Rachel Brosnahan: From Emmy Nominee to Lois Lane
Rachel Brosnahan was already recognized as an Emmy nominee before she crossed paths with the creative powerhouse, Amy Sherman-Palladino. The launch of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel transformed Brosnahan’s career, leading her to subsequently win an Emmy award for her remarkable performance.
Oscar and Emmy winner Rami Malek also acknowledges the profound impact of collaborating with Sherman-Palladino. His career took off with a 2004 episode of Gilmore Girls, which ultimately secured him a SAG card. Fast forward to 2018, after Brosnahan won her Emmy, Malek reunited with her at a New York City music festival, sharing in the joy of their achievements tied to Sherman-Palladino’s influence. Years later, at the Met Gala, Malek extended a collaboration offer to Brosnahan, inviting her to play his wife in the upcoming espionage thriller, The Amateur, directed by James Hawes.
“[Malek] sought me out at the Met Gala and said, ‘I’m doing this project. It’s in your inbox. You have to say yes,'” Brosnahan shared with The Hollywood Reporter while promoting The Amateur’s theatrical release on April 11. “Many people don’t know this side of Rami, and I want to shine a light on it. He has genuinely looked out for me as an actress in this business.”
In The Amateur, Brosnahan portrays Sarah Heller, the wife of CIA analyst Charlie Heller (Malek). Following her tragic death at the hands of terrorists, Sarah becomes the catalyst for Charlie’s journey of vengeance. Although her character exits early in the film, she remains a significant presence through flashbacks and memories, a strategic choice by Hawes to add depth to the narrative.
Brosnahan emphasizes her commitment to supporting Malek’s project over the size of her role. “For me, it was about the chance to work alongside Rami and witness his journey as an actor and producer,” she explained. “The character’s profile was less crucial; it was the overall experience with this fantastic team that excited me.”
A Milwaukee native, Brosnahan has been honing her craft since high school, yet still embraces the feeling of being an amateur in her industry. “I experience that every day,” she confessed. “It’s not about humility; it’s reassuring to know that I’m not alone in feeling this way.” This sentiment is echoed by her experience with Sam Neill on the set of The Dovekeepers, where he remarked, “It never gets easier, does it?”
Later this July, Brosnahan is set to embody Lois Lane in James Gunn’s Superman. Acknowledging the legacy left by previous Lois Lane portrayals—including Margot Kidder and Amy Adams—she finds comfort in the character’s varied comic book adaptations. “The fact that Lois has seen many different interpretations throughout the years offers me the reassurance that I can create my unique version,” Brosnahan mentioned. “I grew up adoring the Christopher Reeve and Margot Kidder films, and I also admire Amy Adams. We are fortunate to build on such a rich legacy.”
Insights from Brosnahan: Collaboration with Rami Malek
During her discussion with THR, Brosnahan also reflected on her recent reunion with Sherman-Palladino at PaleyFest, showcasing the interconnectedness of her career. “It was profoundly moving,” she noted. “Being in the presence of various eras of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s work felt special. I got to reconnect with family from The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and meet with Rami again, another product of Amy’s creative world.”
I spoke to Rami Malek and James Hawes for the trailer release last November. I said, “You guys picked a good time to be in the Rachel Brosnahan business.” Rami instantly replied, “It’s always a good time to be in the Rachel Brosnahan business.”
Brosnahan laughed at Malek’s compliment, affirming, “Rami is one of the most talented and generous actors I know.” She commended his role as a producer, crediting him with assembling a stellar ensemble. “It was such a joy to work with him and to portray a different side of his character,” she added.
With a stellar cast including Laurence Fishburne and Jon Bernthal, Brosnahan couldn’t contain her excitement about the project. “The sheer talent around us was astounding,” she remarked. “Each actor brought something unique, making the experience truly special.”
Character Dynamics in The Amateur
Exploring Charlie Heller’s character, Brosnahan discussed his ingenuity over brute strength, highlighting the film’s unique approach in the spy genre. “While impressive might not be the right word, it’s certainly aspirational to see an ordinary person achieve extraordinary feats,” she elaborated. “Charlie embodies this relatability, navigating challenges through his intellect rather than relying on superhuman abilities.”
As for sharing the screen with Fishburne, Brosnahan reflected, “We didn’t discuss my role as a reporter on Superman given we didn’t work together directly in this project. However, I look forward to hearing Laurence’s stories; he has an incredible career.”
Stepping into the Role of Lois Lane
Reflecting on stepping into the shoes of legendary characters, Brosnahan expressed exhilaration alongside apprehension. “Intimidation might be too strong of a word,” she shared. “Understanding the various identities Lois has embraced over the years reassures me about the character’s depth.” She grew up idolizing Kidder’s portrayal but appreciates Adams’ contributions and aims to honor both while forging her path.
Brosnahan’s passion for sharing the spotlight with actors like Malek creates a dynamic energy that enhances her performances, especially as she prepares to take on a role that resonates with fans across generations. “I hope to do the character justice and make the fans proud,” she said earnestly.
Lessons Learned and Moving Forward
After her stint with the complex dialogue of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Brosnahan reflected on the skills she’s honed over time. “Working on that show has prepared me in ways I never expected,” she admitted. “The dialogue was demanding, requiring a collaborative effort from the entire crew. The high volume of text has trained me well, making it easier to tackle further projects, although I sometimes find myself needing to slow down.”
Brosnahan’s journey through the entertainment industry, which has spanned nearly two decades, constantly reminds her of her roots as she continues to embrace challenges. “Feeling like an amateur every day keeps me grounded,” she acknowledged. “It’s important to never stop learning, and I relish the chance to grow with every role.”
The Amateur hits theaters across the nation on April 11.