Renée Zellweger (Judy) has closed a deal to reprise the role that brought her her first Oscar nomination in Universal Pictures and Working Title’s Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Deadline has learned.
Others set to return in the film, from director Michael Morris (To Leslie), include Hugh Grant (Wonka) and Emma Thompson. Newcomers to the cast will include Chiwetel Ejiofor (Rob Peace) and Leo Woodall (The White Lotus).
Based on the beloved novels from Helen Fielding, and a previous column she wrote as the title character for The Independent, the rom-com franchise Bridget Jones centers on Zellweger’s endearing yet perpetually single character of the same name, examining her relationships with the dashing Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), and the roguish Daniel Cleaver (Grant), among others. The original film adaptation, Bridget Jones’s Diary, was released in 2001, with follow-ups Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason...
Others set to return in the film, from director Michael Morris (To Leslie), include Hugh Grant (Wonka) and Emma Thompson. Newcomers to the cast will include Chiwetel Ejiofor (Rob Peace) and Leo Woodall (The White Lotus).
Based on the beloved novels from Helen Fielding, and a previous column she wrote as the title character for The Independent, the rom-com franchise Bridget Jones centers on Zellweger’s endearing yet perpetually single character of the same name, examining her relationships with the dashing Mark Darcy (Colin Firth), and the roguish Daniel Cleaver (Grant), among others. The original film adaptation, Bridget Jones’s Diary, was released in 2001, with follow-ups Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason...
- 4/9/2024
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
In Netflix’s new 10-part series Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, filmmakers tried to tell the story of one of America’s most gruesome serial murdererers “as authentically as we could”, according to the show’s star Evan Peters.
“It felt important to be respectful to the victims, to the victims’ families,” said Peters in a promotional video posted to Twitter.
“You need to have certain plot points because he did do these things, but you don’t need to embellish them. You know we get it, we don’t need to see it over and over again.”
That lofty sentiment was skewered by Rita Isbell, the sister of Dahmer’s 11th victim Errol Lindsey, whose courtroom confrontation with her brother’s murderer in 1992 was recreated frame-by-frame from news footage for The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
In an essay for Insider, Ms Isbell said she was not even consulted prior to the secretive project being released,...
“It felt important to be respectful to the victims, to the victims’ families,” said Peters in a promotional video posted to Twitter.
“You need to have certain plot points because he did do these things, but you don’t need to embellish them. You know we get it, we don’t need to see it over and over again.”
That lofty sentiment was skewered by Rita Isbell, the sister of Dahmer’s 11th victim Errol Lindsey, whose courtroom confrontation with her brother’s murderer in 1992 was recreated frame-by-frame from news footage for The Jeffrey Dahmer Story.
In an essay for Insider, Ms Isbell said she was not even consulted prior to the secretive project being released,...
- 9/29/2022
- by Bevan Hurley
- The Independent - TV
The Best Movie/Limited Actress race at the 2022 Emmys is so competitive that six of Hollywood’s top leading ladies are fighting just to be nominated. Our current odds have Amanda Seyfried (“The Dropout”), Margaret Qualley (“Maid”), Jessica Chastain (“Scenes from a Marriage”), Lily James (“Pam and Tommy”), Julia Garner (“Inventing Anna”) and Julia Roberts (“Gaslit”) taking the six slots available. But which former Oscar nominees (or winners) could play spoiler when nominations are revealed on July 12? There are six within striking distance.
Viola Davis is in seventh position for her portrayal of Michelle Obama in Showtime’s “The First Lady.” There are 10 experts currently predicting Davis will be nominated, along with three editors, four of our Top 24 users and six All-Stars. She won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Fences” (2016) and was nominated on three other occasions for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020) “The Help” (2011) and “Doubt” (2008). The Academy...
Viola Davis is in seventh position for her portrayal of Michelle Obama in Showtime’s “The First Lady.” There are 10 experts currently predicting Davis will be nominated, along with three editors, four of our Top 24 users and six All-Stars. She won a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for “Fences” (2016) and was nominated on three other occasions for “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom” (2020) “The Help” (2011) and “Doubt” (2008). The Academy...
- 7/4/2022
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
This year’s Best Movie/Limited Actress Emmy race is shaping up to be one for the record books, with a strong showing of actresses depicting real-life women in contention. Looking at Gold Derby’s combined odds, 11 of the top 15 spots are taken by performers who are playing such true-to-name nonfiction characters. If we broaden this definition to include characters who are merely inspired by living people, that number changes to 13.
Trending in the top spot, we have Amanda Seyfried portraying Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes in Hulu’s “The Dropout.” Television critic Lucy Mangan with The Guardian refers to Seyfried’s performance as “hugely skillful,” going on to say, “Seyfried makes it all work and keeps our attention – even our sympathy.” The actress is also riding high fresh off of her first Oscar nomination for her performance in 2020’s “Mank,” which can often boost a performer’s Emmy chances.
Following closely behind is Margaret Qualley,...
Trending in the top spot, we have Amanda Seyfried portraying Theranos CEO Elizabeth Holmes in Hulu’s “The Dropout.” Television critic Lucy Mangan with The Guardian refers to Seyfried’s performance as “hugely skillful,” going on to say, “Seyfried makes it all work and keeps our attention – even our sympathy.” The actress is also riding high fresh off of her first Oscar nomination for her performance in 2020’s “Mank,” which can often boost a performer’s Emmy chances.
Following closely behind is Margaret Qualley,...
- 6/29/2022
- by Hunter K. Taylor and Marcus James Dixon
- Gold Derby
Renée Zellweger has been justly celebrated for her astonishingly transformative performance as Midwestern murderer Pam Hupp in the NBC series “The Thing About Pam,” but the key to the show’s greatness lies in the fact that the entire supporting cast is worthy of sharing the screen with her. Showrunner Jenny Klein’s vision for the series, which has the breadth of an Altman-esque ensemble piece with the penetrating complexity of a deep-dive character study, demanded that every role from the day players on up be played with precision, empathy, and wit — all while respecting the gravity of the real-life tragedies being depicted.
“I’ve been in this position [of casting true stories] a couple of times, and I do think there are added responsibilities and challenges,” casting director Terri Taylor told IndieWire. “It goes beyond physical resemblance, because you don’t want to just cast a lookalike. You want to be able to...
“I’ve been in this position [of casting true stories] a couple of times, and I do think there are added responsibilities and challenges,” casting director Terri Taylor told IndieWire. “It goes beyond physical resemblance, because you don’t want to just cast a lookalike. You want to be able to...
- 6/22/2022
- by Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
Combining tragedy and absurdity in the same television show without diluting either aspect is a tall order. In that regard, NBC’s limited series “The Thing About Pam” achieves something extraordinary: It tells its true story with sensitivity and poignancy while simultaneously being raucous and hilarious. In bringing the stranger-than-fiction tale of Midwestern murderer Pam Hupp (Renée Zellweger) to life, the filmmakers combined scrupulous research with a meticulously crafted and psychologically expressive visual design to create a tone unlike anything else on television.
For showrunner Jenny Klein, the trick was juxtaposing Pam’s bizarre personality with an awareness of the real and immense pain caused by her actions. “We went into the show with the knowledge that we needed to balance this story that’s so disturbing and tragic with the totally absurd details that come from Pam’s over-the-top behavior,” she said. While Pam is the story’s focus,...
For showrunner Jenny Klein, the trick was juxtaposing Pam’s bizarre personality with an awareness of the real and immense pain caused by her actions. “We went into the show with the knowledge that we needed to balance this story that’s so disturbing and tragic with the totally absurd details that come from Pam’s over-the-top behavior,” she said. While Pam is the story’s focus,...
- 6/15/2022
- by Jim Hemphill
- Indiewire
Hair and makeup artists are at it again, transforming actors into real-life characters. From the sublime to complete, Jared Leto, Jessica Biel, Lily James, Sebastian Stan and Renée Zellweger were among those being trans- formed and techniques including 3D scans of the artist are de rigueur now.
