Jake Johnson, the celebrated actor best known for his role as Nick Miller on the hit sitcom New Girl, has been spotted undergoing a remarkable physical transformation this week. The 47-year-old star was hard at work filming a new comedy pilot for NBC, where he will take on the lead role of a private investigator.
A Noticeable Change in Physique
While Johnson was famously lean during his seven-season run on New Girl from 2011 to 2018, he appeared with a noticeably beefier build on the set of his upcoming project. He was seen wearing a clinging white tank top tucked into belted jeans, which emphasized his more muscular curves and marked a stark contrast to his earlier physique.
From Sitcom Star to Superhero and Beyond
Johnson's career has spanned various major franchises beyond his breakout role. He lent his voice to one of the many Spider-Men in the acclaimed 2018 animated film Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. His filmography also includes blockbuster appearances in the 2015 Jurassic World and the 2017 The Mummy reboot starring Tom Cruise.
Details of the New NBC Pilot
The currently untitled pilot, written by Brooklyn Nine-Nine veterans Dan Goor and Luke Del Tredici, features Johnson as Mickey, an ex-LAPD officer whose life fell apart three years ago. According to a report in Variety, Mickey is now a private investigator described as smart, cynical, and heartbroken, though he tries to hide his emotional turmoil.
Keith David, the veteran actor known for roles in films like Armageddon and Requiem for a Dream, will play Johnson's boss Garner Taggert. Actress Mary Shalaby has been cast as the agency's flagrantly disinterested receptionist.
New Girl Legacy and Personal Life
On New Girl, Johnson's character Nick Miller was one of three male roommates to Zooey Deschanel's Jess Day. Over the series, their relationship evolved into a will-they-won't-they romance reminiscent of Ross and Rachel from Friends. The show ended in 2018 after becoming one of the most beloved sitcoms of the 2010s.
Off-screen, Johnson has been married to artist Erin Payne since 2006, and the couple welcomed twin daughters Elizabeth and Olivia in 2014. His dedication to his craft continues with this new television venture, showcasing both his acting range and physical commitment to his latest character.
