In a surprising revelation, Only Murders in the Building star and co-creator Steve Martin recently confirmed that the hit Hulu series could have taken a much different creative direction—one that would’ve eliminated its now-iconic generational cast dynamic.
In an interview that resurfaced from 2021, Martin explained Only Murders in the Building cast dynamic the original pitch for the mystery-comedy didn’t include a younger co-star like Selena Gomez at all.
Instead, the concept revolved around three elderly men, all residents of a New York apartment building, who were too tired to venture outside.
“They decide they’ll just do only murders in the building,” Martin said with a laugh, describing the tongue-in-cheek origin of the show’s title.
A Youthful Addition That Changed Everything
While the initial version might’ve leaned into the humor of elderly sleuths solving crimes from the comfort of their armchairs, the addition of Gomez’s character Mabel added unexpected emotional depth and comedic nuance to the ensemble. Instead of three older men, the final version of the show features Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez)—a trio whose chemistry has become the soul of the series.
This age-spanning ensemble has since been celebrated for how naturally it blends generational perspectives. Charles and Oliver bring the charm of two out-of-touch but lovable boomers, while Mabel, a 20-something with a mysterious past, grounds the narrative in modern cynicism and dry humor. The contrast doesn’t just fuel the show’s humor—it gives it heart.
Season 4 Satirizes Its Own Origins
The show’s fourth season premiere cleverly acknowledges this evolution. In a Hollywood satire scene, Mabel is told by Eva Longoria (playing a fictionalized version of herself) that producers were uncomfortable with the age gap in the podcast adaptation and chose to “age her up” for the TV version. The joke pokes fun at how sanitized storytelling often strips away the quirks that make shows unique.
In reality, the “creepy” age gap between Mabel and her older co-investigators is exactly what gives Only Murders in the Building its emotional and comedic edge. The show’s writing treats age not as a barrier, but as a source of storytelling richness—allowing each character to learn from and clash with the others in delightfully human ways.
Why the Cast Dynamic Matters
The Only Murders in the Building cast dynamic has quickly become a case study in how diverse age representation can elevate a series. Critics and fans alike have praised the interactions between the generationally mismatched trio, noting how each character serves as both foil and complement to the others.
Martin and Short’s decades-long real-life friendship lends warmth and rhythm to their banter, while Gomez’s understated delivery balances their eccentricity. Together, they’re not just solving crimes—they’re bridging generational divides with grace and humor.
In a media landscape saturated with young ensembles and nostalgia-driven revivals, Only Murders in the Building found success by doing both—pairing veteran comedy legends with a modern star and letting their differences shine.
Looking Ahead to Season 5
With Season 5 confirmed, fans are speculating what new wrinkles the show might explore. After flipping generational roles in Season 2—when millennial Mabel was hilariously out of touch with a Gen Z character—viewers are hoping to see Charles and Oliver contend with someone even older than them, flipping the dynamic once again.
Whatever direction the series takes next, one thing is certain: Only Murders in the Building owes much of its charm to a casting decision that wasn’t in the original plan. And sometimes, the best mysteries come with the most unexpected partners.
