Ryan Murphy Jokes About Taking Over ‘The View’ (and 5 Other Takeaways From Netflix’s ‘The Watcher’ Roundtable)

A huge reason why The Watcher is currently the No. 1 show on Netflix in the United States has to do with its cast. From living horror legends like Mia Farrow and Naomi Watts to fan favorites like Jennifer Coolidge, Margo Martindale, and Noma Dumezweni, this is a cast that is so stacked that nearly every scene feels like a gift. And in a newly released roundtable from Netflix, series co-creator and executive producer Ryan Murphy talked to all of them.

This isn’t another pleasant but ultimately disposable interview. No, this one delivers. From the two stars who came close to appearing in American Horror Story to the future of The Watcher, here are some of the biggest moments from Netflix’s latest behind-the-scenes gem.

Ryan Murphy Wants to Take Over The View

All right, so this one may be more of a joke. But the daytime talk show came up repeatedly during The Watcher roundtable. “This is kind of my attempt to take over The View,” Murphy said before diving into the series. “That’s my dream — to take over The View. This is my audition tape.”

Considering Whoopi Goldberg’s hot takes on Dahmer, the ladies of The View would likely be more than happy to have the super-producer on as a guest. Even better, Netflix still has an exclusive deal with Murphy. If he wanted to make this actor roundtable a regular thing, we’d certainly press play.

Mia Farrow Passed on American Horror Story: Murder House and Nip/Tuck

The Watcher was the first time in Ryan Murphy’s career he was able to cast all of his first-choice actors. But working with Mia Farrow was an extra special treat for the super producer.

Murphy revealed that he’s been trying to work with Farrow since 2010. “When I wrote the pilot of American Horror Story, I wrote a part for you and begged your agents to get it to you. They were like, ‘Mia doesn’t want to work right now,'” Murphy said. “So I just want to say I’m so thrilled, and it was so fun to work with you.”

Farrow later recalled that Murphy asked her to star on Nip/Tuck. The horror icon passed on that role too. “You don’t know, Mia, but I’ve also offered you constantly things,” Murphy said.

The actress said she initially turned down these parts because, at that point in time, Murphy hadn’t worked on many projects. “I regretted not doing it. And I also jumped at the chance when you said, via our friend Ronan, ‘I’ve got this thing for your mother. She can wear black, and it will be really interesting,'” Farrow said.

Jennifer Coolidge Tried to Audition for American Horror Story When They Were Shooting Coven in Her House

By now, Coolidge and American Horror Story mega-fans know that part of Coven was shot in Coolidge’s house. What’s less known is that Coolidge tried to use the opportunity to sneak onto the season.

“I’d be out just, you know, raking leaves, and I thought for sure I would somehow get your attention and you would say, ‘Jennifer, I can’t believe we’re using your house. Why don’t we give you one of these roles?'” Coolidge said to Murphy. “Jessica Lange was upstairs in my bedroom, and I was like, ‘This is the day it’s going to happen.’ And I guess it was a very delayed response to my wish, but I’m so happy it happened.”

A Mia Farrow and Jennifer Coolidge Buddy Comedy May be in the Works

One of the most unexpected parts of The Watcher has nothing to do with letter writing. Instead, it has to do with the friendship that formed between Jennifer Coolidge and Mia Farrow while on set. When asked how their friendship started, Coolidge recalled filming one of their first scenes together. As Coolidge’s Karen strolls out onto a lavish patio, Farrow’s unsettling Pearl appears in the distance, watching both her and Nora (Naomi Watts).

“Mia Farrow can give you something from thousands of feet away,” Coolidge said.

While Farrow revealed that she felt connected to Coolidge right away, Coolidge praised Farrow for her effortless sense of humor. “I feel like I have to write a buddy comedy for you guys now,” Murphy said. We’re thinking something along the lines of Thelma & Louise but with more murder. Maybe then Jennifer Coolidge can finally kill someone.

Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan Used Theories About the Real Case to Write This Season

If you were familiar with the true story of 657 Boulevard prior to pressing play, you already know that the Netflix series embellished and added several details. But not all of those details were wholly works of fiction. For example, Roger Kaplan (Michael Nouri) wasn’t a real person. But the character was inspired by a real teacher by the name of Robert Kaplow who used to write letters to houses he loved (The real Kaplow denies ever writing to 657 Boulevard). Similarly, John Graff (Joe Mantello) wasn’t a real, but John List, who murdered his mother, wife, and three children, was.

These aren’t coincidences. Murphy revealed that he, Ian Brennan, and the rest of the writers took inspiration from Reddit threads and conspiracy theories about the case. “[The script] was alive. We were constantly adding characters,” Murphy said.

The Watcher 2 May Happen

Netflix has yet to announce if we can expect anything more from The Watcher. But it seems like its creators and stars are ready for more. At the end of the series’ roundtable, Murphy asked Coolidge if she would be in for furthering the adventures of real estate agent Karen Calhoun.

“Yes. I can’t wait,” Coolidge said. “I hope she gets to sleep with Darren Dunn.”

Mia Farrow also chimed in, hoping that her character could also sleep with Matthew Del Negro’s character. “Maybe everybody gets to sleep with Darren Dunn, and that’s the show,” Murphy joked.