Suits, enhancements and a lot of prosthetics went into helping actors disappear into their parts.
Leto is no stranger to the art of transformation. Last year, he vanished under layers of prosthetics to play Paolo Gucci in Ridley Scott’s “House of Gucci.” For “WeCrashed” on Apple TV+, Leto worked with Kazu Hiro, who helped him become WeWorked founder Adam Neumann.
Hiro, who has won Oscars for his makeup and hairstyling turn- ing Gary Oldman into Winston Churchill for “Darkest Hour” and again for Charlize Theron into Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly for “Bombshell,” it’s all about sculpting techniques. His challenge...
Suits, enhancements and a lot of prosthetics went into helping actors disappear into their parts.
Leto is no stranger to the art of transformation. Last year, he vanished under layers of prosthetics to play Paolo Gucci in Ridley Scott’s “House of Gucci.” For “WeCrashed” on Apple TV+, Leto worked with Kazu Hiro, who helped him become WeWorked founder Adam Neumann.
Hiro, who has won Oscars for his makeup and hairstyling turn- ing Gary Oldman into Winston Churchill for “Darkest Hour” and again for Charlize Theron into Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly for “Bombshell,” it’s all about sculpting techniques. His challenge...
- 5/26/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
“I’m probably a nosey neighbor,” admits Judy Greer, who plays District Attorney Leah Askey in the NBC limited series “The Thing About Pam.” “I hope my neighbors I love aren’t listening to this. But I’m always like, the idea that you could be living next door to someone like this! That was what’s so crazy. I was quickly obsessed.” Watch the exclusive video interview above.
“The Thing About Pam” is based on the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria that resulted in her husband, Russ’ conviction. This brutal crime set off a chain of events that would expose a diabolical scheme deeply involving Pam Hupp, played by Oscar winner Renée Zellweger.
See Renee Zellweger (‘The Thing About Pam’) on ‘escalating absurdities’ that drew her to 1st network TV show
“I’ve played some dead people, but never living people,” Greer explains about portraying a real person. “I was...
“The Thing About Pam” is based on the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria that resulted in her husband, Russ’ conviction. This brutal crime set off a chain of events that would expose a diabolical scheme deeply involving Pam Hupp, played by Oscar winner Renée Zellweger.
See Renee Zellweger (‘The Thing About Pam’) on ‘escalating absurdities’ that drew her to 1st network TV show
“I’ve played some dead people, but never living people,” Greer explains about portraying a real person. “I was...
- 5/25/2022
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Judy Greer admits seeing Renée Zellweger for the first time in full makeup, prosthetics and wardrobe as convicted murderer Pam Hupp while shooting “The Thing About Pam” presented a a unique set of challenges.
“We both looked at each other and started laughing,” Greer, who plays controversial prosecutor Leah Askey in the true-crime series, said Wednesday at the NBCU FYC House in Hollywood during a panel moderated by yours truly. “And then she told me not to make her laugh because her face would fall off.”
Asked if her face ever did “fall off,” Zellweger laughed, “Yes.”
Zellweger revealed the prosthetics did cause her to break out in a rash. “The rash didn’t go away. It was itchy,” she said, laughing.
Even so, she the two-time Oscar winner said, “Are there every too many prosthetics? I don’t think so. What a cool process. I didn’t know anything about that stuff…...
“We both looked at each other and started laughing,” Greer, who plays controversial prosecutor Leah Askey in the true-crime series, said Wednesday at the NBCU FYC House in Hollywood during a panel moderated by yours truly. “And then she told me not to make her laugh because her face would fall off.”
Asked if her face ever did “fall off,” Zellweger laughed, “Yes.”
Zellweger revealed the prosthetics did cause her to break out in a rash. “The rash didn’t go away. It was itchy,” she said, laughing.
Even so, she the two-time Oscar winner said, “Are there every too many prosthetics? I don’t think so. What a cool process. I didn’t know anything about that stuff…...
- 5/19/2022
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
The NBC limited series The Thing About Pam, starring Renée Zellweger, concluded its run on Tuesday, April 13, but has clearly made its mark for the network as its top-rated new series of the 2021-2022 season.
The show centers on the 2011 murder of State Farm employee Betsy Faria, which resulted in her husband Russ’s conviction, although he insisted he didn’t kill her and was later exonerated. This brutal crime set off a chain of events that would expose a diabolical scheme deeply involving Pam Hupp (Zellweger).
The series premiered in March and its opening episode performed decently with a 0.4 rating in the 18-49 demo and 2.79 million viewers. Since then, the episode jumped up to a 4.24 in the demo and tallied 14 million viewers – a 5x audience increase – across live, delayed and digital viewing, according to the network. The company also said that the pilot marked NBC’s best digital launch ever.
The show centers on the 2011 murder of State Farm employee Betsy Faria, which resulted in her husband Russ’s conviction, although he insisted he didn’t kill her and was later exonerated. This brutal crime set off a chain of events that would expose a diabolical scheme deeply involving Pam Hupp (Zellweger).
The series premiered in March and its opening episode performed decently with a 0.4 rating in the 18-49 demo and 2.79 million viewers. Since then, the episode jumped up to a 4.24 in the demo and tallied 14 million viewers – a 5x audience increase – across live, delayed and digital viewing, according to the network. The company also said that the pilot marked NBC’s best digital launch ever.
- 4/27/2022
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
“This escalating series of absurdities just kept leading to the same question: How?” proclaims two-time Oscar winner Renée Zellweger while discussing the NBC limited series in which she starred and executive produced. “The Thing About Pam” is a six episode true crime story detailing the involvement of Pam Hupp in the 2011 murder of her friend, Betsy Faria. Watch the exclusive video interview with Zellweger above.
See Jenny Klein (‘The Thing About Pam’ showrunner) on the ‘craziest story you’ve ever heard’ and ‘dream’ partnership with Renee Zellweger
Following her Oscar-winning turn as Judy Garland in “Judy,” Zellweger admits she wanted to do something totally different. “I wanted to play in a different sphere,” she says. “As a person I just found her fascinating. She’s so much more audacious than I am. There are certain qualities she possesses that intrigue me. I thought it would be interesting to explore those things.
See Jenny Klein (‘The Thing About Pam’ showrunner) on the ‘craziest story you’ve ever heard’ and ‘dream’ partnership with Renee Zellweger
Following her Oscar-winning turn as Judy Garland in “Judy,” Zellweger admits she wanted to do something totally different. “I wanted to play in a different sphere,” she says. “As a person I just found her fascinating. She’s so much more audacious than I am. There are certain qualities she possesses that intrigue me. I thought it would be interesting to explore those things.
- 4/20/2022
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
Exclusive: Deadline has the first pair of exclusive tracks from Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli’s score for The Thing About Pam, which is set for release via Milan Records on April 15, following the airing of the NBC true-crime ratings hit’s finale.
The Blumhouse Television-produced limited series centers on the 2011 murder of State Farm employee Betsy Faria (Katy Mixon), which resulted in her husband Russ’s (Glenn Fleshler) conviction, although he insisted he didn’t kill her and was later exonerated. This brutal crime set off a chain of events that would expose a diabolical scheme deeply involving Faria’s supposed friend, Pam Hupp (Renée Zellweger).
From Belousova and Ostinelli’s perspective, Pam is someone who “tromps through town like a predatory larger-than-life force that will crush anything that comes her way.”
The show’s main theme, “The Thing About Pam,” is billed as “a motif combined with a predatory march,...
The Blumhouse Television-produced limited series centers on the 2011 murder of State Farm employee Betsy Faria (Katy Mixon), which resulted in her husband Russ’s (Glenn Fleshler) conviction, although he insisted he didn’t kill her and was later exonerated. This brutal crime set off a chain of events that would expose a diabolical scheme deeply involving Faria’s supposed friend, Pam Hupp (Renée Zellweger).
