The holiday season brings a bit of magic to the Walker family in Netflix’s new comedy ‘Family Switch.’ Thanks to a chance encounter with an astrologer, the busy Walkers – parents Jess (Jennifer Garner) and Bill (Ed Helms) and their kids CC (Emma Myers) and Wyatt (Brady Noon) – wake up one morning to find they’ve switched bodies.
In an interview with Collider, Garner and Myers discussed the challenges of taking on each other’s very different personalities and mannerisms. “Emma, as a person, is kind of a cat, and I’m a golden retriever or a Labrador puppy, so just swapping that energy is one thing,” said Garner. The two prepared by mirroring each other, playing “follow the leader,” and generally acting like puppies, admitting they got “very comfortable together.”
The body swap couldn’t have come at a more pivotal time for each family member. Jess is up for a big promotion at work, CC has a pivotal college interview, Wyatt is on the cusp of a record deal, and Bill has a major soccer tryout. After initially struggling to walk in each other’s shoes (literally), the magic of the swap helps the Walkers understand one another and unite just in time for their big days.
One of the most nerve-wracking days on set was when Garner and Myers got to perform onstage with iconic rock band Weezer in the film’s third act. “It was pretty clear the second they started that they’re the real deal and we are not,” laughed Garner. While Ed Helms had them covered musically, the actors still had serious stage fright acting alongside the famous band.
Myers also discussed her anticipation for returning to her breakout Netflix hit ‘Wednesday’ for Season 2. Though no release date has been confirmed yet, Myers said she’s looking forward to reuniting with her castmates and getting back into the dark and kooky world of the Addams family.
Meanwhile, Garner coyly dodged questions about rumors she’ll be suiting back up as Elektra for the upcoming ‘Deadpool’ threequel. When asked if she ever thought she’d don the assassin’s iconic red costume again, Garner laughed, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. What could you mean?” I guess we’ll have to wait and see!
With laughs, heart and a bit of holiday magic, ‘Family Switch’ promises to be a fun family watch this Christmas. And who knows, maybe you’ll look at your own family differently after the credits roll.
