Murray Bartlett has revealed new details aboutNine Perfect Strangersseason 2. Hulu’s psychological drama, based on Liane Moriarty’s novel, takes place at a boutique health-and-wellness resort promising healing and transformation, when nine stressed city habitants embark ona 10-day retreat under the watchful eye of its director, Masha (Nicole Kidman), who is determined to reinvigorate their tired minds and bodies. TheNine Perfect Strangerscastfeatures talent that includes Kidman, Melissa McCarthy, Michael Shannon, Luke Evans, Samara Weaving, Asher Keddie, Manny Jacinto, Grace Van Patten, Melvin Gregg, Zoe Terakes, and now Bartlett as he joins the second season.
During an interview withBusiness Insiderwhile attending the SundanceFilm Festivalpremiere of his new movieOpus,Bartlett introduced his newNine Perfect Strangerscharacter, who is an ex-children’s TV host with a puppet.He also teased the season’s mysterious elements and the beautiful locations where filming took place. While official plot details remain scarce, Bartlett’s comments suggest that the upcoming episodes will take a darker turn. Check out his comments below:

“I’m an ex-children’s TV host, and I have a puppet. It’s an amazing cast, there’s some great twists and turns in the story this season, and we shot in the most beautiful locations. It’s kinda gothic this season.”
What This Means for Nine Perfect Strangers Season 2
There Could Be a Tonal Shift in Nine Perfect StrangersSeason 2
Bartlett’s mention of a“gothic”tone indicates a potential shift in the show’s style, possibly reintroducing eerie, psychological, or suspenseful elements. Since its debut in 2021, the series has followed a similar route and focused on the inner conflicts ofNine Perfect Strangers’characters and their interactions with one another. However, the narrative has been criticized as slightlyconfusing inNine Perfect Strangers, which could reflect its 47%Rotten Tomatoesscore. For season 2,a gothic approach could push these themes even further, but also offer a new direction.
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Moreover, the inclusion of Bartlett and his new character hints at an unusual and possibly unsettling presence within the Tranquillum House.Newcharacters inNine Perfect Strangersoften bring additional conflicts, such as reporter Lars Lee (Evans), and Bartlett’s role could introduce unexpected challenges for the returning cast. With an expanded cast, Season 2 has the opportunity to develop these dynamics while maintaining the intensity that definedNine Perfect Strangersseason 1.

Our Take on Nine Perfect Strangers' Gothic Turn
A Gothic Angle Could be What The Show Needs
A possible gothic direction could be exactly whatNine Perfect Strangersneeds to differentiate itself from season 1. The series has leaned into psychological unease throughout its previous season, and embracing a more mysterious atmosphere could make season 2 even more compelling. With Bartlett joining the cast and teasing intriguing new elements,Nine Perfect Strangers’upcoming season has the potential to build on the show’s existing strengths while exploring new plotlines.