From Belousova and Ostinelli’s perspective, Pam is someone who “tromps through town like a predatory larger-than-life force that will crush anything that comes her way.”
The show’s main theme, “The Thing About Pam,” is billed as “a motif combined with a predatory march,...
- 4/14/2022
- by Matt Grobar
- Deadline Film + TV
Jenny Klein grew up in the Midwest watching “Dateline” with her mother, but she never imagined one day becoming the showrunner, executive producer and writer for a limited series based on the NBC News show. “The Thing About Pam” stars two-time Oscar winner Renée Zellweger and details the involvement of Pam Hupp in the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria. Watch the exclusive video interview with Klein above.
“This actual story of Pam Hupp and the podcast came to my attention through Blumhouse,” Klein explains. “I had done a show with them before. Blumhouse, Renée and NBC News had all partnered to bring this story to the limited series sphere. Blumhouse was like, ‘Jenny this is the craziest story you’ve ever heard, we think you’re gonna love it.’ And of course I did.”
See our dozens of interviews with 2022 Emmy contenders
One of the perks of joining the project was working with the series’ star,...
“This actual story of Pam Hupp and the podcast came to my attention through Blumhouse,” Klein explains. “I had done a show with them before. Blumhouse, Renée and NBC News had all partnered to bring this story to the limited series sphere. Blumhouse was like, ‘Jenny this is the craziest story you’ve ever heard, we think you’re gonna love it.’ And of course I did.”
See our dozens of interviews with 2022 Emmy contenders
One of the perks of joining the project was working with the series’ star,...
- 4/13/2022
- by Denton Davidson
- Gold Derby
[Warning: The below contains Major spoilers for The Thing About Pam series finale, “She’s A Killer.”] Whether or not you enjoyed NBC’s six-part dramatized take on Pam Hupp, Renée Zellweger’s performance in The Thing About Pam has to stand out. In fact, it wouldn’t be surprising if she ended up with an Emmy nomination as a result. The series offered a look at the murder of Betsy Faria (Katy Mixon in the series), for which Betty’s husband Russ (Glenn Fleshler) was convicted, despite his claims of innocence. He was later exonerated. The crime led to a chain of events that ultimately ended with Pam (Zellweger) in prison — and in showrunner Jenny Klein’s take, a meta conclusion that saw her watching the series. It’s a story that became popular after several episodes of Dateline NBC were dedicated to it, as well as a 2019 podcast. Real footage of Pam played over the closing credits,...
- 4/13/2022
- TV Insider
[Warning: The below contains Major spoilers for The Thing About Pam series finale.] As NBC’s dramatized six-episode limited series The Thing About Pam wraps up, it embraces its meta side. In the series finale, Pam Hupp (Renée Zellweger) is finally caught out after attempting to stage an attack in her home, only for a detective to take a closer look at the supposed intruder’s death. With her neck bandaged — after she stabbed herself with a pen she snatched from the interrogation room — Pam pleads guilty. However, it’s an Alford plea, meaning she’s acknowledging there’s enough evidence to convict her but not admitting to committing the offenses. Therefore, murder victim Louis Gumpenberger’s family doesn’t see her stand trial. “We wanted this episode to be filled with dread all the way through every second, but where it’s so incredibly tense that you can’t look away,” showrunner Jenny Klein tells TV...
- 4/13/2022
- TV Insider
Take a look at new images of Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger, now starring in the TV series “The Thing About Pam”, posing for the latest issue of "Harper's Bazaar" magazine, photographed by Mel Bles:
Following minor roles in “Dazed and Confused” (1993) and “Reality Bites” (1994), her first starring role was in the exploitation feature “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation” (1994).
This was followed by starring roles in the romantic comedy “Jerry Maguire” (1996), the drama “One True Thing” (1998) and the black comedy “Nurse Betty” (2000).
She played ‘Bridget Jones’ in the romantic comedy “Bridget Jones's Diary” (2001) and ‘Roxie Hart’ in the musical “Chicago” (2002).
Zellweger won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ in “Cold Mountain” (2003), followed by “Cinderella Man” (2005).
She reprised her role as Jones in the sequel “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” (2004) and “Bridget Jones's Baby” (2016).
In 2019, Zellweger starred in her first major television role in the Netflix series “What/If...
Following minor roles in “Dazed and Confused” (1993) and “Reality Bites” (1994), her first starring role was in the exploitation feature “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation” (1994).
This was followed by starring roles in the romantic comedy “Jerry Maguire” (1996), the drama “One True Thing” (1998) and the black comedy “Nurse Betty” (2000).
She played ‘Bridget Jones’ in the romantic comedy “Bridget Jones's Diary” (2001) and ‘Roxie Hart’ in the musical “Chicago” (2002).
Zellweger won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ in “Cold Mountain” (2003), followed by “Cinderella Man” (2005).
She reprised her role as Jones in the sequel “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” (2004) and “Bridget Jones's Baby” (2016).
In 2019, Zellweger starred in her first major television role in the Netflix series “What/If...
- 4/12/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
With one episode left in its season, “The Thing About Pam” has seen viewership numbers rise each week while enthralling viewers with a stranger-than-fiction true crime story. The NBC limited series stars Oscar winner Renée Zellweger in a transformative performance as the title character, Pam Hupp, and is certain to get Emmy voters chattering.
See Renee Zellweger could add Emmy to awards collection for transformation in ‘The Thing About Pam’
The series details the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria, which resulted in her husband Russ’ conviction. When his conviction was overturned, the crime set off a chain of events that exposed a diabolical scheme involving Faria’s friend, Pam. The limited series is based on coverage from “Dateline NBC” and is titled after the “Dateline” podcast.
“The Thing About Pam” would become the first major player in the limited series category for NBC since the turn of the century. The network won in 1996 for “Gulliver’s Travels.
See Renee Zellweger could add Emmy to awards collection for transformation in ‘The Thing About Pam’
The series details the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria, which resulted in her husband Russ’ conviction. When his conviction was overturned, the crime set off a chain of events that exposed a diabolical scheme involving Faria’s friend, Pam. The limited series is based on coverage from “Dateline NBC” and is titled after the “Dateline” podcast.
“The Thing About Pam” would become the first major player in the limited series category for NBC since the turn of the century. The network won in 1996 for “Gulliver’s Travels.
- 4/8/2022
- by Vincent Mandile
- Gold Derby
Some of the best actresses in Hollywood are excelling in both film and television these days. Oscar-winning stars like Jessica Chastain, Olivia Colman and Renee Zellweger are proving that the line between the two mediums is blurrier than ever. All three of these recent Best Actress winners are leading new miniseries that could land them Emmy nominations for Best Limited Series/TV Movie Actress.
Fresh off her Oscar win for “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” Chastain may be in the Emmy running for the first time thanks to her performance in HBO’s “Scenes from a Marriage.” The modern retelling of Ingmar Bergman‘s classic miniseries stars Chastain and Oscar Isaac as a couple whose marriage is gradually falling apart. Both received stellar reviews, which could result in his and hers Emmy bids this summer.
Colman, who just received her third Oscar nomination in four years with “The Lost Daughter...
Fresh off her Oscar win for “The Eyes of Tammy Faye,” Chastain may be in the Emmy running for the first time thanks to her performance in HBO’s “Scenes from a Marriage.” The modern retelling of Ingmar Bergman‘s classic miniseries stars Chastain and Oscar Isaac as a couple whose marriage is gradually falling apart. Both received stellar reviews, which could result in his and hers Emmy bids this summer.
Colman, who just received her third Oscar nomination in four years with “The Lost Daughter...
- 4/6/2022
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
In our Q&a series Last Call, we get down to the bottom of every last thing with some of our favorite celebs - from the last time they were starstruck to the last song they listened to. This week, Gideon Adlon takes our call.
