What do you get when a wisecracking detective down on his luck is tasked with investigating a severed arm found in the ocean, surrounded by corrupt businessmen, an island witch, and a monkey? You get Bad Monkey, Apple TV+’s new show starring Vince Vaughn as Andrew Yancy and Ronald Peet as Neville. The easygoing and lovable Neville’s life takes an unexpected turn when he inherits a beach house and property from his father, only to see it threatened by local businessmen. Taji Mag had the opportunity to chat with Peet about how his personal experiences influenced his role, what it was like working opposite the talented Jodie Turner-Smith, and what he enjoys about the show.

Personal Connections to Neville

Peet opened up about the personal experiences that helped shape his portrayal of Neville. “Yes, I wish I could say I’m as laid-back and cool as Neville, but in reality, I’m much more neurotic,” he admitted. “I have family in the Bahamas who are the exact opposite, though—nothing rattles them. They don’t suffer fools, and I really drew from their energy to bring Neville to life. He’s so chill and unflappable. I often find myself thinking, ‘Can I be more like him in real life?’ Honestly, it wouldn’t be the worst thing if a little of Neville rubbed off on me!”

Crafting the Role

When asked about the inspiration from his previous work that he brought to Bad Monkey, Peet reflected, “I was fortunate to study theater and drama at NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, where I gained a strong foundation in storytelling across all mediums—whether it’s an ad for a car, Shakespeare, or TV and film. That training gave me the tools to approach any role. Although Bad Monkey is for television, the skills I developed from my stage work still come into play. After 14 years in the business, I trust that the preparation, the background work, and the lines will come together. But then there’s this intangible element, a sort of magic that happens when you’re truly present. You let go of control, connect with your scene partner, and something unique gets captured on film. It’s ephemeral, something you can’t replicate, and that’s what makes it so special.”

Representation and Depth

Peet also spoke passionately about the importance of accurately portraying characters from the islands. “I sometimes wrestle with the term ‘entertainer’ because, for me, it’s more than that. I studied philosophy in school, and I come from a family where my mother is a pediatrician, and my father is a lawyer. They always instilled in me that whatever you do, do it with depth and integrity. So I’m not just here to entertain people. I want to challenge perceptions of humanity to evoke empathy and compassion. If I’m going to dedicate my life to this, I want it to mean something. That’s why I love this story—it takes such a nuanced look at the humanity within the diaspora, and it does so through dark comedy, which is cool because it’s not solely based on Black trauma. Too often, when we see nuanced stories, they’re only about suffering, but we don’t have to limit ourselves to that narrative. The reason we’ve survived as a people is that we understand joy as a vital part of life. And in this story, even amid loss and hardship, characters like Dragon Queen (played by Jodie Turner-Smith) , Ya-ya (played by L.Scott Caldwell), and Neville get to fully inhabit that joy.”

Working with Jodie Turner-Smith

Nothing but praise Peet shared for his co-star Turner-Smith. When asked if Neville’s reaction to the Dragon Queen was genuine, he explained, “Well, you’ve seen Jodie Turner-Smith—she’s absolutely breathtaking,” he shared. “I didn’t have to do much acting when I was in front of her because her presence was just otherworldly. It feels like she’s from another dimension. She embodies something so powerful, just like her character. Working with her made it easy to lean into that dynamic—her character is both dangerous and seductive, spiritual and elemental. It’s like looking directly at the sun. Honestly, it was an incredible experience.”

Neville’s Complicated Relationships

Peet provided insight into Neville’s complicated relationship with Driggs, highlighting an unspoken bond. “He’s drawn to Driggs because he’s independent but chooses to stay with him, which Neville appreciates. It’s like having a companion that doesn’t ask for much but is still there.” Peet explained that Neville, despite being surrounded by people—his sister in Miami, friends, and casual lovers—still struggles with intimacy and connection. “Driggs is like his version of a pet, a best friend that offers loyalty without demanding anything in return. There’s a kind of love there, even if Neville would never admit it, because he’s not the type to talk about his feelings.” This dynamic reflects Neville’s deeper isolation and emotional barriers, making his bond with Driggs even more meaningful.

Working with Vince Vaughn

What was it like working with Vaughn? Peet stated he had high praise for Vince Vaughn, calling him “a character in the best way.” He noted, “He’s been in this game for so long and has so much knowledge to share. He’s incredibly generous, especially when it comes to sharing what he knows.” Peet highlighted Vaughn’s humor and improvisation skills, adding, “When he’s improvising, it’s genuinely funny. I love being in the moment with other actors, and Vince is one of the most present scene partners I’ve worked with.”

Neville and Egg Team-Up

Peet also offered an intriguing perspective on what might happen if his character Neville teamed up with Egg, played by David St. Louis, instead of being adversaries in Bad Monkey. He joked, “I think Caucasians would need to beware!” But then he explored the dynamics between the characters, noting, “Egg has sold his soul a little bit, but I think if both Egg and Neville stood together, really representing the purity of The Bahamas’ ecology, everyone else wouldn’t stand a chance.” It’s an interesting thought, imagining these two powerhouses uniting for a common cause—protecting the beauty of The Bahamas.

If you’re looking for a funny, wild crime drama featuring monkeys and witches, check out Bad Monkey on Apple TV+ now. Trust me; you’ll find yourself binge-watching all the episodes—especially for the weekend!