Discover the Wild Inspirations Behind Adult Swim’s New Show ‘Common Side Effects’!

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The new Adult Swim series, titled “Common Side Effects“, is a blend of various genres – drama, romance, comedy, suspenseful intrigue, high-speed pursuits, and the occasional dance sequence. This captivating show revolves around ethnobotanist Marshall’s discovery of a mushroom with healing capabilities, an idea conceived by co-creators Joseph Bennett and Steven Hely. To craft the unique atmosphere, narrative, and characters for Common Side Effects, the duo drew inspiration from a diverse array of sources, including TV shows and movies, real-life scientists’ adventures, and intriguing facts about mushrooms.

A Fascination With Mushrooms Started It All

During an interview with Game Rant, Hely and Bennett shared various influences behind their creation, Common Side Effects, as well as its main characters and the central healing mushroom. Hely admitted that the story’s initial concept emerged from their shared interest in mushrooms, which deepened further when they delved into research and conversed with experts in the field.

Mushrooms are intriguing and peculiar in many ways. Some can be lethal, while others cause unusual sensations. Yet, some are delightfully edible. They’re undeniably mysterious, with a plethora of unknown aspects. As you delve deeper into their world, they become increasingly enigmatic – from their growth patterns to reproduction methods, cultivation techniques, and human uses.

For the primary character Marshall, a globe-trotting botanist renowned for unearthing the wondrous mushroom, the creators took inspiration from the escapades and explorations of actual mycologists, anthropologists, and ethnobotanists like Paul Stamets, Terence McKenna, and Wade Davis. Marshall’s distinct appearance, notably his signature wide-brimmed hat, is a purposeful homage to Stamets and his affinity for hats. This character is thus portrayed as a passionate and protective guardian of the miraculous mushroom, yet an eccentric individual who grapples with trust issues and finding acceptance within society.

Film, Television, And Real World Inspiration For Common Side Effects

Furthermore, Hely clarified, the pair intentionally aimed to create Typical Consequences in order to “cross genres,” incorporating aspects of comedy, suspense, drama, and more. They found motivation from the films of the Coen Brothers, a duo known for productions such as The Big Lebowski, O Brother Where Art Thou, Fargo, and numerous others. Specifically, Bennett referenced Burn After Reading, appreciating its ability to seamlessly combine drama and comedy. This leads to a production that upholds Adult Swim’s renowned humor while addressing mature themes like healthcare, living with illness, toxic relationships, and more.

In terms of his earlier animated project, “Scavengers’ Reign,” Joseph Bennett acknowledged that it didn’t provide a direct influence due to their significantly different tones. However, he noted that “Common Side Effects” did touch upon several similar themes. Essentially, both productions explore the natural world, human interaction with nature, and the dichotomy between individuals who resist change and those who embrace it. Despite being distinct projects, there’s undeniably a common genetic thread running between “Common Side Effects” and “Scavengers’ Reign.

Ultimately, Hely and Bennett admitted that their personal lives significantly influenced the creation of the show, with the COVID-19 pandemic and health insurance woes being key factors. The hardships they faced with healthcare inspired them to portray “Big Pharma” as the antagonist in the series, symbolizing pharmaceutical companies that aim to keep the beneficial mushroom Marshall found from reaching the public. Hely stated, “Joe and I, much like everyone else globally, have encountered a complex and challenging healthcare system. It’s infuriating – how can we bring humanity into this?

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2025-02-14 00:35