“ I knew from the very rootage I would not be the star of it … I was not willing to have another experience like what I ’d know aroundGirlsat this point in my life . ”
This post contains discussion of body image issues.
For many people,Lena Dunhamis best known for being the creator and star ofGirls.
The popular HBO series — which had six seasons between 2012 and 2017 — follows a group of friends as they navigate life, careers, and relationships inNew YorkCity.
As you may know,Girls— which also stars the likes ofAllison WilliamsandAdam Driver— was inspired by Lena’s own life, and the character she played, Hannah, was partly based on her.
And now, more than a decade afterGirlspremiered, Lena is working on yet another semi-autobiographical series,Too Much,alongside her husband, Luis Felber.
Currently set for a 2025 release on Netflix,Too Muchwill follow Jessica, an American woman in her mid-30s who moves to the UK after a difficultbreakup. In London, Jessica meets and falls in love with a musician named Felix, who is described in theofficial descriptionas “a walking series of red flags.”
Because the show’s description closely mirrors Lena’s experience of moving to the UK and meeting her husband, she was expected to take the lead role, just as she did inGirls. However, it was announced in Decemberthat Megan Stalterwould star as Jessica alongside Will Sharpe, who will play Felix.
Now, speaking tothe New Yorkerfor a new profile, Lena explained that she was reluctant to star in the show after previous experiences with body-shaming.
Interestingly, Lena — who’s talked openly aboutbody image struggles— recalled it was difficult to “admit” that she wouldn’t feel comfortable in the lead role. However, she said casting Megan was the perfect alternative, comparing her star to “a little Meryl Streep.”
Notably, Lena also talked about the importance of “protecting yourself and doing what you need to do to keep making work.”
You can findLena’s full interview with the New Yorkerhere.
