Bradley Cooper Stars in Civil War-Era Episode of 'The Righteous Gemstones'

The final season of HBO's comedy opens with an ambitious flashback featuring Cooper as the Gemstone family's unscrupulous ancestor.

The Season 4 premiere of 'The Righteous Gemstones' departs from its usual cast and timeline, focusing on the origin story of the Gemstone family during the Civil War.
Bradley Cooper plays Elijah Gemstone, a roguish figure whose actions set the foundation for the family's legacy of greed and faith.
Creator Danny McBride revealed that Cooper, who had never seen the show prior, accepted the role after reading the script and delivered a performance praised for its charisma and depth.
The unconventional episode, directed by McBride, features dark humor and explores themes of moral contradiction, setting the tone for the show's final season.
The remaining episodes will return to the present-day Gemstone family as they grapple with personal growth and their late matriarch's legacy.