Juno Temple reflects on her character's growth and the show's new focus on women's sports in its fourth season.
Key facts
- •Ted Lasso returns for a fourth season featuring the Lady Greyhounds, a new women's team.
- •The show's narrative picks up three years after the season 3 finale.
- •Juno Temple collaborated with costume designer Jacky Levy to define Keeley Jones's wardrobe for the new season.
- •Temple characterizes her role as head of marketing as an opportunity to highlight the difficulties women face in the sports world.
- •The show's production team and cast are described by Temple as a 'new family' that has supported each other through significant life moments.
Following the season 3 finale, the television series Ted Lasso has returned for a fourth season with a shift in focus toward women's sports. The plot follows Ted as he returns to England three years after moving to Kansas City to coach the Lady Greyhounds. Juno Temple, who portrays the team's head of marketing Keeley Jones, describes the experience of highlighting the challenges faced by women athletes as an honor.
Character Development and Professional Growth
Over the course of four seasons, Keeley Jones has transitioned from being a player's girlfriend to a professional member of the team's staff. Temple notes that her character has matured through her friendship with Rebecca, played by Hannah Waddingham, who recognizes Keeley's potential. Temple emphasizes that Keeley is learning to excel in her role while also understanding the importance of accountability when she makes mistakes.
Creative Collaboration and Costume Design
To prepare for the new season, Temple met with show creator Jason Sudeikis to discuss Keeley's life during the three-year gap between seasons. Temple also worked closely with costume designer Jacky Levy to develop Keeley's wardrobe. She describes the character's style as featuring small, sparkly, and colorful outfits, noting that the process of selecting these looks helped her reconnect with the character.
Themes of Women's Sports and Social Impact
Temple views the show's new focus on women's sports as a reflection of growing public interest and a broader conversation regarding pay and fairness in athletics. She cites a quote from coach Emma Hayes, who compared men's football to a 'cortisol hit' and women's football to a 'dopamine hit.' Temple expresses hope that the show serves as a positive counterpoint to real-world violence and division, suggesting that audiences are interested in learning about different cultures and people.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Elle.
