Colin Farrell Returns as John Sugar in Apple TV+ Series
Colin Farrell reprises his role as the empathetic private detective John Sugar in the second series of Apple TV+'s neo-noir thriller Sugar. The new season picks up after a shocking twist, retaining the series' hallmark twisty plot, rapid-fire dialogue, quirky characters, and loving shots of Los Angeles. Farrell, who also produces, was drawn to the character's fundamental decency. 'When I first read this show it was apparent to me very quickly that it had a really beautiful character at the centre of it,' he said in an interview in Beverly Hills.
Decency in a Chaotic World
Farrell sees decency everywhere, despite the prevalence of cruelty and greed. 'I see decency everywhere and thank God for it, because otherwise the planet would have fallen off its axis by now,' he said. Growing up in Dublin, he recalls simple acts of kindness, like helping blind people cross the road. 'I remember that as being a part of our life, our society, in Dublin,' he added.
From Loneliness in Los Angeles to Sobriety
Farrell admitted feeling 'terribly lonely' when he arrived in Los Angeles 25 years ago, unlike New York where he felt swept along. He struggled with heavy drinking, consuming an estimated three bottles of Jack Daniels, twelve bottles of red wine, and sixty pints of beer per week. Now sober for 20 years, he expresses only gratitude, not pride. 'I have no pride about being sober for 20 years. I just have gratitude,' he said, acknowledging others who worked harder but couldn't maintain sobriety.
Family and the Oscars
Farrell attended the 2024 Oscars with his son Henry, then 16, and the cast of The Banshees of Inisherin, which received nine nominations but no wins. He described the evening as 'particularly special' and said he didn't care about winning. He protects the privacy of his sons, Henry and James, 22, who has Angelman syndrome. James, who cannot live unaided, is 'always the happiest person I know,' Farrell said, living a life of Pixar movies and trips to the swimming pool.
Griffith Park: A Special Place
To clear his head, Farrell seeks out Griffith Park in Los Feliz, a 6,000-acre park with trails and wildlife. 'It's a really special place,' he said. Looking ahead, he hopes for more seasons of Sugar and will appear in two scenes of The Batman: Part II as the Penguin. He also looks forward to the World Cup, which he calls 'the best time to be alive.' With a father and uncle who were professional footballers, he feels joy when playing, even if his touch is gone. 'I could feel the joy I used to feel as a kid,' he said.
