Interview: Danny Pudi and Imani Hakim on exploring mentorship and mayhem in Mythic Quest Season 4 on Apple TV+

Mythic Quest returns for its fourth glorious season on Apple TV+, once again raising the stakes for our favorite game-industry misfits. With sharp wit and ever-escalating workplace antics, the beloved comedy continues to explore the highs and lows of game development, corporate chaos, and the ever-blurring lines between personal and professional life.

Created by Charlie Day, Megan Ganz, and Rob McElhenney, Season 4 throws our characters into new deep ends of an turbulent industry that continues to be evolving faster than ever. Among them are Brad (Danny Pudi), the cunning former head of monetization turned behind-the-scenes strategist, and Dana (Imani Hakim), the young game dev prodigy navigating newfound success, power, and the ego that comes with it. The two continue to find themselves in an unlikely yet complex alliance, where mentorship and manipulation intertwine to create one of the season’s most compelling dynamics.

To mark the season’s release, Tony Ling joined a global press junket where Pudi and Hakim shared insights on their characters’ dynamic evolution, their fun-filled adventures, and what fans can expect from this latest round of workplace warfare.

So in season four, boundaries are being tested and we see our beloved characters face challenges like never before, both personally and professionally. What’s a standout moment this season, either as actors or in Brad and Dana’s journeys that really stood out to you guys?

Danny Pudi: It is a great question. I think that this season has a few themes and questions that we’re exploring, including work life balance. And Dana and Brad in particular are paired up because I think in some ways they represent art versus commerce, Dana versus Brad. It makes sense that there’s a natural tension there and they each bring things out in each other. And one of those things I think with Brad that I was really excited about is that we got to explore this relationship that he has or has had in the past and that kind of infiltrates his work world. And then he has to figure out, I guess, in terms of importance, in terms of values, what is most important to him and is there something more important in life than money to Brad? And I think that to me was really exciting. In particular in an episode where I got to play, I think that’s the fifth episode maybe. I think it’s the episode five where we go to a gaming awards show. And I think that episode in particular was a fun challenge for me because you got to see Brad and juggling these inner conflicts in a very unique way.

Imani Hakim: Just to add to that, I think something that stood out to me is how quickly things can move when it comes to success. Dana is at the top of her game right now. She’s really thriving, but it also shows it is a sign of the times when there’s already someone new coming up. And how does she handle that? Not very well, by the way. So that was very fun to play. And yeah, I think it was also just surprising to see those colours on her. To see that someone who was once grounded is kind of really in her ego.

Finding yourself is definitely a road fraught with fruits and peril. What’s one trait of Brad and Dana that you’re proud to see really involve in season four?

Imani Hakim: Dana’s confidence has been still fun for me. Just seeing the evolution of where she started and season one, being unsure of herself. And then season four, she’s just pedals to the metal with who she is, what she wants. The cards are on the table, she’s not hiding anything anymore and fully vulnerable and authentically herself. Yeah, I love those colours on her.

Danny Pudi: On the opposite side of that, I think Brad is, I think he’s a good teacher. I think he’s kind of a good mentor and can help people. He can direct people towards their talent maybe and sees that in people. I dunno if he’d be willing to admit it, but I think that’s something that we kind of explore this year. And I think he’s good. He’s good at seeing the good things in people.

Yeah, I bet he he’s not willing to admit it, but that also is a great segue to our next question. There’s definitely a very unique sense of camaraderie between you guys for two very different personalities and the chemistry shows in spades. What do you guys admire the most about the relationship you guys have in the show?

Imani Hakim: Well, I think Dana and Brad, they hold up a mirror to each other and Dana reflects back to Brad that he can be a bit softer and bring out this vulnerable side to him. Whereas Brad is just get dirty with it, Dana, go for it. This is what it takes to be the next big thing. And I feel like they both inspire each other to bring out those other elements that we’re not really familiar with seeing from these characters.

Danny Pudi: Yeah, I think there’s just a natural thing to explore there. Like I said, they represent this great thing because there’s this creative side and I think Dana has this awesome power immediately that Brad sees and this ability to kind of walk into a space and be her authentic self all the time everywhere and very open. And Brad meanwhile is like, oh no, no, no, no, no, no. He’s seeing all of this and is thinking about three steps ahead. And so I think encouraging the inner villain, but also I think in some ways he’s also like, what if maybe there is a soft spot? Maybe I do need people. I think Brad, he returns to the office, he returns to this world and I think there’s something there that he won’t acknowledge, but I think there’s something he feels seen, I think, in this world. And I think by Dana in particular.

Yes, I love how you guys help each other grow, It’s so wholesome. You two both got to direct your own respective episodes this season. And I’m conscious you also directed episode last season as well, Danny. What was it like transitioning from acting to directing your own episodes this season and what did you learn in the process?

Imani Hakim: Well, it’s very intimidating to say the least. It’s not something that isn’t met with a bunch of nerves, but super, super exciting to get the opportunity to do both on a show that I love. And I would say that the process of getting into it, it was full of support and love and everyone’s on the same team and they just want to help you accomplish your vision. And even though I’m still learning, I felt like it felt right and I’m just super grateful that I got to stretch myself in a way that I’ve always wanted to and I got to do it in this safe playground. And we’re on a show that I’m such a fan of with these characters and these crew and the writers. It was just the perfect, all the ingredients mixed in together and it was like the perfect recipe.

Danny Pudi: Yeah, I mean, jumping off, I think our show, many of us have worn, I guess multiple hats, and I think that’s a testament to Rob, Megan and David for allowing people to have input and create in whatever way they feel on set. Whether it’s writing, directing, acting, David’s directed and acted and Ashley and also writing and Imani and I and Charlotte. It’s not weird. It’s a very comfortable set. It’s a set where a best idea wins. And so we’re constantly collaborating and seeing what else we can do. It’s an amazing crew, a very helpful crew, and I think the world of our show allows us to stretch and I guess colour outside the lines a little bit. We have just an amazing crew overall. So I have tonnes of questions. I’m still learning, but it’s exciting for me to be able to kind of like, okay, now think about this from a directing point of view. What does this look like? And that, I guess it all kind of spills over and helps my acting and helps me appreciate all the people who are working so hard to make the show.

Mythic Quest Season Four is now streaming on Apple TV+.

Tony Ling

Tony is a versatile writer, video editor, and photographer with a strong creative foundation from two of Australia’s top creative arts institutions. His journalistic passion for the arts spans over five years, complemented by a diverse freelance portfolio that includes NSW Health cooking videos and extensive event and concert photography. In film and TV, Tony hones his post-production craft with recent credits on two 2025 TIFF premieres and US features starring Mark Wahlberg and Susan Sarandon, alongside Aussie staples like Last King of the Cross S2 and Home and Away. Always on the lookout for the next big story, you can reach him on Instagram @tonydalingling or via email at tonylingedits@gmail.com.