Meghann Fahy Faced an Immediate Challenge on Netflix’s “Sirens,” Confronting Co-Star Julianne Moore from Day One
In a compelling revelation, actress Meghann Fahy, 35, recently shared insights into a particularly demanding scene she filmed with Academy Award-winning actress Julianne Moore for their new Netflix limited series, Sirens. The high-stakes beach drama, which premiered all five episodes on the streaming giant in May, immediately thrust Fahy into a confrontational role, requiring her to challenge Moore’s formidable character from their very first day of shooting.
During an appearance on the August 13 episode of Late Night with Seth Meyers, Fahy recounted the intense introduction to her role. “Day one, I had to sort of look [Moore] straight in the eye and call her a bitch,” Fahy stated, humorously adding, “And I was like, ‘Um, okay. Throwing me in the deep end.’ I like your style.” This anecdote underscored the immediate and potent dynamic established between their characters.
Sirens centers on Fahy’s character, Devon DeWitt, who grows increasingly concerned that her younger sister, Simone DeWitt, portrayed by Milly Alcock, has fallen under the sway of a manipulative cult. At the heart of this enigmatic group is Michaela Kell, a wealthy and highly controlling businesswoman played by Julianne Moore, whose “cult-ish life of luxury is like a drug to Simone.” The series’ official logline from Netflix describes the narrative as unfolding “over the course of one explosive weekend at The Kells’ lavish island estate,” promising an “incisive, sexy, and darkly funny exploration of women, power, and class.” Devon’s determined intervention sets the stage for a dramatic showdown, as she soon discovers the formidable opponent Michaela truly is.
Both Fahy and host Seth Meyers lightheartedly conceded to Moore’s captivating on-screen presence, joking about her convincing portrayal as a cult leader. Fahy admitted, “Honestly, if she was a cult leader in real life, I would be in that cult,” a sentiment Meyers echoed. The comedian further quipped, “I feel like Meghann’s the bad guy. I don’t know why she’s trying to bust up this cult. Her sister definitely has a better life now,” highlighting the nuanced grey areas the show explores.
An All-Star Ensemble Cast
Beyond its leading ladies, Sirens boasts an all-star ensemble cast, including Glenn Howerton, Kevin Bacon, Bill Camp, and Felix Solis. Howerton, who plays Ethan Corbin II — the Kells’ neighbor and Simone’s love interest — offered exclusive insights into his role. He characterized Ethan as “very kind of naive and slightly oblivious,” a stark contrast to his own personality. Howerton explained, “I sort of pride myself on being the exact opposite of that in the real world… I try really hard to understand how my actions affect other people and not move through the world in an oblivious manner.” He found playing Ethan’s more oblivious moments “a little difficult… but that’s also what I love about it,” embracing the challenge of embodying a character so distinct from himself.
All five episodes of Sirens are now available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a gripping dive into a world where family ties clash with the allure of power and influence.
