Freddie Highmore on ‘The Good Doctor’: None of us anticipated its world recognition

By PTI

MUMBAI: Actor Freddie Highmore believes one of many causes the medical drama “The Good Doctor” grew to become a worldwide hit is as a result of the viewers might join with the optimism of his character Dr Shaun Murphy.

The Sony Pictures Television and ABC Signature present has introduced world highlight to the actor, who earlier headlined the acclaimed psychological horror drama sequence “Bates Motel” and Tim Burton-directed 2005 film “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”.

“The Good Doctor” options Highmore as Murphy, a younger autistic surgeon with savant syndrome, a uncommon situation during which an individual with important psychological disabilities demonstrates sure talents far in extra of common.

The 29-year-old actor stated the present’s profitable five-season run has been nothing wanting magical.

“I really feel fortunate that individuals have linked with the present and with the character that I play.

I do not suppose any of us might have anticipated the response, the recognition that it will have discovered the world over.

“And it is onerous to say precisely why, however maybe it is that optimism, the positivity that Shaun has, the truth that he needs to imagine that individuals are inherently good at that.

That means folks have been drawn to him and drawn to his journey and wish him to succeed,” Highmore advised PTI in a Zoom interview.

The newest season of the present, at the moment streaming on SonyLIV, sees Shaun Murphy making his method by extra uncertainties as a significant change involves St. Bonaventure Hospital.

The remainder of the staff navigates the complexities of their very own altering relationships as they proceed to take care of life and loss of life conditions.

Highmore stated the present’s success cannot be traced again to any “formula”.

The London-born actor, whose film credit contains “Finding Neverland”, “August Rush”, and “The Spiderwick Chronicles”, feels the authenticity within the narrative of “The Good Doctor” is among the key issue for the sequence’ recognition.

“We’ve tried to painting Shaun and his journey as authentically and in probably the most nuanced method that we might.

It (the success) simply signifies that folks have linked with that.

The present has dedicated to that perspective on the world and portraying issues in a sure method by the lens of Shaun.

“And we have stuck to that. We are proud of. the show and the issues that it has engaged with and the representation, especially with regard to autism, that it afforded,” he added.

Highmore, who additionally serves as an government producer on the sequence and has directed a number of episodes, stated enjoying the hopeful central character for 5 seasons has led to the nice traits of Murphy being mirrored on him.

“I believe as a Brit, we’re in all probability fairly cynical individuals who have had quite a bit to be cynical about lately as nicely.

Shaun’s optimism and lack of cynicism is one thing that hopefully has rubbed off on me a bit of bit.

“He actually is a happier, extra hopeful character to get to play each day than Norman Bates.

So a bit of little bit of Shaun has rubbed off on me, and that is in all probability a great factor,” he added.

The sequence additionally stars Hill Harper, Richard Schiff, Christina Chang, Fiona Gubelmann, Will Yun Lee, Paige Spara, Noah Galvin, Bria Samone Henderson and Osvaldo Benavides.

“House” creator David Shore serves as the chief producer and showrunner of the sequence.