NBC's "The Thing About Pam" explores the real-life 2011 murder of Betsy Faria. Based on the "Dateline" podcast of the same name, the series stars Renée Zellweger as convicted murderer Pam Hupp; Glenn Fleshler as Betsy's husband, Russ Faria; Josh Duhamel as criminal defense lawyer Joel Schwartz; Judy Greer as Lincoln County prosecutor Leah Askey; and Gideon Adlon as Betsy and Russ's 17-year-old daughter, Mariah Day.
You may recognize Adlon from 2020's "The Craft," in which she starred as Frankie. Adlon's previous projects also include Netflix's "Pacific Rim: The Black," Netflix's "The Society, and 2018's "Blockers." But her latest project is quite the departure from her previous roles,...
NBC's "The Thing About Pam" explores the real-life 2011 murder of Betsy Faria. Based on the "Dateline" podcast of the same name, the series stars Renée Zellweger as convicted murderer Pam Hupp; Glenn Fleshler as Betsy's husband, Russ Faria; Josh Duhamel as criminal defense lawyer Joel Schwartz; Judy Greer as Lincoln County prosecutor Leah Askey; and Gideon Adlon as Betsy and Russ's 17-year-old daughter, Mariah Day.
You may recognize Adlon from 2020's "The Craft," in which she starred as Frankie. Adlon's previous projects also include Netflix's "Pacific Rim: The Black," Netflix's "The Society, and 2018's "Blockers." But her latest project is quite the departure from her previous roles,...
- 4/4/2022
- by Monica Sisavat
- Popsugar.com
Renée Zellweger has returned for her first role following her Oscar-winning turn as Judy Garland in “Judy.” The actress transforms into another real-life figure in the new NBC limited series “The Thing About Pam,” the stranger-than-fiction story of Pam Hupp, a Missouri woman who was eventually charged with murdering her best friend, Betsy Faria. The six-part series explores Pam’s involvement in framing Betsy’s husband for the murder, how she established alibis for herself and all the unexpected twists in the case.
See The Emmy race for limited series/TV movie actor belongs to the men of the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Much like her work in “Judy,” Zellweger’s appearance is heavily altered to become Hupp. She sports face prosthetics and body padding to more accurately resemble her character, making her almost unrecognizable. She also speaks with a thick Missouri accent, complementing the show’s darkly comedic tone that evokes “Fargo.
See The Emmy race for limited series/TV movie actor belongs to the men of the Marvel Cinematic Universe
Much like her work in “Judy,” Zellweger’s appearance is heavily altered to become Hupp. She sports face prosthetics and body padding to more accurately resemble her character, making her almost unrecognizable. She also speaks with a thick Missouri accent, complementing the show’s darkly comedic tone that evokes “Fargo.
- 4/2/2022
- by Kevin Jacobsen
- Gold Derby
Take a look at new images of two-time Oscar-winning actress Renée Zellweger, now starring in the TV series “The Thing About Pam”, posing for the latest issue of "Harper's Bazaar" magazine, photographed by Mel Bles:
Following minor roles in “Dazed and Confused” (1993) and “Reality Bites” (1994), her first starring role was in the exploitation feature “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation” (1994).
This was followed by starring roles in the romantic comedy “Jerry Maguire” (1996), the drama “One True Thing” (1998) and the black comedy “Nurse Betty” (2000).
She played ‘Bridget Jones’ in the romantic comedy “Bridget Jones's Diary” (2001) and ‘Roxie Hart’ in the musical “Chicago” (2002).
Zellweger won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ in “Cold Mountain” (2003), followed by “Cinderella Man” (2005).
She reprised her role as Jones in the sequel “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” (2004) and “Bridget Jones's Baby” (2016).
In 2019, Zellweger starred in her first major television role in the Netflix series...
Following minor roles in “Dazed and Confused” (1993) and “Reality Bites” (1994), her first starring role was in the exploitation feature “Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation” (1994).
This was followed by starring roles in the romantic comedy “Jerry Maguire” (1996), the drama “One True Thing” (1998) and the black comedy “Nurse Betty” (2000).
She played ‘Bridget Jones’ in the romantic comedy “Bridget Jones's Diary” (2001) and ‘Roxie Hart’ in the musical “Chicago” (2002).
Zellweger won the ‘Academy Award’ for ‘Best Supporting Actress’ in “Cold Mountain” (2003), followed by “Cinderella Man” (2005).
She reprised her role as Jones in the sequel “Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason” (2004) and “Bridget Jones's Baby” (2016).
In 2019, Zellweger starred in her first major television role in the Netflix series...
- 4/1/2022
- by Unknown
- SneakPeek
Looking to fill you evenings with crime shows? From NBC’s fictionalized take on Pam Hupp with The Thing About Pam to more Court Cam, we have you covered: Snapped A new episode in the series that covers cases of women accused of murder: An Oregon woman manages to call 911 after being brutally stabbed by an intruder. In time, investigators tie her death to her ex’s new bride, who has a few things to hide. Among them: Is it possible the ex also had a hand in the horror? Sunday, April 3, 6/5c, Oxygen A&e Court Cam The Dan Abrams–hosted Candid Camera for crime fans kicks off Season 5 with some amazing security footage of an adult entertainer who shot up a Trump Hotel in Miami. After that, Cc’s 100th episode reveals what happens when a suspected murderer shows up in court and is suddenly attacked—by another suspected murderer!
- 3/30/2022
- TV Insider
Welcome to our weekly column Can’t Miss Episode of the Week! Every Saturday we’ll be spotlighting a different episode of television from that week that we thought was exceptional and a must-see. Check back to see if your favorite show got the nod — or to learn about a new one! Spoilers ahead. If you’re not yet sure how you feel about NBC’s new true-crime limited series The Thing About Pam, Episode 3 “She’s a Star Witness,” which aired on March 22, will get you hooked. Following the true story of how Pam Hupp (Renée Zellweger) allegedly murdered her friend Betsy Faria (Katy Mixon), and framed Betsy’s husband Russ (an effectively pitiable Glenn Fleshler) for it, this episode depicts Russ’s trial and the absolute insanity that went down at that courthouse. For a show about a murder, The Thing About Pam can be comical. The episode...
- 3/26/2022
- TV Insider
Renée Zellweger, who currently stars on NBC’s “The Thing About Pam,” has opened up about being encouraged to consume alcohol on previous sets early in her career.
In a cover story for Harper’s Bazaar, Zellweger revealed that film producers previously asked her to drink wine before nude scenes.
“There have been times I have been in, you know, on set, where a producer’s ready for me to go ahead and take my clothes off: ‘Here, drink this wine, ’cause then you’ll do it,'” Zellweger said. “And, you know, I’m not gonna take that wine, but I would like a phone. ’Cause I have a phone call I need to make right now.”
Back in 2001, Zellweger addressed her hesitation at nudity in films, telling Premiere (via Page Six) at the time that production on “Jerry Maguire” stopped after she objected to being topless.
“It’s...
In a cover story for Harper’s Bazaar, Zellweger revealed that film producers previously asked her to drink wine before nude scenes.
“There have been times I have been in, you know, on set, where a producer’s ready for me to go ahead and take my clothes off: ‘Here, drink this wine, ’cause then you’ll do it,'” Zellweger said. “And, you know, I’m not gonna take that wine, but I would like a phone. ’Cause I have a phone call I need to make right now.”
Back in 2001, Zellweger addressed her hesitation at nudity in films, telling Premiere (via Page Six) at the time that production on “Jerry Maguire” stopped after she objected to being topless.
“It’s...
- 3/25/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Pam Hupp, the real-life murderer played by Renee Zellweger in NBC’s “The Thing About Pam,” apparently had a habit of slurping her flavored soft drink from the local convenience store. It’s a recurring gag in the six-part series, and it even became part of its musical score.
Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli, the composing team whose music for “The Witcher” became a viral hit in early 2020, have spent the last five months coming up with unique sounds for “Pam,” which dramatizes a small-town Missouri murder in 2011 and the botched police investigation that followed.
