The showrunner talks with THR about casting a new female lead to fill the void left by Angus T. Jones.
CBS’ Two and a Half Men may be losing the “half man” of its title when star Angus T. Jones reduces his role, but that’s not all that will be different when season 11 of the Chuck Lorre comedy returns in the fall.
As the show looks to revamp following Jones’ decision to focus on attending college, it is currently searching for a new female lead to play the long-lost daughter of Charlie (Charlie Sheen).
The character, Jenny, is described as Charlie’s illegitimate daughter, who, according to a casting breakdown, is 21-year-old who uses her hotness when she needs to. She enjoys being in control, likes everything that her father did — including women — and arrives in L.A. from New York in a bid to jump-start her showbiz career.
Speaking to reporters Monday at the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour, where he was supporting his upcoming Anna Faris comedy Mom, Lorre said the addition of a lesbian character will change one major aspect of Men.
“I think it would be great have that voice on the show from a different perspective,” he said. “The show has had enough testosterone to last a lifetime.”
Lorre said the addition has allowed the writers to create a character who can stand toe-to-toe with Men‘s stars.
“Part of the fun in this has been creating a character that is equal to the task of stepping on the stage with Jon Cryer and Ashton Kutcher. That’s a big job,” he said, noting that the role is being flushed out before it’s cast. “The idea of the character brings a healthy amount of decadence, which is always fun on Two and a Half Men.”
Lorre stressed that there were no announcements coming — yet — for an actress to fill the role, but he did seem open to one name to play Jenny’s mother, who is unhappy with her daughter’s heading West.
“I haven’t given it any thought. I guess she’s available, huh?” he said of the idea of casting ousted Anger Management star Selma Blair. “She’s a good actor.”
CBS renewed Men in April for an 11th season, with Jones’ role reduced to a recurring status as the 19-year-old attends college — something that Lorre champions, as the young actor has spent more time on a TV set than school.
“It’s really commendable that he wants to make that the next part of his life,” Lorre said, acknowledging Jones’ controversial remarks aimed at the show that made him a star. “He misstepped last year, and it’s just not fair to judge him on that. I certainly hope he comes back from time to time. But for now he’s embarking on a new life.”
Ultimately, Lorre is optimistic that Jones will return for season 11 in some capacity.