Elle Fanning, the talented actress renowned for her diverse roles, has recently spoken about her new project, “Margo’s Got Money Troubles,” in which she plays a young mother who turns to OnlyFans to support her child. The series, adapted from Rufi Thorpe’s acclaimed novel, showcases the complexities of motherhood amidst financial strife, while exploring the relationship between Margo and her chaotic family.
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In a candid discussion with PEOPLE, Fanning revealed that the role required her to appear nude in several scenes. Interestingly, the actress expressed her pride in how these moments were portrayed on screen, stating they are not presented in an overtly sexual manner. At 28 years old, Fanning feels at ease with her body and believes her previous experiences, particularly in her role as Catherine the Great in the acclaimed Hulu series “The Great,” have prepared her for this aspect of acting.
Fanning noted that nudity was one of the least daunting challenges of embodying Margo. She explained that her character navigates motherhood by breastfeeding and caring for her baby, with these moments being integral to the narrative. In her view, the depiction of nudity reflects the evolution of Margo’s relationship with her body, illustrating her journey from viewing it as a tool for feeding her child to later embracing it in a different context through her OnlyFans account.
The actress also highlighted the collaborative atmosphere on set, particularly her discussions with showrunner David E. Kelley on how to approach the representation of nudity. Fanning appreciated how the series maintained a focus on the themes of motherhood and personal agency, rather than sensationalising the physical aspects of her performance. “Nudity is never the focal point of the scene,” she remarked, adding that this thoughtful approach made her work even more engaging.
Practically speaking, there were logistical challenges involved in portraying her character’s breastfeeding scenes. Fanning shared some humorous anecdotes about using prosthetics designed to mimic the appearance of breastfeeding. “I would be in the trailer getting ready, thinking ‘I’m just going to walk out,’ only to remember I wasn’t dressed properly,” she joked. Such details illustrate her commitment to authenticity in performance, which she sought to achieve by engaging with real mothers on set.
At the premiere of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” at the SXSW Film & TV Festival, Fanning underscored the show’s heartfelt representation of motherhood. Despite not being a mother herself, she benefitted from the insights of her co-stars, many of whom shared their experiences to help her create a realistic portrayal of Margo. “I could always ask for advice, like, ‘Does this look real?'” she recalled.
Beyond the focus on maternity, Fanning believes the series captures a genuine “slice of life.” It intertwines heartwarming moments with elements of drama and tragedy, allowing her character to unfold with resilience and optimism. As Margo faces her complex circumstances, Fanning enjoys watching her character discover her strength and agency, making the narrative not just a story of struggle, but one of empowerment.
The first three episodes of “Margo’s Got Money Troubles” are currently available to stream on Apple TV, with new episodes set to release every Wednesday. Viewers can expect a moving exploration of the trials and tribulations of motherhood, as seen through the lens of a young woman navigating her way through a rapidly changing world. With Fanning at the helm, the series stands to foster important conversations around both the challenges of parenthood and the societal perceptions of women’s bodies.