Oscar Isaac is taking on a new kind of challenge in Season 2 of Netflix’s “Beef,” where he plays Josh, the struggling general manager of an upscale country club. The new season introduces a fresh set of characters, with Isaac starring opposite Carey Mulligan, who plays Lindsey, an interior designer from a privileged background going through a midlife crisis. Their lives begin to unravel after a violent argument is witnessed by two younger employees, setting off the tension that drives the story.
Isaac and Mulligan, who have previously worked together on “Drive” and “Inside Llewyn Davis,” said their long history helped create a safe and trusting environment while filming some of the show’s most intense scenes. One particularly difficult moment involved Josh throwing a wine glass during an argument. Mulligan said the scene needed to feel authentic and believed it made more sense for her character to throw the glass first, given the dynamics of violence and reaction in such a confrontation.
Isaac described performing those scenes as “a humiliating thing to do,” comparing the experience to a “live wire act.” He said the ability to trust a scene partner without judgment made the process easier and more creative. Mulligan agreed, calling parts of the scene “uniquely humiliating” and noting that the risks involved made the work both challenging and rewarding. She said the pair felt a responsibility to get the moment right because it could change the direction of the characters’ relationship completely.
In earlier comments, Isaac said he was already a fan of the first season of “Beef” before joining the cast. He pointed to a powerful scene in Season 1, when Steven Yeun’s character Danny breaks down in church, as the moment that convinced him the show was special. Isaac praised creator Lee Sung Jin for balancing awkward comedy with genuine emotion, calling the series’ tone “razor-thin” and unique.
He also revealed that he and Lee Sung Jin held long development sessions while building Josh’s character. Isaac described the conversations as resembling a two-person men’s group or therapy session, with discussions covering a wide range of topics that loosely connected to the script. He said this deeper approach made the role feel like a real exploration rather than a simple performance.
Season 2 of “Beef” continues to draw attention for its sharp writing, emotional complexity, and strong performances. With Isaac and Mulligan leading the new chapter, the show expands its world while keeping the same blend of tension, humor, and vulnerability that made the first season a hit. The new season is now available to stream on Netflix.
