Cynthia Erivo, renowned for her impressive range as an actor, has given fans an exciting peek into her time guest-starring in Peacock’s highly anticipated Poker Face Season 2. Recently interviewed by Vanity Fair, Erivo opened up about her whirlwind experience, tackling five different characters in a single episode, which will air on May 8, 2025. Filming these transformative roles while managing her busy schedule proved both exhilarating and exhausting.
Reflecting on the challenge, Erivo revealed, “It was totally insane since I had to play multiple characters in a single scene. I’ve always embraced new challenges, and this role offered a chance to try something I hadn’t done before. I wanted to explore compartmentalizing characters and see if I could effectively embody different personas simultaneously.”
To prepare for Poker Face Season 2, Erivo utilized distinct costumes, wigs, and accents to differentiate her roles. She explained, “I played one side while a stand-in filled the other, needing to remember my actions to ensure fluid interaction.” The process demanded immense focus, particularly as filming took place during an 11-day stretch in New York amid her press tour for the film Wicked. Cynthia Erivo mentioned her exhaustion, saying, “By the end of the day, I didn’t even know my own name. It was absolutely manic, but in the best possible way.”
Wicked’s success and Erivo’s acclaimed performance have amplified interest in her potential future roles, with many hoping to see her enter the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Her work in Poker Face, outlined by a talented team including creator Rian Johnson and showrunner Tony Tost, provides a unique showcase of her ability to shape-shift across roles.
Poker Face, starring Natasha Lyonne, features her as Charlie, a character with an extraordinary knack for spotting lies. The narrative follows Charlie’s nationwide journey, encountering a diverse array of characters and delving into various mysteries. Cynthia Erivo joins a noteworthy list of guest stars, including John Cho, John Mulaney, and Justin Theroux, among many others.
This series, highly rated on Rotten Tomatoes for its previous season, has captivated audiences with its clever writing and engaging plotlines, promising to extend these attributes in Season 2. Lyonne’s involvement in the writing and directing further heightens anticipation, having already earned an Emmy nomination for her performance.
The significance of having an actor of Cynthia Erivo’s caliber in Poker Face Season 2 is notable. Her willingness to dive into roles that demand unique versatility shows her dedication and range. With audiences eagerly awaiting the show’s release, Erivo’s contribution is likely to become a highlight, showcasing why she remains a dynamic force within the industry.
