Actors Jake and Bobby Cannavale have joined forces in the new Prime Video crime thriller Scarpetta, portraying the same character at different ages. Jake, 30, plays the younger version of Pete Marino, while his father Bobby, 55, takes on the older version. The series, which debuted on March 11, also stars Nicole Kidman as forensic pathologist Dr. Kay Scarpetta.
This collaboration marks a unique working experience for the duo, offering a rare opportunity to explore the same role from separate perspectives. Jake shared insights about their creative process during the show’s New York City premiere on March 3, shedding light on the nuances of their collaboration.
Exploring the Character Through a Deep Collaborative Process
Unlike previous projects where father and son acted in scenes together, such as on Nurse Jackie, this time they engaged in a more indirect partnership, constructing their performances to complement each other’s portrayals of Pete Marino at different life stages. Jake described the preparation as “pretty cerebral.”
The preparation was, honestly, it was pretty cerebral,
Jake said.
We worked together 15 years ago playing father and son, and all of our scenes were together, but this time we don’t have any scenes together.
This approach encouraged a deep and thoughtful process. According to Jake, their collaboration ranged from intense and reflective to lighthearted moments.
It would get really deep and cathartic and philosophical, and sometimes we’d just be laughing our ass off like we were at a bar or something,
Jake added.
So, you know, we got a whole spectrum of collaboration, which is really awesome to see my dad in that light.
Strengthening Their Relationship Through Shared Artistic Purpose
Beyond the professional benefits, working on Scarpetta has brought Jake and Bobby closer on a personal level. Jake reflected on understanding his father’s motivations beyond the parent-child dynamic and gaining appreciation for his dedication to acting.
There’s this very sort of, dare I say, mature understanding that happens as the son of anybody when you realize what your parent does to feel this sense of purpose,
Jake explained.
He elaborated on how seeing Bobby’s commitment to his craft, separate from their familial bond, has been both inspiring and humbling.
My dad was an actor before he was a dad, and he’ll always be both of those things, but really seeing the thing that gave him drive in this life now as a young man and not just his son was really cool and really humbling and definitely enhanced our relationship and made me a better artist, I’d say.
Family Ties and the Broader Context of Their Lives
Jake Cannavale shares a son with his mother, actress Jenny Lumet, while Bobby Cannavale is in a long-term relationship with actress Rose Byrne. Bobby and Byrne have two sons, Rafael and Rocco, ages eight and ten respectively. The family connections add another layer of depth to the father-son collaboration seen in Scarpetta.
Following their work together, Jake also joined Bobby at the opening night of Art on Broadway in September, continuing to support one another both professionally and personally.
The Significance of Their Unique Collaboration on Scarpetta
The joint effort between Jake and Bobby Cannavale on Scarpetta demonstrates a rare artistic synergy between father and son in portraying a complex character from different angles. Their work not only highlights their individual talents but also underscores the deepening of their personal relationship through shared creative exploration. This collaboration may set a precedent for similar familial partnerships in acting, offering audiences richer character portrayals and a glimpse into a dynamic working relationship rooted in respect and mutual understanding.
