What role will Renée Zellweger be playing in Only Murders in the Building? How does Zellweger’s casting compare to previous announcements for Avengers: Doomsday? Who are the other notable cast members joining her in the fifth season? What can viewers expect in terms of the number of episodes for this new season? What accolades did the series achieve at the 2025 SAG Awards? How did Martin Short respond to missing the SAG Awards ceremony?
Renée Zellweger is set to visit the Arconia and join the cast of Only Murders in the Building.
News of the actress’ casting was announced Wednesday by the series’ social media handles in which they jokingly copied the rollout of the casting announcements for Avengers: Doomsday and featured Zellweger’s name on a director’s chair.
Details of Zellweger’s role have yet to be announced but the actress joins series stars Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. Christoph Waltz and Keegan-Michael Key were previously announced to also be joining season five.
The Emmy-winning series’ fifth installment will have 10 episodes, as previous seasons have. The fifth season is currently in production.
In addition to Martin, Short, and Gomez, the fourth season featured the show’s starriest cast yet with Meryl Streep returning as Loretta Durkin, Jane Lynch as Sazz Pataki, Eugene Levy, Zach Galifianakis, Eva Longoria, Richard Kind, Melissa McCarthy, Kumail Nanjiani, and Molly Shannon.
Season 5 comes amid the show’s wins at the 2025 SAG Awards. The Hulu series won the award for best comedy series ensemble, while Short was named best actor in a comedy series for his role on the show.
Both Short and Martin were absent from the ceremony, leaving Gomez to quip onstage that they weren’t there because they didn’t care. However, while on Amy Poehler‘s podcast Good Hang with Amy Poehler, Short said he missed the ceremony after he came down with COVID from the SNL 50 anniversary special days prior.
“I never win! I wasn’t even watching; I was watching The Brutalist,” Short said on the podcast. “Then someone said turn it on and I was stunned. That’s what Selena Gomez said, ‘We always lose.’”
“In this experience of Only Murders in the Building — we’re starting our fifth season — absolutely never had a consideration. Not remotely,” the star added of the possibility of winning awards for the show. “The publicist sends you things, ‘SAG Predictions,’ and it was always like, ‘Well if it isn’t Jeremy Allen White, I’ll tell you it will be Jason Segel.’ It was not even close.”
When Poehler asked Short how he thought he won, he joked, “I guess I’m beloved. I’ve become this stupid icon.”
Deadline was first to report the news of Zellweger’s casting.
Renée Zellweger Joins ‘Only Murders in the Building’ Season 5: A New Chapter Unfolds
In an exciting turn of events for fans of the hit Hulu series "Only Murders in the Building," Renée Zellweger has officially signed on to join the cast for the upcoming fifth season. This marks a significant addition to the beloved murder-mystery comedy, which has captivated audiences since its premiere in 2021. With Zellweger’s esteemed acting prowess and the show’s trademark blend of humor and suspense, the new season promises to deliver a compelling narrative and fresh intrigue.
"Only Murders in the Building," created by Steve Martin, John Hoffman, and Dan Fogelman, features an engaging trio composed of Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. The show follows three true crime enthusiasts who bond over their shared obsession and, quite unexpectedly, find themselves deeply entrenched in a mysterious murder investigation within their Upper West Side apartment building. The blend of comedy, drama, and mystery has made it a distinct standout in the competitive landscape of streaming television.
Zellweger, an Academy Award-winning actress known for her versatile performances in films like "Bridget Jones’s Diary" and "Judy," brings with her a robust range of talent that has earned her critical acclaim and a devoted fan base. Her involvement in "Only Murders in the Building" is nothing short of thrilling, as she has consistently demonstrated her ability to tackle complex characters with nuance and depth. While details about her character have yet to be revealed, the speculation surrounding her role is already ramping up excitement within the fan community.
The decision to bring in a powerhouse like Zellweger indicates the show’s ambition to scale new heights with its storytelling. Each season has introduced new characters that add layers to the narrative, and season five is expected to further deepen the plot and explore new themes. The show has been praised for its brilliant writing, engaging dialogue, and its ability to combine humor with a genuine sense of tension and drama. With Zellweger in the mix, fans can anticipate a storyline that not only enthralls but might also shed light on broader societal issues, particularly in the context of contemporary true crime fascination.
Zellweger’s alignment with the series also underlines the growing trend of high-profile actors opting for television projects, especially those driven by unique narratives and strong character development. Streaming platforms have become a haven for actors and creators looking to push the boundaries of traditional storytelling, and "Only Murders in the Building" has been at the forefront of this revolution. The show’s creators have skillfully blended traditional tropes of the mystery genre with modern sensibilities, making it approachable and relevant to today’s audiences.
Fans have witnessed how the series evolved through its preceding seasons, each one layered with clever plot twists, humor, and moments that provoke real emotional connections. The interactions between the main trio—Charles (Steve Martin), Oliver (Martin Short), and Mabel (Selena Gomez)—have brought forth themes of friendship, aging, and the importance of community. The series has resonated with a wide demographic, appealing to both older viewers who appreciate the comedy duo of Martin and Short, as well as younger viewers drawn in by Gomez’s contemporary presence.
Even as the mystery unfolds with fresh intrigues and narrative surprises, the show’s essence remains firmly grasped in the relationships among its characters. As Renée Zellweger’s character enters the live-action whodunit, it’s likely she will inject new dynamics into the already eclectic mix of personalities. This could propel the storyline into exciting new territories, revealing hidden secrets within the building and driving the characters into unforeseen moral dilemmas.
Adding to the anticipation is the anticipation surrounding the season’s overarching plot. As the series adeptly balances humor and mystery, viewers can expect that Zellweger’s character might possess a key role in either complicating the existing relationships or resolving the central narrative tensions. The interplay between humor and the darker themes of crime makes "Only Murders in the Building" a uniquely engaging experience, reminiscent of classic mysteries but rooted in contemporary culture.
As the cast and crew prepare to embark on this new season, the inclusion of Renée Zellweger signifies an exciting evolution of a series that continues to defy expectations. The wait for season five is sure to be charged with speculation and anticipation, setting the stage for what promises to be an exhilarating chapter in the series.
In conclusion, Renée Zellweger’s addition to "Only Murders in the Building" season five marks an exciting expansion into new narrative possibilities. With her wealth of experience and a remarkable ability to breathe life into any role, Zellweger’s introduction leaves fans eager to see how her character will intertwine with the lives of those already within the beloved mystery. As the series prepares to delve into this fresh chapter, viewers can expect to be entertained and mystified once more as the murder mystery and its delightful comedy unfold.
Renée Zellweger has officially joined the cast of the popular series “Only Murders in the Building” for its fifth season. Known for her impressive performances in a variety of films, Zellweger’s addition to the show has generated significant excitement among fans. The series, which combines elements of comedy and mystery, features a star-studded cast including Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez. As the plot unfolds in the new season, viewers can expect intriguing twists and turns, especially with the involvement of Zellweger, who is expected to bring her unique talent to the show. This casting news has heightened anticipation for the upcoming season, further solidifying the series’ reputation as a must-watch in the realm of streaming television.