Amanda Seyfried fulfills her dream of portraying a police officer in her latest project, “Long Bright River,” in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE. The talented actress, aged 39, shares her excitement about taking on the role of police officer Mickey Fitzpatrick in the new Peacock limited series. Seyfried expresses her long-standing desire to embody a law enforcement character, despite her personal aversion to authority. She describes it as a childhood dream come true to play a character she has always admired.
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“Long Bright River,” adapted from Liz Moore’s novel, revolves around Mickey, a police officer working in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia. The series follows Mickey’s investigation into the deaths of three women and her search for her missing sister, Casey, portrayed by Ashleigh Cummings. Executive producer Liz Moore sheds light on Mickey’s character complexities, highlighting her struggles within the law enforcement realm. The show delves into the complexities of policing in a community grappling with the opioid epidemic.
Seyfried finds the character of Mickey captivating as it offers her a wide range of emotional material to explore. Mickey is portrayed as a woman dealing with numerous personal challenges, balancing her role as a cop, single mother, and her own internal traumas. Seyfried appreciates playing a character with such intricacies and layers, finding the psychological depth of Mickey’s journey appealing. She credits the role for providing her with an engaging and challenging opportunity as an actor.
Apart from portraying Mickey, Seyfried is also involved in the production side of the entertainment industry. She will star in and executive produce the film adaptation of Freida McFadden’s novel “The Housemaid.” Seyfried emphasizes the importance of authentically depicting the community’s stories. Despite not filming in Kensington, the team behind “Long Bright River” enlisted on-set consultants from the local community and cast actors from the area to ensure an authentic representation.
The actress commends the attention to detail and care taken by the production team in telling the story in a genuine manner. She appreciates the grounding effect of involving community members in the creative process, making the storytelling experience more authentic and relatable. Seyfried expresses her enthusiasm for delving into narratives that resonate with real-life experiences, emphasizing the power of storytelling in fostering connections and understanding among audiences.
“Long Bright River” is currently available for streaming on Peacock, offering audiences a gripping narrative that delves into the complexities of law enforcement within a community struggling with societal challenges. The show’s realistic portrayal of characters and their struggles adds a depth of authenticity rarely seen in modern television. Seyfried’s portrayal of Mickey Fitzpatrick showcases her versatility as an actor, with a nuanced performance that delves into the complexities of personal and professional life.