Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg talked about how Catherine O'Hara's death has impacted the upcoming Season 2 of The Studio. In an interview with The Times on Friday, the directors assessed how the show would look without O'Hara's character, Patty Leigh. They described Patty Leigh as the show's "anchor," with Rogen stating that they have "accepted" her death, while Goldberg expressed that dealing with her absence is an "incredible challenge" since the character was written for Season 2.

Goldberg explained that in addition to coping with the emotional loss, they added even more to the script: "We had written the songs for her. Everything was ready, and shockwaves are rippling throughout the new season. It has been very challenging. She was an anchor, and now that anchor is gone." Rogen continued the thought that O'Hara was the anchor of The Studio, adding, "In a way, we accept the idea that we are a bit unmoored. But to be honest, this is part of life and something we all experience. So even though we try not to delve too deeply into heavy themes in this show, they will be a part of Season 2. We are not ignoring this."

Beetlejuice star O'Hara passed away on January 30 at her home in Los Angeles after a brief illness. She was 71 years old. Following O'Hara's death, the cast, crew, and producers of The Studio paid tribute to the late star. In a joint statement, Apple TV and Lionsgate Television expressed, "We are deeply saddened by the loss of Catherine O'Hara."