In a twist that could blend rom-com charm with podcasting prowess, actress Justine Lupe has thrown her hat into the ring—or rather, the casting couch—for a dream addition to Netflix’s breakout hit Nobody Wants This. During a lively panel at the Television Critics Association (TCA) Summer Press Tour, Lupe, who plays the sharp-witted Joanna in the series, boldly pitched a recurring role for Dax Shepard, the charismatic husband of star Kristen Bell. “We need him,” Lupe declared with a mischievous grin, sparking laughter and speculation among journalists and fans alike. “Dax would bring that raw, unfiltered energy—think of him as the wildcard uncle who shakes up the family dynamics. The show thrives on those messy, heartfelt moments, and he’s got ’em in spades.”

The announcement, made casually yet passionately amid discussions about Season 2’s potential arcs, has ignited a firestorm of excitement online. With Nobody Wants This already cemented as Netflix’s most-watched rom-com of 2024—boasting over 50 million global views in its first month—Lupe’s endorsement feels like a golden ticket. Shepard, known for his roles in films like Parenthood and his mega-popular Armchair Expert podcast, hasn’t acted in a major TV series since 2018’s The Ranch. But could this be the spark that reignites his on-screen presence? As Lupe put it, “Kristen’s got the rom-com queen vibe, Adam Brody’s the brooding heartthrob, but Dax? He’d be the comic relief with depth—the guy who calls out the awkwardness in the room and makes everyone laugh through the tears.”

For those late to the party, Nobody Wants This is the brainchild of creator Erin Foster, who drew from her own experiences as a rabbi’s daughter navigating love and faith in modern Los Angeles. Premiering in October 2024, the series follows Esther “Essie” Tillman (Bell), a liberal podcaster skeptical of organized religion, who falls for Noah Finkel (Brody), an Orthodox rabbi dealing with his own crises of faith and family. It’s a delicious enemies-to-lovers tale laced with cultural clashes, witty banter, and timely explorations of interfaith relationships. The show’s success lies in its authenticity: Foster consulted with rabbis and podcasters, ensuring every quip and quandary rang true. Season 1 ended on a cliffhanger—Essie and Noah’s engagement threatened by her ex-boyfriend’s dramatic return—leaving fans clamoring for more.

Lupe’s character, Joanna, is Essie’s no-nonsense best friend and fellow podcaster, a role that allows the 34-year-old actress to flex her comedic timing honed from stints on Succession as Willa Ferreyra, the eccentric socialite who snagged the heart (and fortune) of media mogul Connor Roy. Transitioning from HBO’s cutthroat boardrooms to Netflix’s cozy coffee shops, Lupe has become a fan favorite for her deadpan delivery and emotional depth. “Joanna’s the voice of reason in Essie’s chaos,” Lupe explained during the panel. “But she’s also flawed—constantly meddling because she cares too much. Bringing in Dax as, say, Essie’s estranged stepbrother or a podcast guest who turns into family? It would add layers of hilarity and heart. Imagine him bantering with Brody—two guys from totally different worlds colliding over matzo ball soup.”

The pitch wasn’t entirely off-the-cuff. Lupe revealed that she and Bell, who share a mutual admiration from overlapping Hollywood circles, had texted about it privately. “Kristen laughed when I brought it up,” Lupe shared. “She said, ‘Dax would kill it, but good luck getting him off his motorcycle.’ He’s got that rugged dad energy—perfect for injecting some blue-collar realism into our upscale Jewish-LA bubble.” Shepard, 50, married to Bell since 2013, has long balanced acting with fatherhood to their two daughters, Lincoln and Delta. His podcast, where he dives deep into celebrity interviews with vulnerability and humor, has amassed over 20 million downloads per episode at its peak. Fans adore his unpretentious style: episodes with guests like Barack Obama or Bill Gates reveal a man who’s equal parts philosopher and prankster.

