Sarah Snook Explains Her Choice to Star in ‘All Her Fault’ After ‘Succession’ Success

With two Golden Globes and an Emmy under her belt, Sarah Snook had the world at her feet while scouting out her first post-Succession project.

She settled, of course, on a West End production of The Picture of Dorian Grayin which the Aussie actress played all 26 roles. The reimagined production was a smash hit, and Snook’s performance was lauded by critics and fans alike; the show went to Broadway, and she swiftly picked up an Olivier Award and a Tony.

So it was only natural that, while promoting her new Peacock thriller All Her Fault — Snook’s first major TV appearance since retiring Shiv Roy, the cynical and cold-blooded daughter at the center of Jesse Armstrong’s media conglomerate empire — she would be asked about what exactly it was that drew her in after years of wild success with the Succession squad.

“It’s so difficult because Succession was such a big, zeitgeist, huge moment thing,” Snook began at a press conference for All Her Fault ahead of the show’s Nov. 6 premiere. “[It was] career-changing for me and so incredible, so my plan going forward was always choosing things that are different — but also to never compare. It’s not a thing that I can ever top as an experience and as a world. It meant so much to me, so just finding something different was really important. And I feel like this is that.”

In All Her Faultan eight-part series created by Megan Gallagher and based on Andrea Mara’s novel of the same name, Snook plays Marissa Irvine, a mother living in a wealthy Chicago neighborhood. When Marissa goes to pick up her five-year-old son from a play date, he’s not there and the woman who answers the door has never heard of him. What ensues is a twisty mystery that is, per The Hollywood Reporter‘s reviewpoked and prodded at from all angles. The White Lotus‘ Jake Lacy stars as Marissa’s husband, Peter, in a lineup that also boasts Dakota Fanning, Michael Peña, Sophia Lillis, Abby Elliott, Jay Ellis, Daniel Monks, Duke McCloud.

“It’s very different from Shiv,” said Snook about portraying Marissa. “[Shiv] is internally cold and stiff and presented. Marissa, there’s a warmth. And so much of it came from costuming — we’ve got knits and cozy jumpers and we’re trying to find a way to keep that warmth alive, even though she’s going through the hellscape of having her child go missing.”

Snook also serves as an executive producer on the show, something she admits was a balance with a two-and-a-half-year-old, who she shares with husband Dave Lawson. “I do have a wonderful stay at home husband who is working on parenting,” the actress began. “That is one of the toughest jobs. And. you don’t get days off ever, unless you have a nanny, and then you have to balance that as well — affordability and all that kind of stuff that comes into it.”

She used this balancing act as inspiration for playing Marissa. “There’s a lot reflected from my current state in the character insofar as me working and trying to be a parent at the same time. Marissa has the added stress of her husband working as well and trying to create a career. It’s balance of who’s is more important in this moment, and then at the same time a child goes missing.”

On the other hand, being an exec producer allowed Snook to be more “front-footed” on set, an experience she came to savor. “Shaping a culture on set, that was really nice. To be able to take more of a hand in [things],” she said, as well as championing an eco-friendly set, too. “Being in Australiawe were able to run the set in a particular way that was much more environmentally friendly,” she said. “We had reusable coffee cups. We had reusable cutlery and plates. I’m a very strong advocate for the environment and what we can do to help reduce waste. We did a lot of things on set, catalyzed by [my] being a producer, that I’m really proud of. We had electric vehicles. We had hydrogenated vegetable oil running our unit-based trucks, which is just incredible.”

When asked about this series’ Big Little Lies similarities, Snook indicated she understood the desire to tell stories about affluent families. “There’s definitely that happening, and I think that’s something that audiences quite like to see at the moment, in a way that Succession was popular. There’s this [idea] that surely, with wealth comes happiness and ease,” she said. “And that’s just not the case. Like yes, money can bring happiness to a point, but you’re still going to be dealing with life and being human and I think there’s something interesting about pulling apart things that, on the surface, look glossy and perfect.”

Of course, it wouldn’t have been a thorough presser without asking how Shiv Roy would handle Marissa’s situation. “Oh that’s a good one,” Snook responded. “She’d throw money at the situation. She would she would be livid. It’d be so much arm’s length-distance parenting from Shiv that she would barely be involved with the child. But then having the child taken away would be like, ‘How dare you?’”

“Trying to call in all the favors, calling all the police and the State Department and whatever, whomever,” Snook continued. “[The Roys are] very well connected people, so she would throw money at the situation and probably get it solved.”

All Her Fault premieres on Peacock on Thursday, Nov. 6.

