KAI GERBER Disavows The Divorce Duck, Launches New Gen Z-Focused Media Company GRBR
By Cabo Lucas
Entertainment Weekly, December 18, 2024
In an unexpected turn of events that has left both fans and industry insiders reeling, Kai Gerber, the non-binary star who made waves as Jasper in Adult Swim’s quirky dramedy The Divorce Duck, has announced the launch of a new media company that seems to pivot dramatically from their current trajectory in Hollywood.
The company, GRBR, which stands for "Gen Re-Builders," is described as a new media platform focused on creating content tailored specifically for Gen Z—content that Gerber says will be “authentic, unfiltered, and purpose-driven.” The announcement comes just weeks after Gerber publicly distanced themselves from The Divorce Duck, a show that was initially seen as a breakout vehicle for the 24-year-old actor.
Gerber's Departure from the Show
In a statement issued on their personal social media accounts, Gerber explained their decision to move away from The Divorce Duck, stating that they were “grateful for the experience but no longer align with the creative vision of the show or its direction.” While Gerber was initially praised for their portrayal of Jasper, Jakob and Diane’s son, whose relationship with the eccentric Kevin (Kevin Corrigan) forms the emotional heart of the series, it seems the show’s tone and underlying message no longer resonate with them.
"I’ve come to realize that The Divorce Duck no longer represents my values or the kind of work I want to be a part of," Gerber shared in an Instagram post. "It was a unique project, but I want to create spaces where people like me, people of my generation, can be seen and heard in a more genuine, dynamic way. That’s why I’m stepping away to focus on something new. The work I do moving forward will reflect the voices, experiences, and artistry of Gen Z, and most importantly, it’ll be ours."
The news has raised several questions about the future of The Duck and the Divorce (Canadian title), particularly surrounding the fate of Gerber’s character, Jasper. As the central emotional figure in the series—serving as the conduit through which many of the show’s family dynamics and comedic moments unfold—Jasper's sudden departure has left fans and executives wondering how the show can continue without its most iconic character.
Can The Divorce Duck Survive Without Jasper?
Industry sources indicate that there has been ongoing debate within Adult Swim about how to proceed. Should they attempt to re-cast Jasper with another actor, or is it time for the show to pivot entirely? According to a source close to the production, the idea of replacing Gerber has been met with mixed reactions.
“Jasper is the glue holding the whole family dynamic together," says an anonymous insider. "Without Kai, it’s hard to imagine the show working. Their unique take on the role of a disaffected, confused young adult was what really brought the show’s absurd premise down to Earth. We’ve had discussions about re-casting, but it’s a tough call—Kai made that character their own. It’s unclear how the audience would react to someone else playing Jasper.”
While it’s not uncommon for TV shows to go through re-casting when key roles are vacated, the departure of Gerber has taken a more dramatic turn due to their open disavowal of the project. Gerber’s deep personal connection to the role of Jasper was one of the key factors that made the character stand out to viewers, and many are wondering if the show can move forward without feeling like a hollow imitation.
The Emergence of GRBR: Gerber’s New Media Company
Despite their exit from The Duck and the Divorce, Gerber has been busy laying the groundwork for a new kind of media company, one that’s deeply in tune with Gen Z’s values and sensibilities. GRBR aims to address what Gerber describes as “the gaping void in content that speaks authentically to a generation that demands transparency and creative control.”
GRBR will focus on digital-first media, including web series, short films, podcasts, and social media-driven campaigns. “I’m sick of watching TV shows that are made for my generation, but not by my generation,” Gerber says in a promotional video for GRBR. “We need to be in charge of telling our own stories, on our own terms. GRBR is going to break the rules.”
The company’s debut slate includes projects that are expected to tackle everything from mental health and gender fluidity to the deep existential crises facing Gen Z in a post-pandemic world. Gerber has indicated that one of the first GRBR-backed projects will be a docuseries about the “inner workings of online fandoms,” exploring how young people create and sustain communities in the digital age.
The Impact on Gerber’s Career
Gerber’s move away from traditional Hollywood roles and the mainstream entertainment industry is not entirely unexpected. Over the past year, Gerber has been vocal about the need for a new paradigm in media, one that includes greater representation, realness, and inclusivity. “For me, it’s about pushing boundaries. If I’m going to put my name on something, it’s going to be something that I believe in,” Gerber said in a recent interview with Variety. “And I don’t believe in this kind of content anymore. I want to create something that feels like mine—and that’s what GRBR is going to be.”
While it remains to be seen whether The Duck and the Divorce can carry on without Gerber’s central role, Gerber’s announcement has clearly set a new course for their career. And while the fans of The Duck and the Divorce may have to brace themselves for an uncertain future, one thing is clear: Gerber’s star is on the rise in the world of Gen Z-driven media, and they’re determined to shape it on their own terms.
What’s Next for The Duck and the Divorce?
The show’s future remains in limbo. Star George Chen (Looking, Flop House) is still in a two season contract. Sources confirm that Adult Swim is exploring various options, including the possibility of a complete reworking of the show’s concept, or even a final season that concludes the family’s story arc without Jasper at its center. Whether or not the series can retain its audience without Gerber’s unique portrayal of Jasper is still an open question.
“We’re not giving up on the show just yet,” says an Adult Swim spokesperson. “But we’re also taking the time to listen to Kai’s feedback and understand their decision. At the end of the day, this is a show about connection—whether that’s through humor, love, or even absurdity. We’re committed to finding a path forward that resonates with both our audience and the creative team involved.”
As for Gerber, it’s clear that GRBR is their next big leap into the future of media, and they’re determined to leave behind anything that no longer aligns with their values. Whether or not they’ll return to acting—or if The Divorce Duck will ever be the same—is yet to be seen. But one thing is certain: Kai Gerber is ready to rewrite the rules of entertainment, one Gen Z-driven project at a time.
Stay tuned for updates on The Divorce Duck and the launch of GRBR as we continue to follow this evolving story.
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