A beloved sitcom star from the 2010s showcases a dramatic physical transformation while filming a new comedy pilot for NBC. The 47-year-old actor, known for his lean frame in his breakout series, appears noticeably bulkier on set, sporting a tight white tank top tucked into belted jeans that highlight his new physique.
From New Girl to Superhero Roles
Jake Johnson gained fame as Nick Miller, one of the three male roommates in Fox’s New Girl, which aired from 2011 to 2018. In the series, his character develops a classic will-they-won’t-they romance with lead Jess Day, played by Zooey Deschanel. Deschanel’s quirky persona in the show echoed her earlier recognition from the 2009 rom-com 500 Days of Summer.
Johnson expanded into blockbusters, appearing in the 2015 Jurassic World and Tom Cruise’s 2017 The Mummy reboot. He also voiced a Spider-Man in the 2018 animated hit Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.
New NBC Comedy Pilot Details
Johnson stars as Mickey, an ex-LAPD officer whose life unraveled three years ago. Now a private investigator skilled at cracking cases, Mickey comes across as smart, cynical, and heartbroken, though he masks his pain. NBC describes the character fitting this profile perfectly.
Filming captures Johnson in action on the Los Angeles set, emphasizing his transformed, muscular build compared to his slimmer days on New Girl.
Cast and Creative Team
Keith David, 69, portrays boss Garner Taggert, bringing experience from films like There’s Something About Mary, Armageddon, and Requiem for a Dream. Mary Shalaby plays the agency’s disinterested receptionist.
The untitled pilot comes from writers Dan Goor, co-creator of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Luke Del Tredici, a veteran scribe from the series.
Personal Life
Johnson has been married to artist Erin Payne since 2006. The couple welcomed twin daughters, Elizabeth and Olivia, in 2014.
