Lena Dunham is diving into the realm of reality TV, expressing keen interest in adapting the sensational “Vanderpump Rules” for the big screen. Her enthusiasm peaked following the dramatic “Scandoval,” where co-stars Tom Sandoval and Rachel Leviss were embroiled in a scandalous affair that captivated audiences.
The most recent season of “Vanderpump Rules” reached new heights of drama during its reunion episode in 2023, which earned an Emmy nomination, primarily due to the emotional confrontation between Sandoval’s ex, Ariana Madix, and the involved parties. Dunham sees a unique opportunity to elevate this reality TV narrative into a theatrical experience, collaborating with noted actors Andrew Scott and Jennifer Lawrence.
In a discussion on the “Shut Up Evan” podcast, Dunham envisioned an innovative adaptation: “We should basically create like a mini movie in which actors treat this as canon and get up and perform it with all the passion and virtuosity of Shakespeare,” she stated, revealing her inspiration to pitch this idea to Bravo’s Andy Cohen.
Casting Scott as Sandoval and Lawrence as Madix, Dunham aims to navigate the dynamics of the story with serious theatricality. This vision recalls the narrative style of iconic filmmakers, as noted by IndieWire’s Jim Hemphill, who likened the show’s editing choices to the works of Christopher Nolan and playwright Harold Pinter.
Lawrence, a longstanding fan of reality television and known for her love of the “Real Housewives” franchise, is already set to lead another project, “The Wives,” which explores the lives of elite housewives with potentially dark secrets. Produced in collaboration with Jeremy O. Harris and Joshua Godfrey, this film illustrates the growing intersection of reality TV narratives with mainstream cinema.
While Dunham continues to explore various projects including “Good Sex” and a film about FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, her ambition to reshape the reality television landscape showcases the ongoing evolution of how these stories are told and appreciated in contemporary media. This approach highlights a fresh appreciation for reality TV as a cultural phenomenon that merits serious artistic engagement.