Jemaine Clement: Alice and Steve co-stars bond over embarrassing moments

Jemaine Clement takes on the role of Steve in the upcoming Hulu series “Alice and Steve,” co-starring with Nicola Walker as Alice. Interestingly, the two had never met prior to working on the show, but that didn’t stop them from quickly forming a strong bond over some silly scenes they had to act out together.

During a recent interview conducted over Zoom with UPI, Clement shared that filming a public scene where they had to pretend to be drunk was a bit challenging, given the crew and bystanders watching them perform. In one scene, the characters are seen running through the streets after a funeral, singing “Alright” by Supergrass. Clement revealed that another scene where they sang “Total Eclipse of the Heart” during a karaoke scene did not make the final cut, with Walker taking on most of the heavy lifting in that performance.

For fans of Flight of the Conchords, Clement’s other musical project, they’ll be delighted to hear that the duo has reunited for their first live shows in eight years. Despite being surprised by the audience’s enthusiasm for their songs, Clement mentioned that new music is in the works, although it’s still in the early stages.

In “Alice and Steve,” Clement portrays a character that showcases a different side of him compared to his usual comedic roles. His character, Steve, ends up dating Alice’s daughter in the series, leading to some tense moments between the characters. Clement revealed that the show explores various tones, from cringe-inducing comedy to heartfelt romantic moments and even suspenseful scenes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

Aside from his acting roles, Clement has been busy working on new music with Flight of the Conchords and engaging in other projects. “Alice and Steve” presented him with an opportunity to delve into a meaty acting job, allowing him to showcase both his comedic chops and vulnerability on screen.

One unique aspect of “Alice and Steve” is Steve’s budding romance with a dog named Crosby. Clement shared that working with Crosby on set had its challenges, especially when the dog needed to sneeze for a particular scene. Despite the sneezy working conditions, Clement’s interactions with Crosby added a sweet touch to the show and showcased a different kind of on-screen relationship.

With its blend of comedy, romance, and unexpected twists, “Alice and Steve” promises to offer viewers a fresh and engaging series that highlights the talents of its cast, including Jemaine Clement’s versatile acting abilities.