Kate Hudson, the lead of Netflix’s new sports comedy Running Point, has opened up about how her co-star Brenda Song surprised her on set.
The show revolves around Isla Gordon (played by Hudson), who becomes president of the successful basketball team, the Los Angeles Waves, when her family is embroiled in a scandal.
With the support of her best friend and assistant, Ali Li (Brenda Song), Isla must demonstrate to her brothers Sandy (Drew Tarver) and Ness (Scott MacArthur) that she can lead the Waves to victory.
Hudson, who has strong ties to the basketball world through her friendship with former NBA All-Star Baron Davis and childhood acquaintance with Los Angeles Lakers owner Jeanie Buss, said: “I leaned on Dave Stassen, our showrunner, who is a basketball aficionado.
“Brenda Song also surprised me with her extensive sports knowledge and she was a great resource on set.”
Running Point’s Kate Hudson admits Brenda Song ‘surprised’ her (Image: NETFLIX)
Hudson added: “I also drew from my personal experiences and connections in the sports world to inform my portrayal of Isla.
“Understanding the dynamics of a professional basketball organization and the challenges faced by women in leadership roles was crucial to bringing authenticity to the character.”
Hudson also praised her “phenomenal” co-stars, including Tarver and MacArthur, as well as guest star Justin Theroux, who plays the eldest brother, Cam.
Brenda Song portrays Isla’s assistant and best friend Ali (Image: NETFLIX)
She reveals that their “playful, teasing dynamic translated into genuine chemistry on set.”
Not only did Song provide the lead of Running Point with essential sports insights, but she and Hudson also struck up a solid friendship.
“Brenda, in particular, was a wonderful partner in crime on set,” says Hudson. “The camaraderie and mutual respect among the cast members created a supportive and fun environment.
Kate Hudson reveals her co-star had some impressive sports knowledge (Image: NETFLIX)
“We really felt like we could take creative risks and bring our characters to life in a way that feels genuine and engaging.”
Touting an all-star lineup and razor-sharp writing from the likes of Elaine Ko, Mindy Kaling, and Ike Barinholtz, Running Point is expected to score big with fans of both sports and comedy.
Running Point premieres Thursday, 27th February on .