23 Intriguing Behind-the-Scenes Facts About Only Murders in the Building

Only Murders In The Building Intriguing Behind-the-Scenes Insights

 

Fans of “Only Murders In The Building,” the hit series starring legendary comedians Steve Martin and Martin Short alongside Selena Gomez, are in for a treat. Here are 23 captivating facts that shed light on how this beloved show came to be and some hidden gems from behind the scenes.

 

1. Steve Martin co-created the series with John Hoffman. Initially, the show was intended to showcase three older actors. However, they aimed for diversity among the characters and introduced someone unexpected. The trio resides in a building, sharing a passion for crime stories but prefer to stick to local mysteries.

2. Though initially hesitant about starring in the show, Steve Martin was persuaded by Martin Short. He eventually informed the producers that he would join the cast if Martin was also on board.

 

3. Steve had his sights set on casting Selena Gomez as Mabel right from the start, despite not having seen her perform on Disney Channel. When the name Selena Gomez was mentioned, it was an immediate yes for Steve, recognizing her potential to enhance the show with her talent.

 

4. Before filming began, Steve and Martin were unsure of how well Selena would mesh with them, having only interacted with her on Zoom. However, they quickly discovered their chemistry, forming a close-knit trio.

 

5. Interestingly, Selena is a true crime enthusiast and had just returned from CrimeCon before starting her role on the show. She and her mother would often watch true crime programs, which added depth to her portrayal of Mabel.

 

6. Da’Vine Joy Randolph landed her role after Steve Martin saw her performance in “Dolemite Is My Name.” She described the atmosphere on set as supportive and filled with excitement.

 

7. Although the Arconia is a fictional creation for the show, several outdoor scenes were shot at the Belnord, a real luxury apartment building in New York City. The interior scenes were filmed on a soundstage.

 

8. Actor Nathan Lane, who plays Teddy Dimas, had to learn American Sign Language within six weeks for his role. This involved working closely with his interpreter to ensure authenticity in his performance.

 

9. A funny coincidence occurred during Season 2 when a character’s cat allergy mirrored actor Michael Cyril Creighton’s real-life experience of being allergic to cats when he first met his husband.

 

10. Steve Martin showcased his musical talents on the show, playing the concertina, a skill he possesses in real life along with several other instruments.

 

11. Steve Martin recently commented that “Only Murders In The Building” might be his final acting role, stating he has no plans to pursue further movies or cameos after the show concludes.

 

12. The musical numbers in the show, particularly for Oliver’s production “Death Rattle Dazzle,” feature contributions from notable Broadway composers, resulting in a rich tapestry of musical talent.

 

13. There was an unforgettable moment during Season 1 when Sting spontaneously performed for the cast, treating them to an impromptu concert on set.

 

14. Recently, songwriting duo Benj Pasek and Justin Paul achieved EGOT status for their work on a song from the series, joining an elite group of entertainers.

 

15. The character Cinda Canning was inspired by real-life podcaster Sarah Koenig, renowned for her acclaimed true-crime podcast “Serial.”

 

16. A recurring joke involves Cinda Canning hiring assistants who resemble her, including one portrayed by Steve Martin’s wife, creating an amusing twist on familiar themes.

 

17. Actress Andrea Martin, who plays Charles’ hair and makeup artist, has familial ties to Martin Short, adding a personal connection to the cast.

 

18. Throughout the series, there are clever nods to the long careers of Steve Martin and Martin Short, adding layers for fans to enjoy.

 

19. In a humorous reference, a character in Season 3 mentions losing a role in “Little Shop of Horrors” to Ellen Greene, a direct callback to Steve’s past film work.

 

20. The show’s writers incorporated a clever plot point in Season 3 where Charles and Oliver falsely claim to be “fathers of the bride,” echoing a classic film starring both actors.

 

21. A notable exterior shot of Alice’s art gallery is the same location used in “New Girl,” offering an Easter egg for fans of both series.

 

22. The climactic scene in the Season 2 finale, in which Charles, Oliver, and Mabel piece together clues about Bunny’s murder, took four days to film, keeping the secret of the murderer closely guarded.

 

23. Fashion plays a pivotal role in the characters’ identities, with costume designer Dana Covarrubias explaining how each character’s wardrobe reflects their distinct personality traits.

 

These behind-the-scenes insights reveal the dedication and creativity that fuel “Only Murders In The Building,” making it a standout in contemporary television. Fans can appreciate the rich storytelling and the unique relationships that develop among the cast members.