Juno Temple Ted Lasso S4 Role: Talks Ongoing Amid Renewal

Hit comedy series Ted Lasso is officially returning, with Apple TV+ giving the green light for a highly anticipated fourth season. Jason Sudeikis is confirmed to reprise his role as the beloved Coach Ted Lasso, this time reportedly taking charge of a women’s team, and will also continue as an executive producer. Amidst the excitement, the return of original cast member Juno Temple, who portrayed the fan-favorite Keeley Jones throughout the first three seasons, remains under discussion as negotiations are currently underway. Temple’s potential return is a key point of interest as the core cast begins to reassemble for the show’s next chapter.

Ted Lasso Confirmed for Season 4

Sources confirm that Apple TV+ has renewed its flagship comedy, produced by Warner Bros. TV. The show’s writing team, comprised largely of Ted Lasso veterans, has reportedly been developing scripts for several months. This team is led by co-showrunners Jason Sudeikis and Jack Burditt, a seasoned comedy writer known for his work on Modern Family and 30 Rock, who recently contributed significantly to Netflix’s Nobody Wants This. Burditt joins the Ted Lasso team under an overall deal with Apple TV+.

The renewal follows extensive speculation after the Season 3 finale aired in May 2023. While Sudeikis initially envisioned a three-season arc, the door was never fully closed on continuing the story, largely dependent on his involvement. With Sudeikis officially on board, Apple TV+ and Warner Bros. TV have moved forward with securing the cast and creative team for the new season.

Juno Temple’s Keeley Jones: Negotiations Underway

While several original cast members have already been secured for Season 4, Juno Temple is currently in negotiations to reprise her role as the vibrant PR consultant Keeley Jones. Sources indicate that talks have been ongoing for a couple of months. A potential scheduling conflict is believed to be a factor, but there is optimism that an agreement can be reached for the actress Juno Temple to return. Her character, Keeley, played a significant role in the first three seasons, evolving from a model to a successful business owner, and her presence is highly anticipated by fans.

The return of Keeley Jones would fit well with popular theories about the show’s new direction, especially considering her partnership with Rebecca (Hannah Waddingham) at the end of Season 3 exploring the potential launch of an AFC Richmond women’s team.

Key Cast Returning Alongside Sudeikis

Joining Jason Sudeikis, several core cast members are already locked in for Season 4. Hannah Waddingham (Rebecca Welton), Brett Goldstein (Roy Kent), and Jeremy Swift (Leslie Higgins) had their options picked up by Warner Bros. Television back in August 2024. These actors, contracted under the UK’s Equity union, represent the management and coaching side of AFC Richmond.

Iconic yellow BELIEVE sign taped above blue locker room door in Ted Lasso

Negotiations were also necessary for cast members under SAG-AFTRA contracts whose options had expired, including Sudeikis, Juno Temple, and Brendan Hunt (Coach Beard). While Sudeikis has secured a new deal covering acting, writing, and producing, and Temple’s talks are ongoing, Hunt’s acting deal is reportedly still pending. However, Hunt is already actively involved in the Season 4 writers’ room alongside Sudeikis and Goldstein, indicating his continued creative role.

Phil Dunster (Jamie Tartt) was not picked up in August due to a scheduling conflict with another series commitment but might potentially return in a limited capacity. Nick Mohammed (Nate Shelley) has also hinted at a possible comeback.

Ted Lasso stars Brett Goldstein Jason Sudeikis and Brendan Hunt discussing strategy

Season 4 Plot: A New Direction?

While details remain scarce, Jason Sudeikis offered a cryptic hint about the upcoming season’s theme: “As we all continue to live in a world where so many factors have conditioned us to ‘look before we leap, in season four, the folks at AFC Richmond learn to LEAP BEFORE THEY LOOK, discovering that wherever they land, it’s exactly where they’re meant to be.”

This “leap before they look” concept aligns strongly with the Season 3 finale tease where Keeley (Juno Temple) and Rebecca impulsively discussed starting an AFC Richmond women’s team. Sudeikis confirmed on The New Heights podcast that Ted Lasso will indeed be coaching a women’s team in the new season. Although Ted returned to Kansas at the end of Season 3, AFC Richmond will remain central, focusing perhaps more on the “folks” managing the club rather than solely the male players.

Production Timeline and Filming Details

Production for Season 4 is reportedly targeting a July start date, with casting for new roles expected to commence soon. Sources suggest the season premiere episode will film partly in Kansas (likely Kansas City), marking the first time the show films in Sudeikis’ home state, before returning to its primary filming location in the UK. Previous Kansas scenes were filmed in California.

The returning executive producing team includes Sudeikis, Hunt, Goldstein, Joe Kelly, Jane Becker, Jamie Lee, Bill Wrubel, and Leann Bowen. Phoebe Walsh and Sarah Walker return as producers, Sasha Garron as co-producer, and Dylan Marron as story editor. Julia Lindon joins as a staff writer alongside new co-showrunner Jack Burditt. Bill Lawrence, who co-developed the series, serves as a non-writing executive producer via Doozer Productions with Jeff Ingold and Liza Katzer.

Anticipation Builds for Ted Lasso’s Return

Launched during the pandemic in August 2020, Ted Lasso quickly became a global phenomenon and Apple TV+’s signature series, celebrated for its uplifting message, optimism, and kindness. The show garnered 13 Emmy Awards over its initial three-season run, including two wins for Outstanding Comedy Series and acting accolades for Sudeikis, Goldstein, and Waddingham.

“Ted Lasso has been nothing short of a juggernaut,” said Matt Cherniss, head of programming for Apple TV+. “Everyone at Apple is thrilled to be continuing our collaboration with Jason and the brilliant creative minds behind this show.”

Channing Dungey, Chairman and CEO of Warner Bros. Television Group, echoed the sentiment: “If ever there was a show the world needed more of right now, it would be Ted Lasso… it is an incredible feeling to be able to say, ‘Yes, it’s happening!’”

Conclusion

The confirmation of Ted Lasso Season 4 brings exciting prospects, including a shift in focus towards a women’s team and filming in new locations like Kansas. While key figures like Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham, and Brett Goldstein are set to return, the final ensemble hinges on ongoing talks, most notably with Juno Temple. Fans eagerly await news on whether Keeley Jones will rejoin the AFC Richmond family and how her character will contribute to the next chapter of this beloved, award-winning series as it prepares to take another leap. The return promises more of the signature blend of humor, heart, and optimism that made the show a global favorite.