AceShowbiz - Shawn Hatosy shared his experience directing his first episode of The Pitt during the show's second season and reflected on his evolving role as Dr. Abbot. Initially hesitant about returning midseason, Hatosy was intrigued once he learned that Abbot would be part of a SWAT team, a twist that added new depth to his character.

Hatosy recounted that when the executive producers first pitched season two’s arc for Dr. Abbot, he was unsure about the plan for his character’s return. "I was eagerly awaiting news about Abbot coming back full-time, but then I was told he'd appear in the E.R. midseason," he said. "I wondered if my character was dying or arriving on a gurney."

However, the actor quickly warmed up to the idea of Abbot joining the SWAT team. "I loved the concept," he stated, appreciating the fresh angle on his character’s journey. Abbot’s involvement in SWAT came with its own challenges, especially balancing intense professional duties with personal struggles. Hatosy described Abbot as a man who operates with little sleep and fills his lonely days by staying busy, even if it means missing the point when it comes to therapy and self-care.

Drawing from personal experience, Hatosy compared Abbot’s search for purpose to his own journey after quitting drinking. "I found tennis as a way to cope," he explained. "Abbot probably tried golf and then settled on SWAT as his outlet."

Regarding the storyline involving Robby, played by Noah Wyle, Hatosy admitted he initially believed Robby would actually embark on his anticipated motorcycle trip. "I was disappointed when it didn’t happen because the mass casualty event clearly showed Abbot what his purpose was," he said. He described Robby’s motorcycle ride without a helmet as a symbolic moment of self-reflection but also frustration.

When asked about his own motorcycle experiences, Hatosy was candid. "I’ve never ridden one and don’t plan to," he admitted. He expressed concerns about trusting other drivers and shared a behind-the-scenes anecdote from season one, where filming on a hospital roof was interrupted by helicopters transporting bike and motorcycle injury victims.

The success of the first season of The Pitt brought noticeable changes for Hatosy professionally. "The phone started ringing more," he said, but emphasized that it was the quality and nature of the opportunities that shifted. "After the show’s success, I was invited to meetings with casting directors instead of just sending self-tapes," he explained. This change helped him land roles like in Ready or Not 2, a project he initially knew little about but quickly grew fond of for its blend of dysfunction, humor, and discomfort.

Shawn Hatosy also reflected on the passionate fanbase that has grown around The Pitt. He acknowledged that while he wasn’t fully aware of how intense the fandom was at first, he noticed their detailed engagement around Emmy nominations and the show’s availability on Netflix. "Our fans are forensic; they analyze everything," he remarked.

Addressing the fan reaction to his shirtless scenes as Abbot, Hatosy took a lighthearted approach. "I try not to take it seriously," he said. "While it can get weird when I’m out with my family, I understand how much the show means to fans, especially those who have found comfort in Abbot’s story."

One of the most significant milestones for Hatosy this season was making his directorial debut on episode nine of The Pitt. This opportunity arose partly because of his long-standing relationship with executive producer John Wells and his prior directing experience on the series Rescue: HI-Surf. Initially uncertain if he could direct while acting in the same episode, Hatosy reconsidered and embraced the challenge when an opening appeared.

Directing while acting was not without difficulties. Changes in the script required rearranging the episode’s structure, and the team had to shoot scenes out of order due to co-star Isa Briones’s appendicitis. "It was the first time we really had to shoot non-linearly," Hatosy explained. Despite these hurdles, he was proud to take on the dual role and learn from the experience.

Hatosy also praised Noah Wyle for his effortless handling of medical scenes filled with complex dialogue. "He’s like Laurence Olivier, able to perform flawlessly with little rehearsal," Hatosy joked, contrasting his own need for repetition and preparation.

Currently, Hatosy is filming the FX limited series Cry Wolf in Toronto alongside prominent talents like Olivia Colman, Brie Larson, showrunner Sarah Treem, and director Anne Sewitsky. Though he remains tight-lipped about the plot, he described the script as one of the best he’s ever read and praised its unpredictable storytelling style.

Hatosy is also excited to connect with fans of The Pitt on this trip, noting the show’s popularity in Canada, especially during the COVID period. "When I was here last summer, people recognized me everywhere and called me ‘Pope,’" he shared, referring to his character on the show Animal Kingdom.

Looking back on his evolving career and the impact of The Pitt, Hatosy expressed gratitude for the opportunities and the passionate response from viewers. He remains committed to both acting and directing, eager to explore new creative avenues while continuing Abbot’s complex journey on screen.