7 Shocking Details About Bradley Cooper's Secret Role In The Righteous Gemstones Final Season

The long-running rumor is finally confirmed: A-list superstar Bradley Cooper has officially joined the cast of HBO's hit satirical comedy, The Righteous Gemstones, for its highly anticipated fourth and final season. As of today, December 17, 2025, the news has sent shockwaves through the fandom, as Cooper takes on a pivotal and unexpected role that dives deep into the Gemstone family's dark, violent, and surprisingly ancient origins. His appearance is not a mere background role but a central performance in a crucial flashback episode, establishing a legendary figure in the Gemstone dynasty.

This major casting coup, secured by series creator Danny McBride, sees the Maestro and A Star Is Born actor step into the world of televangelism satire, marking one of his most surprising television appearances since his early career. Fans are buzzing over his character, Elijah Gemstone, a figure from the Civil War era whose story reveals the true, unholy foundation of the family's wealth and power. Get ready to peel back the layers on this sensational addition to the Gemstone universe.

Bradley Cooper: A-List Actor, Director, and New Gemstone Patriarch

Before diving into the details of his role as the original Gemstone, it is essential to appreciate the pedigree of the actor who has joined the show. Bradley Cooper is one of Hollywood's most versatile and acclaimed talents, known for his dramatic intensity, comedic timing, and prowess behind the camera.

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• Full Name: Bradley Charles Cooper
• Date of Birth: January 5, 1975
• Place of Birth: Abington, Pennsylvania, U.S.
• Education: Georgetown University (B.A. in English), Actors Studio Drama School (M.F.A.)
• Career Highlights (Selected):
  • Breakthrough TV Role: Will Tippin in Alias (2001–2003).
  • Major Film Roles: Phil Wenneck in The Hangover trilogy, Pat Solitano Jr. in Silver Linings Playbook, Chris Kyle in American Sniper, Jackson Maine in A Star Is Born, Leonard Bernstein in Maestro.
  • Voice Work: Rocket Raccoon in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
  • Directorial Debut: A Star Is Born (2018).
  • Oscar Nominations: 12 total nominations across acting, producing, and writing categories.
• Connection to The Righteous Gemstones: Cooper is an Abington native, which is the same area Danny McBride is from, a key factor in their connection.

The Revelation: Who is Elijah Gemstone?

Bradley Cooper plays Elijah Gemstone, a figure who is essentially the "Original Gemstone" in the family's lineage. His character is introduced in the Season 4 premiere, which features a substantial Civil War-era flashback.

The Gemstone family history, as told through the main series, is already riddled with questionable ethics and outright criminal activity. Elijah Gemstone's story reveals that the family's prosperity is rooted in something far more sinister than simple greed.

1. The Civil War-Era Origin Story

The season opener transports viewers back in time to the American Civil War. This is where the story of Elijah Gemstone truly begins. He is portrayed as a pivotal, yet morally bankrupt, ancestor whose actions set the entire Gemstone dynasty in motion.

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2. A Scoundrel and a Murderer

The character of Elijah is described in the search results as a "liar, a scoundrel, a murderer." This perfectly fits the dark comedic tone of the series, which loves to expose the hypocrisy and depravity beneath the veneer of piety. Cooper's portrayal is reportedly a masterclass in playing a charismatic but utterly vile man, which critics have already praised.

3. The Role: A Star Reborn as an "Asshole"

For fans who appreciate Cooper's earlier, sharper, and often more arrogant roles—like Sack Lodge in Wedding Crashers or Will Tippin in Alias—his performance as Elijah Gemstone is a welcome return to form. One critic noted that it is "so nice to get another" performance of Cooper playing an "asshole." The role allows him to shed the prestige drama weight of recent years and embrace the show's dark humor.

How Danny McBride Landed the A-Lister for the Final Season

The story of how Bradley Cooper came to be cast is almost as compelling as the show itself. It was a direct result of a long-standing, casual connection between Cooper and series creator Danny McBride.

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4. The Abington Connection

Both Bradley Cooper and Danny McBride are from the Abington, Pennsylvania, area. This shared hometown connection was the initial link. McBride mentioned that he had known Cooper for a long time, and the idea of working together had been floating around for years.

5. A Direct Phone Call Pitch

The casting was not a formal Hollywood process. McBride simply called Cooper directly and pitched the idea of playing the Gemstone ancestor in the Civil War flashback. The pitch was simple, direct, and focused on the fun of the role, which immediately appealed to the actor.

6. Cooper Had Never Seen the Show

In a hilarious twist, McBride revealed that Cooper had actually never watched The Righteous Gemstones before accepting the role. Even more surprisingly, Cooper chose not to watch the series until after his scenes were shot. This allowed him to approach the character of Elijah Gemstone without being influenced by the established tone and performances of the main cast, giving his character a unique, raw energy.

The Final Season's Star-Studded Lineup and LSI Entities

Bradley Cooper’s cameo is just one part of a star-studded final season. The Righteous Gemstones Season 4 is set to be a massive send-off, bringing back all the core cast and adding several other high-profile guest stars, ensuring a high level of topical authority and audience engagement.

7. The Expanded Ensemble Cast

The main cast, including Danny McBride (Jesse Gemstone), John Goodman (Eli Gemstone), Edi Patterson (Judy Gemstone), Adam Devine (Kelvin Gemstone), and Walton Goggins (Baby Billy Freeman), are all returning to conclude the story of the dysfunctional family.

In addition to Cooper, the final season has also added other major talents to its roster:

• Megan Mullally: The Will & Grace star joins the cast in a significant role.
• Seann William Scott: Known for his role as Stifler in the American Pie franchise, Scott is also a major new addition, playing a character with ties to the Gemstone family, potentially as a mother-son duo with Mullally.
• Tim Baltz (BJ) and Cassidy Freeman (Amber Gemstone): Key supporting players are also confirmed to return, ensuring the continuation of their beloved storylines.

The integration of Bradley Cooper as Elijah Gemstone into the Civil War flashback provides a crucial historical context for the Gemstone family's present-day madness. It connects the televangelist dynasty's current corruption to a deep, dark root, suggesting that the family's propensity for sin and self-interest is an inherited trait, not a modern invention. This narrative choice elevates the show’s satirical commentary on American wealth and religious hypocrisy to an entirely new level, making the final season a must-watch television event. Cooper's willingness to take on such a dark, comedic, and pivotal role is a testament to the quality and cultural impact of the HBO series.