How does Snook’s choice of *All Her Fault* reflect a broader pattern in her career goals post-*Succession*?

From Shiv Roy to Danielle: A Purposeful Shift

Sarah Snook’s casting in the psychological thriller All Her Fault immediately sparked conversation.Following the critically acclaimed and award-winning HBO series Succession, where she cemented her status as a powerhouse actress playing Shiv Roy, many wondered why Snook would choose a markedly different role. In recent interviews, Snook has been remarkably candid about her decision-making process, emphasizing a desire for creative challenge and a deliberate move away from the intense dramatic weight of Succession. This article delves into the reasoning behind her choice, exploring the appeal of All Her Fault, the challenges of post-Succession career navigation, and what this signals about Snook’s future career trajectory.

The Allure of Genre: Why All Her Fault Appealed to snook

snook has consistently expressed a desire to diversify her roles. Succession was, undeniably, a demanding and emotionally taxing experience. All Her Fault, directed by Antoine Fuqua and co-starring Anthony Ramos, offered a stark contrast.

Here’s what drew snook to the project:

* Genre Exploration: The psychological thriller genre allowed Snook to explore a different side of her acting range. Moving away from the political drama of succession and into a suspenseful,character-driven thriller presented a fresh challenge.

* Complex Character Dynamics: The film centers on a complex relationship and the unraveling of secrets. Snook’s character, Danielle, is far removed from the calculating Shiv roy, offering a chance to portray vulnerability and internal conflict in a new way.

* Antoine Fuqua’s Directorial Style: Snook praised fuqua’s vision and collaborative approach, highlighting his ability to create a tense and immersive atmosphere. Fuqua’s previous work, including Training day and The Equalizer franchise, demonstrates a mastery of the thriller genre.

* A Break from Prestige Drama: While Succession was a prestige television project, all Her Fault offered a different kind of creative freedom. It’s a commercially-focused film, allowing Snook to engage with a broader audience.

Navigating Post-Succession Opportunities: A strategic Career move

The immediate aftermath of Succession’s finale brought a flood of offers for Snook.She could have easily chosen another high-profile television series or a prestige film role. However, Snook appears to be prioritizing projects that genuinely excite her, rather than simply capitalizing on her newfound fame.

This strategy is evident in her choices:

1. Prioritizing Character Depth: Snook has repeatedly stated her preference for roles with complex, flawed characters. Danielle in All her Fault fits this criteria perfectly.
2. Avoiding Typecasting: She’s actively working to avoid being typecast as a ruthless, ambitious woman, a role she brilliantly embodied in Succession.
3. Exploring Different Mediums: Snook is also venturing into voice acting, demonstrating a willingness to experiment with different forms of storytelling.
4. Autonomous Film Projects: Alongside All Her Fault, Snook has been linked to several independent film projects, suggesting a commitment to supporting smaller, artistically driven productions.

Snook on the Creative Process: Embracing Vulnerability

in interviews promoting All Her fault, Snook discussed the challenges of portraying Danielle’s emotional turmoil.She emphasized the importance of vulnerability and authenticity in her performance. She described a deliberate effort to shed the armor of Shiv Roy and tap into a more raw and exposed emotional state. This involved extensive research into the psychological complexities of the character and a willingness to take risks on set. Snook’s commitment to this process is a testament to her dedication to her craft and her desire to continually push her boundaries as an actress.the film’s exploration of gaslighting and manipulation also resonated with Snook, who spoke about the importance of portraying these themes with sensitivity and nuance.

The Impact of Motherhood on Career Choices

Snook’s pregnancy and the subsequent birth of her daughter have also influenced her career decisions. She has spoken openly about the challenges of balancing motherhood with the demands of a career in the entertainment industry. This has led her to prioritize projects that allow for a more flexible schedule and a greater sense of creative control. All Her fault, with its relatively contained shooting schedule, proved to be an ideal project in this regard. Snook’s experience as a mother has also informed her approach to her roles, adding a new layer of depth and emotional resonance to her performances.

‘All Her Fault’ and the Thriller genre’s Resurgence

The success of All Her Fault also taps into a broader trend: the resurgence of the psychological thriller.Audiences are increasingly drawn to suspenseful,character-driven stories that explore the darker aspects of human nature. Films like Gone Girl,The Invisible Man,and The Woman in the window have demonstrated the commercial viability of this genre.Snook’s involvement in All Her Fault further elevates the film’s profile and attracts a wider audience. The film’s marketing campaign has emphasized the psychological tension and the unpredictable nature of the plot, appealing to fans of the thriller genre.