Chad Michael Murray Reveals How He Convinced Jared Padalecki to Join the Gilmore Girls Documentary, Drink Coffee, Talk Fast
For fans of Gilmore Girls, the upcoming documentary Drink Coffee, Talk Fast is more than a nostalgic trip back to Stars Hollow — it’s a heartfelt reunion that almost didn’t happen. But according to the filmmakers, one major cast member’s appearance came down to an unexpected friendship and a little persuasion from Chad Michael Murray.
The new documentary, created by Meghna Balakumar and Kevin Konrad Hanna, takes a deep dive into the lasting legacy of Gilmore Girls, exploring how the show captured hearts, shaped pop culture, and built one of television’s most loyal fanbases. From its witty dialogue to the emotional bonds between its characters, the series continues to resonate two decades after it first aired. Yet one of the biggest surprises for fans is seeing Jared Padalecki, who played Rory Gilmore’s first love, Dean Forester, return to reflect on his time in the role — something that, at first, he wasn’t entirely sure he wanted to do.
Balakumar and Hanna shared that Padalecki initially hesitated to participate. Between his long-running success on Supernatural and other projects, he had moved far past his early career in Stars Hollow. But Chad Michael Murray — who appeared in the show’s early seasons as Rory’s brief romantic interest, Tristan Dugray — reached out personally to change his mind. “Chad was the one who really got Jared to say yes,” Balakumar explained. “He reminded him of what Gilmore Girls meant to people, how many fans still love those early episodes, and how his character was such a big part of Rory’s story.”
Murray reportedly sent Padalecki a message filled with memories from the early days on set — the long filming nights, the fast-paced scripts, and the laughter between takes. “It was like reconnecting with a friend from high school,” said Hanna. “There was a warmth to it, a reminder of where it all began for both of them.”
When Padalecki finally agreed, it became one of the most emotional moments for the documentary’s team. His interview dives deep into the whirlwind of early fame, the pressures of growing up on camera, and the gratitude he now feels for the show that helped launch his career. “Gilmore Girls gave me my start,” Padalecki said during filming. “At the time, I didn’t realize how special it was. Looking back now, I see that it wasn’t just a show — it was a family.”
Balakumar and Hanna’s documentary blends new interviews, unseen behind-the-scenes moments, and heartfelt reflections from cast and crew to explore why the series still matters. They describe it as a love letter to the fans and to the small-town world that Amy Sherman-Palladino created — one that continues to offer comfort, laughter, and the feeling of home.
For Murray, helping Padalecki come onboard was about honoring that legacy. “He said it wasn’t about reliving the past,” Balakumar shared. “It was about celebrating what Gilmore Girls gave to people — and to them.”
As Drink Coffee, Talk Fast nears release, the anticipation among fans is enormous. Social media is already buzzing with excitement over Padalecki’s participation and the emotional reunions promised in the film. It’s a reminder that, even years later, the charm of Stars Hollow hasn’t faded. And thanks to a gentle nudge from an old friend, Jared Padalecki will once again be part of that magic — reminding everyone why Gilmore Girls remains one of television’s most beloved stories.
