REESE VS NICOLE: IT’S ON!
The big truth behind the Big Little Lies rift, and how Laura Dern saved series two
Incredible news for everyone (else) who was obsessed with series one of US drama Big Little Lies – there will be a second season, as confirmed by producer and leading actress Reese Witherspoon last week. She posted an Instagram of herself with co-stars Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern, captioning the photo, “Working on some more lies.”
But, for a while, it looked like the second series wouldn’t happen – and it was all down to beef between Reese and Nicole, according to reports. During the promotion of the show, it’s claimed that the actresses fell out because Reese felt Nicole didn’t do enough to promote it, while Nicole resented being “bossed about” by co-producer Reese. But our insider tells us a truce has been called – and it’s down to Laura.
“Reese and Nicole both have really big personalities, but they’re totally different,” says a friend of Laura’s. “Their differences created a lot of friction, and that left Laura playing peacekeeper between the two. After Reese and Nicole finished promoting the first season, they both vowed not to work together again – they went through a period of not even speaking to each other. But they just needed a break, and to step away from the drama and pressure of shooting the first season.”
The friend tells heat that Laura invited both actresses to her house for dinner in an effort to smooth over any differences, and to rescue season two. “She told Reese and Nicole to bring their kids over, which she thought would break the ice and ease the tension,” says the insider. “Laura told Reese and Nicole that they needed to put the show’s success first, as they’re going to be under a lot of pressure to make the second season live up to the first.
“She also suggested that – when it comes to power struggles over the direction of the show, or anything
‘After series one, they vowed not to work together again’
that Reese and Nicole disagree on – they let Laura be the person they speak to. Laura is casting herself as an impartial third party who cares most about the success of the show. She also pushed both women to agree to talk each other up in interviews.”
And our insider says it worked, with both Reese and Nicole agreeing to work together. “Laura took a big chance trying to get Reese and Nicole to get along. But they both respect her as a friend and a professional. She’s the glue holding the show together,” we’re told.
So, basically, we’ve got Laura to thank for season two of the hit show, based around a group of mothers who live in Monterey, California and grapple with marriage, divorce, affairs, violence, bullying and murder.
No spoilers here, but we have a lot of questions for the second season – bring it on!