Class is in session! The cast and executive producers of the hit ABC sitcom Abbott Elementary took SDCC 2022 by storm on Thursday, July 21, 2022, with a panel chock full of goodies hinting at what’s to come for the show’s sophomore season.
So, who stopped by to school us all this year? Executive producer and star Quinta Brunson lead the charge with the rest of the main cast, including Tyler James Williams, Janelle James, Chris Perfetti, Lisa Ann Walter, William Stanford Davis and Sheryl Lee Ralph. Executive producers Justin Halpern and Patrick Schumacker also joined the fun, with Marcus Jones moderating.
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Since the cast started filming for Season 2 a few days ago, they participated virtually. They kicked off the festivities with a screening of the pilot, followed by a Q&A with the cast. Sheryl Lee Ralph, who plays the inimitable Barbara Howard, was asked what clip should be in the Emmy reel. The cast answered for her with, “Sweet baby Jesus, and the grown one, too.” Amen to that!
Meanwhile, Janelle James, everyone’s favorite principal Ava Coleman, replies, “All of my lines are iconic.” Quinta Brunson, the effortlessly charming Janine Teagues, shares how she knew the show was special while in the editing room. After spending Season 1 building the world, everyone gets to “have some fun” in Season 2.
For starters, William Stanford Davis, the always hilarious Mr. Johnson, is now a series regular! We learned we’ll see Jacob and Gregory’s homes in Season 2. It’ll be fun to explore the Abbott universe more outside the school.
Tyler James Williams, our wonderfully expressive Gregory Eddie, reveals he wishes to see more new faces on the show. Speaking of faces, the panelists confirm there will be a cameo in episode one of Season 2. A famous face, perhaps?
The conversation turns toward a potential relationship between Janine and Gregory. The official Abbott Elementary Twitter account asked fans via poll whether they’d like to see Janine single or “coupled” with Gregory. I say, couple them up! Their chemistry was palpable from day one, and the show does an excellent job of building on that organically.
James gushes about the writers, revealing that even though the dialogue sounds improvised, “it’s really just written that funny.” She reveals the moment Ava puts her hand on Gregory’s chest wasn’t scripted, so the occasional moments of improv slip through the cracks. Of course, it takes consummate performers to execute such dialogue, so hats off to the actors too.
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Then, one fan asks what the cast’s characters would wear at SDCC. The answers in this tweet are spot-on, especially Ava:
Fan question: “If your character was at #SDCC, what would they be dressed as?”
— Abbott Elementary (@AbbottElemABC) July 21, 2022
Melissa: “someone from GOT”
Janine: “Capitan Marvel”
Jacob: “the most obscure reference he possibly could”
Gregory: “Reid Richards”
Ava: “Charles Xavier with legs”
Mr. Johnson: “Iron Man or the Hulk”
Fans can stop by the Abbott Elementary activation to fully immerse themselves in that elementary school life. Be sure to set your alarm clocks for Wednesday, September 21, 2022, when Abbott Elementary Season 2 debuts to ring in the new school year!
https://www.geekgirlauthority.com/janine-teagues-abbott-elementary-quinta-brunson/
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What I do: I'm GGA's Managing Editor, a Senior Contributor, and Press Coordinator. I manage, contribute, and coordinate. Sometimes all at once. Joking aside, I oversee day-to-day operations for GGA, write, edit, and assess interview opportunities/press events.
Who I am: Before moving to Los Angeles after studying theater in college, I was born and raised in Amish country, Ohio. No, I am not Amish, even if I sometimes sport a modest bonnet.
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