Renowned for her portrayal of Sweet Dee on ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia,’ Kaitlin Olson is preparing for a new chapter in her career. As fans gear up for the fresh stories and hijinks of the upcoming season of ‘It’s Always Sunny,’ Olson is setting her sights on something decidedly different—a unique indie drama. The actress, known for her comedic prowess, has expressed a profound desire to explore a film that merges humor with emotional depth.
The magnetism of Kaitlin Olson is not merely restricted to her role in ‘It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia.’ Her new series, ‘High Potential,’ where she stars as the quirky and intelligent Morgan, has already been renewed for another season. While Olson is immersed in the success of her current ventures, she is simultaneously crafting her next move—a film that promises to be both comedic and touching, bypassing the boundaries of commercial cinema.
In an interview with Harper’s Bazaar, Kaitlin Olson shared her aspirations, drawing inspiration from outstanding performers like Annette Bening, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Cate Blanchett, and Jean Smart, whom she regards as role models. Olson’s ambition is to craft a sincerely funny yet non-commercial film—a genre she finds lacking in today’s film landscape.
“I want to do a film that’s beautiful and dramatic,” Olson expressed with enthusiasm. “All due respect, it’s been a while since I’ve seen a funny movie that wasn’t really commercial. It’s hard to do with comedy, especially in today’s climate.” Her vision is for a movie that resonates deeply, delivering humor alongside poignant narratives that speak to the heart.
Her path is undoubtedly shaped by the lessons she’s learned in her extensive career. Olson revealed a pivotal realization that has driven her success: the importance of staying true to her instincts. “If I try to please everyone else and I put it out there and no one likes it, I would beat myself up for not just doing the thing I felt I should in the first place,” she noted, a principle she swears by in auditions and her overall creative process.
Despite nearly two decades as part of the collaborative ensemble of ‘It’s Always Sunny,’ Olson’s opportunity to flex her dramatic muscle was limited until ‘High Potential’ came into the picture. The series allowed her a significant foray into drama—a fresh twist in her career trajectory. “The biggest curveball in my career is ‘High Potential,’” Olson remarked. Being the lead in a primetime drama was a role she hadn’t envisioned for herself.
Delving into the character of Morgan required Olson to embrace transformations outside her typical comfort zone, including adopting Morgan’s unconventional wardrobe. This character immersion offered a new dimension to Olson’s acting repertoire, allowing her to explore a distinctly multifaceted persona radically different from her wardrobe and outlook.
Looking ahead, Kaitlin Olson’s commitment to venturing into an indie film underscores her versatile artistic ambitions and readiness to challenge herself further. While ‘High Potential’ episodes continue to stream on Hulu, her fans are eagerly anticipating how she will channel her vision into this new film project—promising an experience that is as compelling as it is humorous. Olson’s journey, marked by a blend of resilience and creativity, remains a testament to the dynamic career that continues to resonate with audiences.