When “The Young And The Restless” (Y&R) spoilers confirmed almost a year ago that Justin Hartley had been cast as Adam Newman and taking over Michael Muhney’s iconic role – Y&R fans were not happy, and they were certain that Justin Hartley wouldn’t do the complicated soap opera character justice.
But here we are a ways down the road – and now Justin Hartley is a fan favorite, he managed to take the complex character of Adam Newman and make it his own, all while winning over skeptical Y&R fans.
Justin Hartley sat down with ABC Soaps In Depth to discuss his character Adam Newman, and what it was like trying to fill Michael Muhney’s shoes when he first arrived on “The Young And The Restless.” Soaps In Depth asked Justin, “Did you feel a lot of pressure to hit the ball out of the park since you were a recast of such a popular character?”
According to Hartley, the “pressure” didn’t faze him – once he met with Jill Farren Phelps and she told him about the character, he knew it was the gig for him, regardless of the fact that fans might not exactly welcome him with open arms.
Justin dished to the magazine, “I was so impressed with the way that they described the character to me and how important Adam is to the show. The idea of being trusted to come in with that kind of responsibility really appealed to me. They explained the story to me – where it was, where it was going, and what their hopes were, and it really intrigued me.”
Adam Newman’s complex relationships with the other characters on “The Young And The Restless” are a driving force on the show, which is another reason Hartley was so intrigued with the character. During his interview with ABC Soaps In Depth, he also addressed his character’s complicated relationship with his father Victor Newman (Eric Braeden).
In regards to Adam and Victor’s relationship, Hartley explained, “For me it is a love story, more than a hate thing or a rivalry. He loves his father and doesn’t quite understand why he will never be good enough for him. Adam also has a fear that he is going to have the same relationship with his son that he has with Victor. He’s not going to let that happen!”
And, as for Adam’s love interest Chelsea – Justin agrees with Y&R fans, he thinks that Chelsea and Adam belong together!
Do you think that Justin Hartley has met everyone’s expectations in his portrayal of Adam Newman? How do you think he filled Michael Muhney’s shoes? Share your thoughts in the comments below and don’t forget to check CDL for all of your “The Young And The Restless” spoilers and news!