Summary
- Jeremy Jordan channeled Robin Williams’ Genie from Aladdin for his portrayal of Lucifer in Hazbin Hotel, attempting to be constantly funny and insecure.
- Hazbin Hotel creator Vivienne Medrano praises Jordan’s charm and singing ability, saying he brought a lot to the role of Lucifer.
- Hazbin Hotel premiered on Prime Video with the first four episodes, and a second season has been confirmed.
Robin Williams famously voiced the shape-shifting and wish granting Genie for Disney’s Aladdin, improvising most of his lines. The role gained Williams critical praise, and the character remains one of the most beloved in animated film history. While Williams’ Genie, who provides much of the comic relief in Aladdin, might not seem like the obvious source of inspiration for an actor portraying Lucifer, it’s precisely who Hazbin Hotel‘s Jeremy Jordan tried to channel for his version of the King of Hell. During a recent interview, Jordan told us:
“I was trying to channel a little bit of Robin Williams, like Genie from ‘Aladdin,’ constantly going on. Everything he [Lucifer] says is trying to be a joke; trying to be funny. But also, very much insecure. I got to just rattle on a million different lines and line readings, and it was probably very exhausting on the other side of the table, but I was having a great time with it.”
Hazbin Hotel
- Release Date
- January 19, 2024
- Creator
- Vivienne Medrano
- Seasons
- 2
- Studio
- A24 Television, A24, Amazon MGM Studios
The anticipated Hazbin Hotel, which premiered with its first four episodes earlier this month, centers on Charlie Morningstar (voiced by Erika Henningsen), the Princess of Hell and daughter of Jordan’s Lucifer. To deal with the kingdom’s overpopulation problem, Charlie attempts to rehabilitate demons so that they can make their way to Heaven.
Hazbin Hotel Creator Says Jeremy Jordan “Brought the Charm” Needed to Play Lucifer
The adult animated musical comedy series is replete with fascinating characters, including Jordan’s Lucifer, who is shown as cheerful and often silly. Discussing Jordan’s portrayal of Lucifer Morningstar, Hazbin Hotel creator Vivienne Medrano told us:
“He brought so much to the role. Lucifer’s actually one of my favorite characters in the show. He’s just so fun, and so fun to write. And I think Jeremy brought the charm that was needed for him, and is obviously a phenomenal singer, literally one of the best singers I’ve ever heard. He’s just a legend in the Broadway world. So I think he’s kind of perfectly suited for the role he’s playing in terms of how grand the role is, but also in terms of how fun the character is. Obviously I can’t speak super in detail about it yet, but I absolutely love Lucifer and I’m really excited for people to meet him.”
Alongside Henningsen, Hazbin Hotel stars Stephanie Beatriz as Charlie’s devoted partner Vaggie, Keith David as hotel bartender Husk, Kimiko Glenn as maid Niffty, Blake Roman as the hotel’s first resident Angel Dust, Tamir Alai as Overlord Astor, who is recruited to help create a commercial for the Hazbin Hotel, and Alex Brightman as demon Sir Pentious.
Hazbin Hotel was introduced to audiences in 2019, as Medrano (popularly known as VivziePop) unveiled an independently financed pilot through YouTube. The well-received episode launched a spin-off series, Helluva Boss, and merchandise.
The anticipated series, produced by indie powerhouse A24 and animation studio Bento Box Entertainment in collaboration with Amazon Studios, premiered on Prime Video on January 18. The remaining four episodes will land on the streamer on January 26 and February 2. A second season of Hazbin Hotel has been confirmed. You can watch the full first episode of the series below.
