber only raises the stakes. “The thing about this show is, it’s insane, but at the same time, it’s grounded in these complex relationships,” McBride explained. “Bradley gets that. He knows how to bring depth to a role, even in the craziest situations. So having him in the mix? It’s going to be something special.”

McBride also teased that Cooper wasn’t just a guest star—his character would play a key role in the upcoming season’s storyline. “This isn’t just a one-scene cameo,” McBride assured fans. “He’s a real part of the season. People are going to lose their minds when they see what we’ve cooked up.”

Fans React to the Big News

As soon as rumors started circulating about Cooper’s involvement, fans took to social media to share their excitement. Many expressed disbelief, while others speculated on the nature of his role. One Twitter user wrote, “Bradley Cooper in The Righteous Gemstones? That’s the crossover I never knew I needed.” Another joked, “If he’s playing a rogue preacher with a secret agenda, I’m ALL IN.”

Even some of Cooper’s fellow actors chimed in. Longtime friend and The Hangover co-star Ed Helms posted on Instagram, “I need to see Bradley in a sequined televangelist suit ASAP.”

What’s Next for The Righteous Gemstones?

With season four currently in production, McBride promised that fans are in for the wildest ride yet. “Every season, we push things a little further, and season four is no different,” he teased. “We’re taking this story to places you’d never expect.”

As for whether Cooper’s involvement could extend beyond a single season, McBride remained coy. “We’ll see,” he said with a grin. “Depends on how much fun he has.”

One thing’s for sure—Bradley Cooper joining The Righteous Gemstones is a game-changer, and fans can’t wait to see what chaos he brings to the Gemstone family’s already over-the-top world.

Stay tuned—season four is shaping up to be the most explosive yet!