“This is a true-crime, network show,” Ostinelli notes, “and there is a certain sound that goes with this. We needed to do something completely different.” Especially when showrunner Jenny Klein asked the composers for a theme that said “minimalistic, playful ‘Jaws,'” a reference to John Williams’ classic shark theme from 1975.
“Pam tromps through town...
Sonya Belousova and Giona Ostinelli, the composing team whose music for “The Witcher” became a viral hit in early 2020, have spent the last five months coming up with unique sounds for “Pam,” which dramatizes a small-town Missouri murder in 2011 and the botched police investigation that followed.
“This is a true-crime, network show,” Ostinelli notes, “and there is a certain sound that goes with this. We needed to do something completely different.” Especially when showrunner Jenny Klein asked the composers for a theme that said “minimalistic, playful ‘Jaws,'” a reference to John Williams’ classic shark theme from 1975.
“Pam tromps through town...
- 3/23/2022
- by Jon Burlingame
- Variety Film + TV
Things are starting to look bleak for Renée Zellweger. Well, Renée Zellweger's version of Pam Hupp, at least. Pam's friend Minnie (Patricia French) tells her that she's been contacted regarding Pam's alleged role in the murder of Betsy Faria, in this exclusive clip from the March 22 episode of The Thing About Pam. "He called me," Minnie says. "He wanted to know if your car was in the driveway the night Betsy was killed." "You know it was," Pam says convincingly. "I know, that's what I told him," Minnie says. "But I didn't see it exactly because I was watching The Biggest Loser." Oh, Minnie. You should...
- 3/22/2022
- E! Online
The series premiere of NBC’s Renée Zellweger-led limited series “The Thing About Pam” has increased its key demo rating by nearly 400% when counting a week’s worth of delayed and digital viewing, Variety has learned exclusively.
The debut episode of the Blumhouse Television-produced show, which aired at 10 p.m. on March 8, initially managed a 0.4 rating among adults 18-49 and 2.9 million total viewers in Live + Same Day Nielsen data.
When adding in seven days of delayed viewing across linear and DVR, plus digital platforms Hulu, NBC.com, the NBC app and Peacock, “The Thing About Pam” series premiere jumped to a 1.93 demo rating (up 387%) and 8.7 million viewers (+205%).
From the initial live + same day viewing, the first episode is up 387% in the demo (0.40 vs. 1.93) and up 205% in total viewers (2.9 million vs. 8.7 million).
Per NBC, “The Thing About Pam” is the top digital premiere on Peacock for any NBC show through...
The debut episode of the Blumhouse Television-produced show, which aired at 10 p.m. on March 8, initially managed a 0.4 rating among adults 18-49 and 2.9 million total viewers in Live + Same Day Nielsen data.
When adding in seven days of delayed viewing across linear and DVR, plus digital platforms Hulu, NBC.com, the NBC app and Peacock, “The Thing About Pam” series premiere jumped to a 1.93 demo rating (up 387%) and 8.7 million viewers (+205%).
From the initial live + same day viewing, the first episode is up 387% in the demo (0.40 vs. 1.93) and up 205% in total viewers (2.9 million vs. 8.7 million).
Per NBC, “The Thing About Pam” is the top digital premiere on Peacock for any NBC show through...
- 3/21/2022
- by Jennifer Maas
- Variety Film + TV
Morally compromised women seem to be everywhere on the small screen, as performers dig into juicy roles full of questionable behavior on the part of real-life characters. Says Jenny Klein, showrunner of NBC’s “The Thing About Pam”: “One of the core questions of the show is, how could something like this happen?” The same might be said about the misdeeds of each of these shady ladies.
Anna Delvey
Portrayed by: Julia Garner
Show: “Inventing Anna,” a Netflix series from Shonda Rhimes that debuted Feb. 11
Misdeeds: Delvey pretended to be a German heiress and served time for swindling New York elites.
Backstory: Garner earned praise for her distinctive accent; Delvey awaits deportation for overstaying her visa after being paroled.
Elizabeth Holmes
Portrayed by: Amanda Seyfried
Show: “The Dropout,” a Hulu series that debuted March 3
Misdeeds: The Stanford dropout and Theranos founder defrauded investors and endangered the health of patients...
Anna Delvey
Portrayed by: Julia Garner
Show: “Inventing Anna,” a Netflix series from Shonda Rhimes that debuted Feb. 11
Misdeeds: Delvey pretended to be a German heiress and served time for swindling New York elites.
Backstory: Garner earned praise for her distinctive accent; Delvey awaits deportation for overstaying her visa after being paroled.
Elizabeth Holmes
Portrayed by: Amanda Seyfried
Show: “The Dropout,” a Hulu series that debuted March 3
Misdeeds: The Stanford dropout and Theranos founder defrauded investors and endangered the health of patients...
- 3/12/2022
- by Diane Garrett
- Variety Film + TV
We're doing so many double-takes that we're getting whiplash! NBC's The Thing About Pam—which follows the stranger-than-fiction murder of Betsy Faria—premiered March 8 on NBC. And now, we're taking a look at how the cast compares to the actual people that they portray. The Renée Zellweger-led true crime series, which also stars Josh Duhamel, Judy Greer, Katy Mixon and Glenn Fleshler—is based on Dateline's coverage of the murder of Betsy Faria in her home in 2011 "for which her husband Russell was convicted in 2013," Zellweger explained in an E! News interview. The Oscar winner stars as Pam Hupp, a pal of Betsy who was not all...
- 3/11/2022
- E! Online
Renée Zellweger and showrunner Jenny Klein gathered on Monday at the chic Whitby Hotel in New York City to fete the release of their NBC series “The Thing About Pam.”
In “The Thing About Pam,” a limited series based on the viral “Dateline” episode and true crime podcast of the same name, Zellweger plays Pam Hupp, a sadistic, yet unassuming Missouri woman who was charged with the murder of her best friend Betsy after framing Betsy’s husband. But the real Hupp looks nothing like the two-time Oscar winner. When photos of the star’s unrecognizable transformation first surfaced last year, Zellweger, who served as executive producer, met backlash for the use of a “fat suit.”
But the subject of Zellweger’s transformation — arguably the foundation of “The Thing About Pam’s” comedic rhythm — barely surfaced Monday evening.
“Is Pam a difficult character to let go? On the last day,...
In “The Thing About Pam,” a limited series based on the viral “Dateline” episode and true crime podcast of the same name, Zellweger plays Pam Hupp, a sadistic, yet unassuming Missouri woman who was charged with the murder of her best friend Betsy after framing Betsy’s husband. But the real Hupp looks nothing like the two-time Oscar winner. When photos of the star’s unrecognizable transformation first surfaced last year, Zellweger, who served as executive producer, met backlash for the use of a “fat suit.”
But the subject of Zellweger’s transformation — arguably the foundation of “The Thing About Pam’s” comedic rhythm — barely surfaced Monday evening.
“Is Pam a difficult character to let go? On the last day,...
- 3/11/2022
- by Michael Appler
- Variety Film + TV
NBC's new true-crime series "The Thing About Pam" tells the true story of the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria by her "friend" Pam Hupp. When viewers tuned in for the premiere episode on March 8, people wondered who was narrating the series. As it turns out, the narrator is none other than Keith Morrison. Morrison has been a correspondent for NBC's "Dateline" since 1995, and his inclusion in the show is a fun nod to the "Dateline" origins of "The Thing About Pam."
Renée Zellweger stars as Hupp, and the whole series is based on a "Dateline" podcast about the disturbing case that ultimately left two people dead. Betsy's husband, Russ Faria, was originally convicted of her murder in 2013, partially due to a testimony from Hupp claiming he was an abusive husband to Betsy. Russ served almost two years in prison before his lawyers were able to get him a retrial, where...
