Filmmaker Cooper Raiff, known for Sh*thouse and Cha Cha Real Smooth, encountered challenges while developing his new TV series Mark Ruffalo Hal Harper series. Initially partnered with a network, Raiff chose to withdraw after witnessing creative shifts he found unsatisfactory. Instead, he took an independent route, premiering the show at Sundance before MUBI acquired it for distribution.
The series centers on family dynamics and stars Mark Ruffalo, Lili Reinhart, and Raiff himself, drawing attention for its intimate, heartfelt storytelling.
Exploring the Story of Two Siblings and Their Father
Hal & Harper presents the story of two closely connected siblings navigating significant changes in their lives. Their bond, deeply rooted in shared pain and a history of private jokes, unfolds through flashbacks showing their younger selves, played by Raiff and Reinhart. Their father, portrayed by Ruffalo, carries a weight of guilt that influences the siblings‘ emotional journey.
Raiff described the series to Collider as a narrative about siblings with a strong dependence on each other. Their father is expecting a child with his longtime partner and selling the family home, prompting the siblings to revisit painful memories linked to that house.
A Talented Cast United in Character Preparation
The cast includes Mark Ruffalo, Lili Reinhart, Cooper Raiff, Betty Gilpin, Addison Timlin, Havana Rose Liu, and Alyah Chanelle Scott, forming a group deeply invested in their roles. Raiff shared with Hindustan Times how the actors engaged with their characters beyond typical rehearsals.
“Every actor was so ready to do rehearsals but we didn’t really do any. […] We did actually read through scenes together but mainly it was a matter of Mark, Lili, and I spend so much time together before we started shooting. We had dinners together, hung out… Lili and I went on a trip for four days! With the rest of the cast, too, I did rehearse some scenes with [Christopher Meyer], who plays Hal’s friend. Even Betty, Mark, and I spent a lot of time together talking about these characters. Betty even wrote this whole document about who Kate is to her, in first person. There was so much prep that I was not even prepared for, but it was so profoundly helpful and moving to me that everyone cared so much about the characters in this story.”
This deep collaboration allowed the cast to build genuine connections, enhancing their on-screen family dynamic and emotional depth.
Premiere Date and Viewing Schedule
Mark Ruffalo Hal Harper series will debut its first episode on MUBI on October 19. Following this premiere, new episodes will be released weekly every Sunday until November 30, providing viewers with a steady unfolding of the series’ compelling narrative.
Initial Look: Trailer Release and Expectations
As anticipation builds, the official trailer has been released to give audiences a glimpse into the story’s emotional core and rich character relationships. The preview sets the tone for a series that promises a heartfelt exploration of family bonds and personal growth.
