David E. Kelley Breaks Vow Not to Work With Michelle Pfeiffer for ‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’

Celebrated writer and producer David E. Kelley humorously remarked that he would “never” collaborate with his spouse of over thirty years, three-time Oscar nominee Michelle Pfeiffer. This stance held until he needed to cast for his new series on Apple TV, an adaptation of Margo’s Got Money Troubles.

Kelley participated in the streaming service’s press event earlier this month, featuring prominent shows like Pluribus and The Last Thing He Told Me, among others. During a discussion panel with stars such as Elle Fanning, Nick Offerman, Thaddea Graham, and Pfeiffer herself, Kelley dove into the casting details with author and panel moderator Rufi Thorpe.

He explained, “The narrative in the book made casting a breeze because it captivated everyone. Nick, I recall our initial conversation—you had read the book and were immediately on board, even without knowing our plans for it. Elle seemed destined to play Margo even before I started writing. And the actress here, whom I swore I’d never work with…”

“I’m very challenging,” Pfeiffer added with a hint of sarcasm.

Kelley, referencing their longstanding relationship, shared, “When I read the book, there was only one person I pictured in the role, and we’re fortunate she agreed. That was the second most fortunate ‘yes’ I’ve received from her.”

Pfeiffer spoke highly of the cooperative spirit among the cast. “Building rapport isn’t something you work at; it’s either there or it isn’t,” she stated. She elaborated, “But from our very first table read, where we gathered without prior familiarity, sitting next to Nick had me quite starstruck and nervous. The overwhelming talent in that room—from Rufi to Mr. Kelley, and this incredible cast—made every day enjoyable and filled with new discoveries.”

Set to premiere on the platform on April 15, this comedy-drama secured by Apple after a heated bidding war, follows the life of Margo (played by Fanning), a recent college dropout and aspiring writer. She is the daughter of a former Hooters waitress (played by Pfeiffer) and a former professional wrestler (played by Offerman), who must navigate new motherhood and escalating debts.

The show also features stars like Nicole Kidman, Greg Kinnear, Marcia Gay Harden, Michael Angarano, Rico Nasty, and Lindsey Normington.