Renée Zellweger stars as Hupp, and the whole series is based on a "Dateline" podcast about the disturbing case that ultimately left two people dead. Betsy's husband, Russ Faria, was originally convicted of her murder in 2013, partially due to a testimony from Hupp claiming he was an abusive husband to Betsy. Russ served almost two years in prison before his lawyers were able to get him a retrial, where...
- 3/9/2022
- by Victoria Edel
- Popsugar.com
ABC’s The Bachelor and CBS’ FBI were the standouts for Tuesday primetime, which also featured season finales and a series premiere for NBC.
The Bachelor with its dramatic Fantasy Suites episode was the highest-rated program of Tuesday evening, earning a 0.7 in the 18-49 demo rating and 3.37 million viewers, per fast affiliates. The Bachelor returns next week for yet another two-night event, leading up to the Season 26 finale.
FBI was the night’s most-watched program. After opting for a repeat amid State of the Union coverage last week, FBI was steady with the preceding non-repeat broadcast two weeks ago.
Excluding The Bachelor, FBI was the highest-rated program of the 8 p.m. hour, besting The Resident, Superman & Lois and the finales of NBC freshmen American Auto and Grand Crew. American Auto, the latest workplace comedy from The Office writer-producer Justin Spitzer, was down from two...
The Bachelor with its dramatic Fantasy Suites episode was the highest-rated program of Tuesday evening, earning a 0.7 in the 18-49 demo rating and 3.37 million viewers, per fast affiliates. The Bachelor returns next week for yet another two-night event, leading up to the Season 26 finale.
FBI was the night’s most-watched program. After opting for a repeat amid State of the Union coverage last week, FBI was steady with the preceding non-repeat broadcast two weeks ago.
Excluding The Bachelor, FBI was the highest-rated program of the 8 p.m. hour, besting The Resident, Superman & Lois and the finales of NBC freshmen American Auto and Grand Crew. American Auto, the latest workplace comedy from The Office writer-producer Justin Spitzer, was down from two...
- 3/9/2022
- by Alexandra Del Rosario
- Deadline Film + TV
Renée Zellweger is known for her incredible acting range and versatility, playing both fictional characters and real-life people throughout her career. The actress is now back on screen as Pam Hupp in "The Thing About Pam," a true story about the criminal behind a heinous murder.
NBC's "The Thing About Pam" is based on the Dateline podcasts by the same name, which investigated the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria. Following Faria's murder, her husband, Russ Faria, was convicted of the crime in 2013 and nearly served two years in prison until his lawyer got him a retrial. With new evidence and more attention on Faria's friend, Pam Hupp, Russ was exonerated in 2015. But what did Hupp have to do with this murder?
If you're curious about the unbelievable true story behind "The Thing About Pam," here is everything to know about the case.
How Did Pam Hupp and Betsy Faria Become Friends?...
NBC's "The Thing About Pam" is based on the Dateline podcasts by the same name, which investigated the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria. Following Faria's murder, her husband, Russ Faria, was convicted of the crime in 2013 and nearly served two years in prison until his lawyer got him a retrial. With new evidence and more attention on Faria's friend, Pam Hupp, Russ was exonerated in 2015. But what did Hupp have to do with this murder?
If you're curious about the unbelievable true story behind "The Thing About Pam," here is everything to know about the case.
How Did Pam Hupp and Betsy Faria Become Friends?...
- 3/9/2022
- by Alicia Geigel
- Popsugar.com
Renee Zellweger has joined the cast of the drama series ‘Avenger Field’ which is currently in development at Peacock.
The series tells the story of those that established a clandestine all-female US Airforce program called the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) to battle Hitler from home. Inspired by the true story of Wasp leader Jackie Cohran (Zellweger) and the diverse group of women who fought the system, sceptics and even sabotage to bring everyone home safely.
Susanna White will direct and executive produce. Zellweger will also executive produce with Carmella Casinelli under their Big Picture Co. banner. Steve Stark and Stacey Levin of Toluca Pictures, Emily Rose and Jill North of North Rose Pictures, and Connie Tavel also executive produce. Felicia D. Henderson is attached to serve as writer, showrunner, and executive producer.
Also in news – Fede Alvarez to direct new ‘Alien’ movie
Primarily known for her film files, earning...
The series tells the story of those that established a clandestine all-female US Airforce program called the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) to battle Hitler from home. Inspired by the true story of Wasp leader Jackie Cohran (Zellweger) and the diverse group of women who fought the system, sceptics and even sabotage to bring everyone home safely.
Susanna White will direct and executive produce. Zellweger will also executive produce with Carmella Casinelli under their Big Picture Co. banner. Steve Stark and Stacey Levin of Toluca Pictures, Emily Rose and Jill North of North Rose Pictures, and Connie Tavel also executive produce. Felicia D. Henderson is attached to serve as writer, showrunner, and executive producer.
Also in news – Fede Alvarez to direct new ‘Alien’ movie
Primarily known for her film files, earning...
- 3/9/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction, and in the case of unsuspecting convicted murderer Pam Hupp, the “truth” is just a web of fictions to begin with.
The twisted tale of two best friends in Troy, Missouri — that ended in the ultimate backstabbing for insurance money — is at the heart of NBC’s new limited series “The Thing About Pam,” premiering March 8. Two-time Oscar winner Renée Zellweger made headlines for her head-turning transformation into Hupp thanks to layers of prosthetics, and the star-studded ensemble cast including Judy Greer, Josh Duhamel, Katy Mixon, and Glenn Fleshler round out the very “Fargo”-esque series.
And all that quirky fourth-wall breaking is an intentional nod towards the Coen Brothers, showrunner Jenny Klein explained to the audience during a special advance screening and Q&a with fellow executive producer Zellweger Monday night in NYC, moderated by Happy Sad Confused podcast host Josh Horowitz.
The twisted tale of two best friends in Troy, Missouri — that ended in the ultimate backstabbing for insurance money — is at the heart of NBC’s new limited series “The Thing About Pam,” premiering March 8. Two-time Oscar winner Renée Zellweger made headlines for her head-turning transformation into Hupp thanks to layers of prosthetics, and the star-studded ensemble cast including Judy Greer, Josh Duhamel, Katy Mixon, and Glenn Fleshler round out the very “Fargo”-esque series.
And all that quirky fourth-wall breaking is an intentional nod towards the Coen Brothers, showrunner Jenny Klein explained to the audience during a special advance screening and Q&a with fellow executive producer Zellweger Monday night in NYC, moderated by Happy Sad Confused podcast host Josh Horowitz.
- 3/8/2022
- by Samantha Bergeson
- Indiewire
Renée Zellweger has lined up another TV role with NBCUniversal. Variety has learned exclusively that the actress is set to star in the drama “Avenger Field” that is in development at Peacock.
The one-hour drama series, which hails from MGM Television, tells the story of those that established a clandestine all female US Airforce program called the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) to battle Hitler from home. Inspired by the true story of Wasp leader Jackie Cohran (Zellweger) and the diverse group of women who fought the system, skeptics and even sabotage to bring everyone home safely.
Felicia D. Henderson is attached to serve as writer, showrunner, and executive producer via WaterWalk Entertainment. Susanna White will direct and executive produce. Zellweger will executive produce with Carmella Casinelli under their Big Picture Co. banner. Steve Stark and Stacey Levin of Toluca Pictures, Emily Rose and Jill North of North Rose Pictures,...
The one-hour drama series, which hails from MGM Television, tells the story of those that established a clandestine all female US Airforce program called the WASPs (Women Airforce Service Pilots) to battle Hitler from home. Inspired by the true story of Wasp leader Jackie Cohran (Zellweger) and the diverse group of women who fought the system, skeptics and even sabotage to bring everyone home safely.
Felicia D. Henderson is attached to serve as writer, showrunner, and executive producer via WaterWalk Entertainment. Susanna White will direct and executive produce. Zellweger will executive produce with Carmella Casinelli under their Big Picture Co. banner. Steve Stark and Stacey Levin of Toluca Pictures, Emily Rose and Jill North of North Rose Pictures,...
