Seth Rogen says 'The Studio' will address Catherine O'Hara's death

Seth Rogen is opening up about how the upcoming season of The Studio will להתמודד the loss of Catherine O'Hara—making it clear the show won’t shy away from the real-life tragedy.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Rogen confirmed that O’Hara’s death will be directly acknowledged in Season 2, saying, “We are not ignoring it.”

O’Hara, who played Patty Leigh—a mentor figure to Rogen’s character—was expected to return for the new season before her sudden passing in January at age 71.

Co-creator Evan Goldberg admitted the loss has had a profound impact on both the cast and the storyline, calling it “an unbelievable challenge.” He added that the season had originally been written with O’Hara in mind, explaining, “We wrote it for her to be there… the shock waves permeate throughout the entire new season.”

Rogen echoed that sentiment, describing how the show will reflect that absence. “We’re acknowledging the idea that we are a little anchorless,” he said, while also noting that heavier themes will naturally be part of the new season.

Despite the shift in tone, Rogen emphasized that the series will still balance its signature comedy with more emotional storytelling, using the loss as part of its narrative rather than avoiding it.

O’Hara’s death marked a major loss for the show, where she served as a central figure in Season 1. Her absence is expected to shape both the story and emotional core of the upcoming season, as the team works to honor her legacy on screen.