The art of crafting cinematic illusions—specifically through the lens of de-aging technology—can be a daring venture. Yet for the dynamic duo of Billy Crystal and Judith Light, the endeavor in their forthcoming Apple TV+ series, Before, proved to be an exceptionally rewarding experiment.
Slated for its grand unveiling on Friday, October 25, this supernatural drama unfolds around Eli (played by Crystal), a child psychologist grappling with the profound loss of his beloved wife, Lynn (Light). Amidst this heart-wrenching backdrop, Eli encounters Noah (Jacobi Jupe), a brooding young boy whose eerie connection to Eli’s past invites a cascade of recollections—vivid snapshots from a decades-long romance with Lynn.
In a captivating twist, instead of hiring younger actors for nostalgic scenes, Before ingeniously employs cutting-edge de-aging technology on both Crystal, 76, and Light, 75. A decision that defied traditional norms!
Apple TV+
“They executed a test on Billy, and the initial footage left me speechless,” Light confides. “In that moment, I had to ask, ‘Billy, will this really resonate?’ We’ve shared a deep friendship, and I found myself pondering, ‘What exactly is the essence of our undertaking here?’ The choice not to cast younger performers stems from a desire to keep the audience anchored in the emotional landscape of the story. We feared losing the weight of that moment when these soulmates first connect on screen.”
“When I finally saw the footage of just Billy, I was utterly astonished,” she marvels, recalling the visual magic that unveiled itself. “Witnessing us together was nothing short of breathtaking.”
Crafting a character as multi-faceted as Lynn, marked by her darker moments, Light articulates that channeling her talents to convey these complexities posed no challenge.
“It was effortless, devoid of any desperate grappling to extract emotions from my own life for authenticity. When you truly believe in what you’re portraying, intertwined with the conviction of your scene partner, something extraordinary emerges. A shift occurs; you lose yourself in the narrative.”
Apple TV+
In her portrayal of Lynn, hinted to be battling inner demons, Light found herself delving into the character’s profound struggles with ease and composure.
“What revelations emerge when someone grapples with illness? What’s the toll on the body? How does one break down? For me, this exploration was seamless, thanks to Billy’s unwavering support and remarkable presence,” Light reflects with warmth.
As she reminisces about this collaborative journey, Light couldn’t be prouder of Crystal. “He embodies versatility, capable of harmonizing a plethora of talents,” she declares. “Take his Broadway stint in Mr. Saturday Night—performing eight shows a week, weaving together song and narrative. I’ve always viewed Billy through a broad lens of artistry, never merely as ‘that comedy guy.’ He’s an extraordinary, multifaceted friend with depth.”
Never miss a beat—subscribe to PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter, and be in the know about the best in celebrity news and powerful human stories.
Before makes its highly-anticipated premiere on Apple TV+ this Friday, October 25.