- 3/8/2022
- by Joe Otterson
- Variety Film + TV
Renee Zellweger’s transformation for “The Thing About Pam” may be incredible, but it was also pretty uncomfortable. The actress revealed Monday that she was actually very allergic to the adhesive used on the prosthetics she had to wear.
During an appearance on “The Tonight Show,” Zellweger discussed her new show, set to premiere on NBC tonight, and walked Jimmy Fallon through the long process of becoming Pam Hupp in the makeup chair. According to Zellweger, she only realized after the transformation was complete that she was having problems.
“By the time you get it on, you’re so excited, and you stand there and then you go ‘Oh wait. I think I’m allergic to this,'” she joked. “I was so allergic to the adhesive, it was hilarious. Y’all, lots of Benadryl. Lots of Benadryl.”
Zellweger noted that it initially took about four and a half hours to transform her into Hupp,...
During an appearance on “The Tonight Show,” Zellweger discussed her new show, set to premiere on NBC tonight, and walked Jimmy Fallon through the long process of becoming Pam Hupp in the makeup chair. According to Zellweger, she only realized after the transformation was complete that she was having problems.
“By the time you get it on, you’re so excited, and you stand there and then you go ‘Oh wait. I think I’m allergic to this,'” she joked. “I was so allergic to the adhesive, it was hilarious. Y’all, lots of Benadryl. Lots of Benadryl.”
Zellweger noted that it initially took about four and a half hours to transform her into Hupp,...
- 3/8/2022
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
When it comes to Pam Hupp — the small-town Missouri resident currently serving a life sentence for first-degree murder — no one thing defines her. And no one knows that better than the people at NBC. Just a periphery character in the 2014 “Dateline” report titled, “The House on Sumac Drive,” Hupp’s presence steadily grew as NBC News continued to investigate the death of Betsy Faria, resulting in four follow-up episodes over the next five years. The final entry, also titled “The Thing About Pam,” teed up “Dateline’s” first podcast, which is now the basis for NBC’s scripted limited series of the same name.
One could argue audiences can’t get enough of Hupp’s twisted tale — or, just as easily, that Jack Donaghy’s lessons in synergy have not been forgotten at the Peacock. Either way, the quantity of stories derived from one woman’s horrific actions necessitate varied takes on her motivation,...
One could argue audiences can’t get enough of Hupp’s twisted tale — or, just as easily, that Jack Donaghy’s lessons in synergy have not been forgotten at the Peacock. Either way, the quantity of stories derived from one woman’s horrific actions necessitate varied takes on her motivation,...
- 3/7/2022
- by Ben Travers
- Indiewire
It’s hard, at first, to see what drew Renée Zellweger to the lead role of “The Thing About Pam.”
Zellweger, in an attempt to resemble the real-life convicted murderer Pam Hupp, forces herself to act through a shroud of body prosthetics. The show’s writers have stripped away subtext, dimming Zellweger’s sparky comic timing. It’s only in the series’ third episode that a tie to Zellweger’s past work becomes clear: Rising to take the stand as a witness in a murder trial, Pam sees her name in lights. In the criminal-justice system, she’s found her own kind of stardom.
“Chicago” this isn’t — that movie allowed Zellweger to be as shrewd and sharp as her character was callous and oblivious. But “Pam,” a limited series based on Hupp’s true story, has this much in common with Zellweger’s famous musical role: It attempts to...
Zellweger, in an attempt to resemble the real-life convicted murderer Pam Hupp, forces herself to act through a shroud of body prosthetics. The show’s writers have stripped away subtext, dimming Zellweger’s sparky comic timing. It’s only in the series’ third episode that a tie to Zellweger’s past work becomes clear: Rising to take the stand as a witness in a murder trial, Pam sees her name in lights. In the criminal-justice system, she’s found her own kind of stardom.
“Chicago” this isn’t — that movie allowed Zellweger to be as shrewd and sharp as her character was callous and oblivious. But “Pam,” a limited series based on Hupp’s true story, has this much in common with Zellweger’s famous musical role: It attempts to...
- 3/7/2022
- by Daniel D'Addario
- Variety Film + TV
You may have met Pam Hupp before, on Dateline NBC, where she has been featured several times, including on a related podcast. Because we obviously can’t get enough of notorious women gone wrong. NBC’s limited-series docudrama The Thing About Pam might test one’s tolerance for such subjects as it wallows in the lurid, adopting Dateline’s cheesy approach of milking melodrama from tragedy, down to using frontman Keith Morrison as narrator. He drips buckets of smarm with every leering observation. (Credit: Frank Ockenfels 3/NBC) Two-time Oscar winner Renée Zellweger gets in the spirit by making Pam a figure of deadly high camp, slurping giant sodas and spooking barking dogs with a glare of her squinty eyes, swaddled in so many prosthetics she might as well be Mummy Dearest. ...
- 3/7/2022
- TV Insider
The thing about sinister small-town meddler Pam Hupp is that she's not quite as interesting as NBC thinks she is. The network's new series, "The Thing About Pam," takes a dramatic approach to a story NBC has already told twice before–on multiple episodes of "Dateline" and later in a popular six-part podcast that shares a name with the new show. By the time Renée Zellweger's Pam enters the scene in "The Thing About Pam," lips pursed and eyes shifty, true crime fans will already be familiar with this much-discussed case.
Granted, the network has a good reason to remain...
The post The Thing About Pam Review: An Oddly Wry Take On A Real Life Murder Case appeared first on /Film.
Granted, the network has a good reason to remain...
The post The Thing About Pam Review: An Oddly Wry Take On A Real Life Murder Case appeared first on /Film.
- 3/7/2022
- by Valerie Ettenhofer
- Slash Film
Embodying a real-life figure is no small feat—especially when that person is a murderer. But Renée Zellweger makes it look criminally easy on NBC's new limited series The Thing About Pam, premiering March 8. Like so many actors before her—from Darren Criss in American Crime Story to Hayden Panettiere in Amanda Knox: Murder on Trial—Zellwegger completely transformed into a true crime figure. The Oscar winner donned a body suit, prosthetics, and a bobbed wig to portray convicted killer Pam Hupp, whose case garnered national attention after a Dateline episode and corresponding podcast were released. The makeover process was intense,...
- 3/6/2022
- E! Online
As Hollywood events return to full force in New York and Los Angeles amid the coronavirus pandemic, here’s a look at the week’s biggest premieres, parties and openings, including red carpets for The Batman, Winning Time, Turning Red, The Adam Project and Fresh.
The Adam Project world premiere
After a special screening in Los Angeles last week, Ryan Reynolds premiered his Netflix sci-fi flick at New York City’s Lincoln Center on Monday, where he was joined by director Shawn Levy and stars Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldaña and Walker Scobell.
The Batman world premiere
Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Andy Serkis and Colin Farrell premiered their highly anticipated film in New York City on Tuesday. Pattinson joked to THR on the carpet that if could describe his take on the caped crusader in three words it would be “crazy,...
The Adam Project world premiere
After a special screening in Los Angeles last week, Ryan Reynolds premiered his Netflix sci-fi flick at New York City’s Lincoln Center on Monday, where he was joined by director Shawn Levy and stars Jennifer Garner, Mark Ruffalo, Zoe Saldaña and Walker Scobell.
The Batman world premiere
Robert Pattinson, Zoë Kravitz, Paul Dano, Jeffrey Wright, John Turturro, Peter Sarsgaard, Andy Serkis and Colin Farrell premiered their highly anticipated film in New York City on Tuesday. Pattinson joked to THR on the carpet that if could describe his take on the caped crusader in three words it would be “crazy,...
- 3/4/2022
- by Kirsten Chuba
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Creating a scripted TV adaptation of “The Thing About Pam” was a no-brainer for NBC News executives looking to expand their IP beyond the podcast of that name and “Dateline NBC” reporting that preceded it.
