The BBC have this weekend announced that Emmy-nominated actress and producer Maisie Williams will front a brand new BBC Sounds podcast unpicking the twists and turns of the career of Hollywood legend, Winona Ryder.
Launching this week, ‘Famously… Winona’ will chart Ryder’s emergence as a child star in the 1980s to her upcoming return to the spotlight in the Beetlejuice sequel next month.
The 6-part series will also explore Winona’s rise, fall and comeback, along with the shifting public perception of the star, as well as ask questions as to why so many women in the world of film are judged and dismissed so harshly – for their age, relationships and mental health – while so many male actors seemingly build it into their mystique.
Drawing comparisons with her own experiences in Hollywood, and the pitfalls of being a young, female star, Maisie takes an “empathetic look” at how the industry has treated Winona over the years.
In a press release, the BBC say of the pod: “Once Winona could do no wrong. Adored for films like Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands and Heathers – cast as the original manic pixie girl template, she was a Gen-X darling whose quirkiness felt endlessly endearing. But the ’00s brought accusations of overexposure, burnout, her infamous arrest for shoplifting and rumours of hell-raising behaviour.”
“But slowly and surely, through talent, grit, and perhaps a change in the way women are treated by the film industry, Winona’s star began to rise again as she was rehabilitated in the public eye through mega-hits Star Trek, Black Swan and Stranger Things, even becoming a meme following her hilarious reactions at the 2017 SAG awards. Suffice to say the world once again loves Winona!”
Commenting on her involvement in the series, Maisie says: “Winona’s always been iconic, but I hope this series gives people a chance to understand her as a person – how she’s always led with empathy, navigated so many hard moments, and pushed female voices to the front.”
With Commissioning Executive Louise Kattenhorn adding: “The ‘Famously…’ podcasts tap into our fascination with the lives, loves and trials of celebrities, and we’re excited to bring you this summer binge listen about the remarkable story of actress Winona Ryder. We’re even more thrilled to have MaisieWilliams tell this story. With her passion for film and candid insight from her own experience as a young actress, as well has her engaging presenting style, she’s the perfect host!”
All six episodes of ‘Famously… Winona’ are available now via BBC Sounds.