Why Shepard now? The timing couldn’t be more serendipitous. Nobody Wants This wrapped Season 1 filming amid the 2023 writers’ strike, but its rapid rise—fueled by viral TikTok clips of Bell and Brody’s chemistry—has Netflix fast-tracking Season 2 for a late 2025 release. Showrunner Jenni Konner (of Girls fame) has teased expanding the ensemble, introducing more family members to heighten the stakes of Essie and Noah’s union. “We’re looking at how faith intersects with modern family,” Konner told Variety last month. “Dax could embody that outsider perspective—maybe a lapsed Catholic who’s reinvented himself as a self-help guru, clashing hilariously with Noah’s orthodoxy.”

Social media erupted post-panel. On X (formerly Twitter), #DaxForNobody trended within hours, with over 500,000 posts. One user quipped, “Dax Shepard as Essie’s brother? Sign me up for the family therapy episodes! @KristenAnnieBell, make it happen!” Bell herself retweeted a fan edit of Shepard photoshopped into a yarmulke, captioning it, “The pitch I didn’t know I needed. @daxshepard, your move.” Shepard, ever the teaser, responded with a podcast-style voice note: “Justine, you had me at ‘we need him.’ But only if I get to ride my bike on set.” The exchange racked up 2 million views, proving the internet’s insatiable appetite for this crossover.

Lupe’s advocacy isn’t just fan service; it’s rooted in her appreciation for ensemble-driven stories. Fresh off Succession‘s finale in 2023, where her Willa evolved from trophy girlfriend to resilient partner, Lupe craves roles that subvert expectations. “In Nobody Wants This, Joanna isn’t just comic relief—she’s the emotional anchor,” she said in a one-on-one with The Hollywood Reporter. “Pitching Dax came from wanting that same authenticity. He’s not afraid to be messy, like when he shared his sobriety journey on his pod. That vulnerability would ground the show’s lighter moments.” Shepard’s own path—from child actor in Parenthood to directing indie films like Hit and Run (2012)—mirrors the underdog spirit of Nobody Wants This. His memoir High Road (2019) details overcoming addiction and building a family with Bell, themes that could echo Essie’s personal growth.

Critics are already buzzing about the potential synergy. The New York Times entertainment critic Margaret Lyons wrote, “Lupe’s pitch is genius. Shepard’s everyman charm could elevate Nobody Wants This from charming rom-com to cultural touchstone, exploring blended families in a divided America.” The show has been praised for its nuanced take on Judaism—avoiding stereotypes while delving into conversion debates and holiday mishaps. Brody’s Noah, with his quiet intensity, contrasts Bell’s bubbly Essie, creating sparks that fans compare to When Harry Met Sally meets The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Adding Shepard could introduce a secular foil, amplifying the interfaith tensions with humor.

Behind the scenes, the cast’s camaraderie fuels such bold ideas. Bell and Brody’s off-screen friendship—spotted at Lakers games and charity events—has bled into the show, with improvised lines like Essie’s “rabbi roulette” quip becoming memes. Lupe, who joined mid-pilot after a grueling Succession table read, bonded with the group over Zoom auditions during COVID delays. “We were all outsiders in a way,” she recalled. “Kristen reached out personally, saying, ‘Justine, your Willa broke me—come break us with Joanna.'” Now, with Season 2 scripts in development, Lupe’s pitch has reached creator ears. Foster, in a post-panel interview, laughed, “Dax? Intriguing. We’re all about unexpected turns—why not?”

Shepard’s appeal extends beyond acting chops. His podcast has made him a relatable icon, tackling topics from mental health to masculinity with guests like Kristen Wiig or Dax’s own therapy sessions with Bell. Imagine an episode-within-an-episode where Shepard guest-stars as a podcaster interviewing Noah, only for it to devolve into a debate on faith vs. fate. “It’d be meta gold,” Lupe enthused. “Dax’s ability to pivot from deep dives to dad jokes would keep viewers hooked.” Netflix, eyeing crossover appeal, has history with podcaster cameos—think The Chair or Emily in Paris celeb spots—but Shepard’s star power could draw his 5 million Instagram followers.

