Malin Akerman Unpacks Her Deceptive ‘Hunting Wives’ Character, Margo Banks: A Blend of Melania Trump and Southern Stratagem
Actress, 47, reveals the real-life political figure who influenced the complex socialite at the heart of Netflix’s gripping new series.
Malin Akerman’s portrayal of Margo Banks, the formidable matriarch of the titular ‘Hunting Wives’ in Netflix’s latest sensation, draws unexpected parallels to former First Lady Melania Trump. The 47-year-old actress recently disclosed that the creative team behind the series explicitly referenced Trump as a foundational inspiration for Margo, a character who rapidly sheds her initial “trophy wife” facade to reveal a ruthless, manipulative force.
In a recent interview with Vulture, Akerman elaborated on the surprising influence. She recounted how the production team envisioned Margo as mirroring Melania Trump’s journey: “She came into a marriage to this rich man as one woman,” only to face a dramatically altered landscape of public expectation once her husband, Jed Banks (Dermot Mulroney), embarked on a high-stakes campaign for Texas governor. Beyond this singular, pivotal comparison, Akerman noted that the character also drew heavily from the insular world of high society, a realm she herself has observed. “I’ve mingled with aristocrats and high-society people and seen the games that go into it,” she stated, adding, “For lack of a better word, I wouldn’t say ‘authenticity’ is how those people lead.” This background, combined with the Melania Trump blueprint, helped shape Margo into a figure of sophisticated artifice.
Spoilers Ahead: The Dark Underbelly of Margo Banks
As the first season of ‘The Hunting Wives’ unfolds, viewers are pulled into the escalating web of Margo’s dark secrets, far beyond the initial impressions of a powerful socialite. Margo, the undisputed queen bee of the gun-toting “Hunting Wives” clique, is revealed to have engaged in a scandalous affair with high school student Brad (George Ferrier). This illicit relationship led to a pregnancy and subsequent abortion—a secret that threatened to dismantle her carefully constructed life. The situation spirals violently when Brad’s teenage girlfriend, Abby (Madison Wolfe), uncovers the truth and threatens to expose Margo. In a chilling turn of events, Margo commits murder, shooting Abby, and then meticulously frames her unsuspecting friend-turned-lover, Sophie O’Neill (Brittany Snow), for the crime.
The series further delves into Margo’s humble origins, exposing the stark contrast to her current opulent lifestyle. Her ascent to power began unconventionally: she first met Jed Banks while participating in a threesome with his first wife. Jed subsequently left his first spouse for Margo, solidifying her position in his world. Their marriage, however, operates under a peculiar set of rules: an “open relationship” that permits Jed to engage with other women, but strictly forbids Margo from doing the same with men. Margo’s affair with Brad directly defied this critical marital pact, adding another layer of risk to her already precarious existence.
Akerman provided further insight into Margo’s internal struggles and cunning strategies in a recent conversation with PEOPLE. “At first you just think she’s this trophy wife, and she’s living the life,” Akerman explained, highlighting the character’s initial deceptive appearance. “But then, there are some scenes that get pretty complex where we see who is boss.” A pivotal moment for Margo occurs when she attempts to offer Jed political counsel, only to be rebuffed with his declaration that he “doesn’t want to listen to her feminist ideals.” Akerman notes this as a turning point, where Margo consciously shifts her approach: “You see her kind of shift and go, ‘All right, I’ve overstepped my boundaries.’ As long as she’s playful and sexy, though, she can stay.” This understanding transformed Margo into a “master manipulator,” a facet Akerman relished playing alongside her “great acting partner,” Dermot Mulroney.
Ultimately, Akerman described her immediate attraction to the role of Margo upon receiving the script. “I fell in love with her at first glance,” she shared, appreciating the comprehensive character arc that allowed her to explore Margo’s origins and ultimate trajectory. “It’s just such a meaty role,” she concluded, citing Margo’s vibrant, sexy, and manipulative qualities as irresistible drawcards.
‘The Hunting Wives,’ with its intricate plot twists and captivating performances, is currently available for streaming on Netflix.
