After captivating audiences as the charismatic and bold legal shark Harvey Specter for nine seasons on USA Network's Suits, actor Gabriel Macht was initially firm in his decision to leave the character behind. However, fans can now rejoice as Macht makes a surprising comeback in NBC’s new spinoff, Suits LA. So, what led to this unexpected return?
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Macht revealed that his decision to reprise the role was significantly influenced by the dedicated fan base and the show's creator, Aaron Korsh. "I finished up on Suits and felt like we spent enough time with Harvey: nine years, 134 episodes," Macht explained. "We really created such a well-rounded character, and the ensemble was terrific. I am so appreciative and blessed to have been a part of this show."
Despite his appreciation for the series, Macht initially resisted the idea of a reunion or even the long-rumored Suits movie. He stated, "USA likes to do movies with these shows, and maybe it's not new, but it feels like it's become this thing. I'm not really interested in doing this." However, things took a turn when Korsh approached Macht with an intriguing pitch for Suits LA.
Macht was hesitant to return to acting full-time, as he wanted to prioritize spending more time with his family. He also expressed interest in shifting towards brand partnerships, such as his current role with Bear Fight Whiskey, rather than always being associated with Harvey Specter. "I didn't want to become this character that is known for this one thing," Macht said.
Despite his initial hesitations, Macht found an opportunity in Suits LA to support the new cast and the universe Aaron Korsh is building. "The focus is my family right now, and if we can create a space and an opportunity to do this, I would love to help and pass the metaphorical baton over to Stephen [Amell] and the rest of the cast," Macht recalled.
Suits LA introduces audiences to a new group of lawyers led by Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor turned entertainment lawyer, played by Stephen Amell. Ted works alongside his best friend, criminal lawyer Stuart Lane, played by Josh McDermitt. Together, they manage promising protégés Rick Dodson and Erica Rollins, who both aspire to become the head of entertainment at the firm.
While details about Harvey's appearance are under wraps, Macht teased that his past with Ted plays a crucial role in the storyline. "This guy, Ted, is in a bind," Macht hinted. "There seem to be elements of Ted that are very similar to Harvey, and there is some self-referential wordplay that resembles some old patterns."
Despite his initial reluctance, Macht hopes that his appearance will pave the way for more cameos from the original Suits cast. "They are different worlds, but I think there is some sort of connective tissue," he said. Macht also humorously speculated about the future of the franchise, envisioning a Broadway musical version of Suits in 30 years.
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