Fan theories are proliferating. On Reddit’s r/NobodyWantsThis, a megathread debates Shepard’s fit: “As Essie’s ex-stepdad? The awkward family dinners would be epic.” Another suggests him as Noah’s poker buddy, a gentile gentile introducing Vegas temptations. Lupe amplified the hype in an Instagram Live, reading fan pitches aloud: “One said Dax as the divorce lawyer—twisted, but hilarious!” Her enthusiasm is infectious; at 34, Lupe’s career trajectory—from Mr. Robot‘s innocent Darlene sidekick to Pantheon‘s voice of AI rebellion—positions her as a tastemaker. “I love stirring the pot,” she admitted. “If Dax joins, it’s because the story demands it—not just nepotism.”

Of course, challenges loom. Shepard’s schedule is packed: Armchair Expert tours, directing gigs, and family life in their eco-friendly LA home. Bell, protective of their privacy, has joked about his “retirement” from acting. Yet, in a 2024 People interview, Shepard mused, “TV’s changed—shorter seasons, more heart. If it’s the right fit…” Lupe’s pitch might be that fit, especially with Nobody Wants This‘s 98% Rotten Tomatoes score and Emmy nods looming for 2025.

The broader impact? In a streaming landscape saturated with reboots, Lupe’s idea highlights fresh storytelling. Nobody Wants This has sparked real conversations: interfaith couples report feeling seen, while podcasters laud its media satire. Shepard’s involvement could amplify that, blending celebrity culture with cultural depth. As Lupe wrapped her TCA session, she leaned into the mic: “Dax, if you’re listening—and I know you are—come play. We need that Shepard spark to light up Season 2.”

Hours later, Shepard posted a cryptic podcast teaser: “Guest idea: A certain Netflix show begging for chaos. Stay tuned.” The internet lost it. With production slated for spring 2026, all eyes are on Netflix. Will Lupe’s pitch become reality? In the unpredictable world of TV, where The Office alums pop up in Upload, anything’s possible. For now, fans dream of Dax crashing the seder, turning Nobody Wants This into the family affair it deserves.

Delving deeper into Lupe’s vision, she envisions Shepard’s character as “Uncle Ray,” Essie’s long-lost relative from her mother’s second marriage—a recovering addict turned motivational speaker. “Ray shows up unannounced, spouting self-help clichés that clash with Noah’s spiritual wisdom,” Lupe elaborated in a follow-up chat with Deadline. “But underneath, he’s got heart—helping Essie confront her fears about commitment. Dax’s real-life openness about therapy would make it authentic, not preachy.” This arc could mirror Season 1’s themes of redemption, with Ray’s podcast rivalry adding meta-layers. Bell, in a joint interview, added, “Dax thrives in ensemble chaos. Parenthood proved that—he’s the glue.”

Historically, Hollywood loves family crossovers: think Will and Jada Smith in King Richard, or the Coppolas in The Godfather. Shepard and Bell’s dynamic—playful roasts on social media—would translate seamlessly. Lupe, drawing from her Succession experience, knows the power of reluctant family bonds. “Willa and Connor were oil and water, but it worked. Dax as Ray? Fireworks.”

Reactions from co-stars pour in. Brody tweeted, “Justine, you’re onto something. Dax vs. rabbi? I’d watch that spin-off.” Foster, the creator, hinted at flexibility: “We’re building out the world—family’s key.” Even critics weigh in; Entertainment Weekly‘s Kristen Baldwin predicted, “Shepard could be the secret sauce, turning good TV into great.”

As buzz builds, Lupe’s pitch underscores Nobody Wants This‘s magic: a show that invites participation. In an era of passive viewing, her call for Shepard stimulates dreams—what if? For 2200 words of speculation, one thing’s clear: Hollywood’s listening, and fans are hooked.