“We started looking into the ‘Dateline’ archives for some of the most interesting stories that they’ve told, and ‘The Thing About Pam’ immediately stood out — we’ve been covering its various twists and turns going back to 2014,” says Noah Oppenheim, president of NBC News. “And I think it was clear to everyone pretty quickly that there was enough material in this story to support a scripted adaptation that would lend itself to a fresh telling.”
The resulting limited series, also called “The Thing About Pam” and made in partnership with Blumhouse TV, stars Renée Zellweger in her network TV debut. Bowing March 8 on NBC, it’s the first scripted adaptation from NBC News Studios,...
“We started looking into the ‘Dateline’ archives for some of the most interesting stories that they’ve told, and ‘The Thing About Pam’ immediately stood out — we’ve been covering its various twists and turns going back to 2014,” says Noah Oppenheim, president of NBC News. “And I think it was clear to everyone pretty quickly that there was enough material in this story to support a scripted adaptation that would lend itself to a fresh telling.”
The resulting limited series, also called “The Thing About Pam” and made in partnership with Blumhouse TV, stars Renée Zellweger in her network TV debut. Bowing March 8 on NBC, it’s the first scripted adaptation from NBC News Studios,...
- 3/4/2022
- by Diane Garrett
- Variety Film + TV
Makeup artist Arjen Tuiten’s transformation of Renée Zellweger for NBC’s “The Thing About Pam,” premiering March 8, has been the talk of the internet. Zellweger plays Pam Hupp in the new crime drama, based on the true story of a Missouri woman who is eventually jailed for the murder of her friend. Zellweger donned a padded suit for the role. At TCA last month, the actor mentioned she had opted not to gain weight for the part — as she had for “Bridget Jones’s Diary” — since it had negatively impacted her health. While she had used prosthetics in films before, this was the first time she wore a full suit.
The show raised an outcry for not casting an actor with the same body type as Pam, but Blumhouse Television’s Chris McCumber explained the producers’ reasoning: “In this era of peak TV, having an artist of Renée’s caliber is an incredible advantage.
The show raised an outcry for not casting an actor with the same body type as Pam, but Blumhouse Television’s Chris McCumber explained the producers’ reasoning: “In this era of peak TV, having an artist of Renée’s caliber is an incredible advantage.
- 3/3/2022
- by Jazz Tangcay
- Variety Film + TV
Welcome to this week’s “Just for Variety.”
From “Bridget Jones’ Diary” to “Judy,” Renée Zellweger knows a thing or two about transformation.
The two-time Oscar winner’s latest, as convicted murderer Pam Hupp in NBC’s “The Thing About Pam,” is no exception. “It was a team of magicians,” Zellweger told me Monday night at a press event at the Maybourne Beverly Hills hotel. “What they’re capable of is pretty miraculous.”
The six-episode “The Thing About Pam” is based on the podcast of the same name and several episodes of “Dateline NBC,” which detailed the 2011 murder of Hupp’s friend Betsy Faria. Hupp has been charged with the killing. However, Faria’s husband Russ Faria was first sent to prison for the murder, but his conviction was overturned. Hupp is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of Louis Gumpenberger. The real-life drama and the scripted retelling are truly bonkers.
From “Bridget Jones’ Diary” to “Judy,” Renée Zellweger knows a thing or two about transformation.
The two-time Oscar winner’s latest, as convicted murderer Pam Hupp in NBC’s “The Thing About Pam,” is no exception. “It was a team of magicians,” Zellweger told me Monday night at a press event at the Maybourne Beverly Hills hotel. “What they’re capable of is pretty miraculous.”
The six-episode “The Thing About Pam” is based on the podcast of the same name and several episodes of “Dateline NBC,” which detailed the 2011 murder of Hupp’s friend Betsy Faria. Hupp has been charged with the killing. However, Faria’s husband Russ Faria was first sent to prison for the murder, but his conviction was overturned. Hupp is currently serving a life sentence for the murder of Louis Gumpenberger. The real-life drama and the scripted retelling are truly bonkers.
- 3/2/2022
- by Marc Malkin
- Variety Film + TV
Renee Zellweger is truly unrecognizable in The Thing About Pam. And now, her costars are dishing about her transformation into the role. Zellweger stars as Pam Hupp in NBC's upcoming true crime series, which premieres on March 8, along with Josh Duhamel, Judy Greer, Katy Mixon and Glenn Fleshler. The story tells the real-life story of Hupp, who is currently serving a life sentence for the 2016 murder of Louis Gumpenberger and is the main suspect in the 2011 murder of Betsy Faria. Zellweger's transformation into the role—which included a wig, facial prosthetics and a body suit—was so drastic that sometimes, the cast didn't recognize her...
- 3/2/2022
- E! Online
Renée Zellweger is proof that even the craziest makeovers take time. When the trailer for NBC's limited series The Thing About Pam was released, fans were stunned by the two-time Academy Award winner's transformation into convicted murderer Pam Hupp. In an interview with E! News' Daily Pop on the series' red carpet, Zellweger discussed the arduous process of putting the whole look together. "We started at about four [hours] and we whittled it down to around two," she said. "They have a mind of their own, you know? If everybody cooperates —the cheeks are feeling like playing nice, the nose, and everything. But yeah, it took about a couple of...
- 3/2/2022
- E! Online
NBC has debuted the full trailer for the series ‘The Thing About Pam’ featuring an almost unrecognisable Renee Zellweger.
Adaptation from the ‘Dateline’ podcast, the limited series follows the bizarre story of insurance worker Pam Hupp. Over a five year span, Hupp was implicated in at least two murders and eventually jailed after a prolonged cover-up.
Josh Duhamel, Judy Greer, Katy Mixon, and Glenn Fleshler co-star, Jenny Klein serves as showrunner.
Also in trailers – Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway star in trailer for ‘WeCrashed’
The show will premiere on NBC on March 8th.
The post Renee Zellweger spins a web of lies in trailer for ‘The Thing About Pam’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
Adaptation from the ‘Dateline’ podcast, the limited series follows the bizarre story of insurance worker Pam Hupp. Over a five year span, Hupp was implicated in at least two murders and eventually jailed after a prolonged cover-up.
Josh Duhamel, Judy Greer, Katy Mixon, and Glenn Fleshler co-star, Jenny Klein serves as showrunner.
Also in trailers – Jared Leto and Anne Hathaway star in trailer for ‘WeCrashed’
The show will premiere on NBC on March 8th.
The post Renee Zellweger spins a web of lies in trailer for ‘The Thing About Pam’ appeared first on HeyUGuys.
- 2/28/2022
- by Zehra Phelan
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
The upcoming Hulu series "The Thing About Pam" is based on the the 2011 murder of Betsy Fari, and the nearly decades-long search for her murderer. The unbelievable true story behind the series is full of rollercoaster twists and turns that no one - not even those working on the case - could have seen coming.
In 2011, Faria's husband, Russ Faria, came home after a night out with friends to find Betsy lying dead in a pool of her own blood, having been stabbed 55 times. At the time, Russ became the prime suspect based almost solely on Betsy's friend Pam Hupp's testimony and was convicted of his wife's murder. But there was more to the story - and it involved Pam Hupp.
"The Thing About Pam" follows the real events of the case and includes characters based on those actually involved. Here are the characters' real-life counterparts.
In 2011, Faria's husband, Russ Faria, came home after a night out with friends to find Betsy lying dead in a pool of her own blood, having been stabbed 55 times. At the time, Russ became the prime suspect based almost solely on Betsy's friend Pam Hupp's testimony and was convicted of his wife's murder. But there was more to the story - and it involved Pam Hupp.
"The Thing About Pam" follows the real events of the case and includes characters based on those actually involved. Here are the characters' real-life counterparts.
- 2/26/2022
- by Alicia Geigel
- Popsugar.com
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