Brett Goldstein‘s Ted Lasso character has come a long way since viewers first met Roy Kent.
He started the series as Richmond’s aging, permanently irritated veteran captain. By the end of the show’s third season, Roy had traded his place on the field for an even bigger responsibility: managing AFC Richmond.
As it turns out, that fictional promotion turned into a pretty good career move for Goldstein too. When Jason Sudeikis decided to bring Ted Lasso back for an unexpected fourth season, Roy’s new position with the club gave Goldstein something many of the show’s original players didn’t necessarily have a natural reason to remain at the center of Richmond’s story.
And Goldstein sounds more than happy to still be there.
Roy Kent’s evolution changed everything
Roy was already dealing with the end of his playing career when Ted Lasso began, and much of his journey involved figuring out who he was once football could no longer define him in quite the same way.
That eventually led him into coaching. By the conclusion of Season 3, Roy had taken another major step forward by becoming Richmond’s manager, continuing an evolution that had gradually transformed him from one of the team’s most intimidating players into one of the people responsible for guiding it.
For Goldstein, that development now has an unexpected bonus. While several characters from Richmond’s original playing squad reached natural turning points by the end of the third season, Roy’s story had already moved beyond being simply about whether he could still play football.
He had a new job, a new responsibility and potentially a whole new chapter ahead of him. Not bad for a guy who once seemed most comfortable growling at everyone around him.
Brett Goldstein still believes in what Ted Lasso represents
Goldstein’s excitement about returning goes beyond simply getting another season with a character he’s played for years. He’s also proud of what Ted Lasso has tried to say. The show built much of its identity around optimism, empathy, kindness and the idea that people can grow even when they don’t necessarily believe they can. Roy Kent might be one of the best examples of that. He certainly didn’t begin the series as its most openly emotional character.
But beneath all the anger, profanity and intimidating looks, Roy gradually became somebody willing to confront his own fears, failures and insecurities. His relationships with his teammates, coaches and the people closest to him repeatedly forced him to become a little more vulnerable.
That combination of comedy and sincerity became a huge part of what made Ted Lasso connect with viewers. And for Goldstein, being part of something that sends that kind of message into the world remains meaningful.
Click on the video below to hear Brett Goldstein talk about returning to Ted Lasso and why he believes the show’s message continues to matter.
Season 4 gives Roy Kent another chance to grow
One of the interesting things about Roy’s return is that his biggest transition may already have happened. He isn’t the veteran player wondering how much longer his body can keep going.
Now he’s the person expected to lead. That creates an entirely different challenge for a character whose journey has always involved learning that leadership requires more than being the loudest or toughest person in the room. And considering Roy Kent’s history, chances are he’ll still find plenty to be angry about along the way.
For Goldstein, though, getting another chance to step back into that world appears to be something worth celebrating.
Ted Lasso is currently streaming on Apple TV.
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