Sarah Snook’s Career Shift: From Succession to All Her Fault

Sarah Snook, the acclaimed actress known for her portrayal of Shiv Roy in HBO’s Succession, recently transitioned into the thriller genre with the Peacock original series All Her Fault. The eight-part series, which focuses on a mother’s search for her missing child, garnered 46 million viewing hours within its first three weeks of release.

Why Sarah Snook Chose All Her Fault

Following her award-winning run in Succession and her performance in The Picture of Dorian Gray on London’s West End, Snook was initially hesitant to take on another television project. The actress, who had recently welcomed a daughter with her husband, Dave Lawson, expressed concerns regarding the time commitment required for a new series. However, the production’s decision to film in her native Australia convinced her to review the script.

Snook noted that the interpersonal relationships and “twisty-turny” plot of the series, which is based on Andrea Mara’s 2021 novel, drew her to the project. She emphasized that her character, Marissa Irvine, offered a distinct departure from her previous role as Shiv Roy. While both characters exist within worlds defined by wealth, Snook described Marissa as more charismatic and caring than the “cold” persona she portrayed in Succession.

The Challenges of Playing Marissa Irvine

Tackling the role of a mother navigating the disappearance of her son, Milo, required Snook to maintain a consistent level of intensity and grief. The investigation into the child’s disappearance involves several key figures, including detective Jim Alcaras, played by Michael Peña, and Marissa’s husband, Peter, played by Jake Lacy.

Snook utilized wardrobe cues from costume designer Gypsy Taylor to help define the character’s emotional state. Additionally, she noted that her own experience as a parent made it easier to access the imaginative world required for the role, allowing her to better understand the nuance of the character’s fear.

Executive Producing and Future Outlook

Beyond her on-screen performance, Snook served as an executive producer for All Her Fault. She drew inspiration from her experience on Succession, specifically citing the leadership style of creator Jesse Armstrong and executive producer Mark Mylod. She noted that she admired their approach to fostering equality in the value of team members’ work, regardless of their position in the hierarchy.

Regarding the potential for a return to the series, Snook stated that she is not currently involved in any plans for future seasons. She expressed surprise at the series’ popularity, which reportedly contributed to a significant increase in Peacock’s subscriber base.

Key Takeaways

• Genre Shift: Snook moved from the corporate drama of Succession to the thriller genre with All Her Fault.
• Production Scope: The series, filmed in Australia, became the most-watched original series in Peacock’s history at the time of its release, accumulating 46 million viewing hours in three weeks.
• Character Contrast: Snook highlighted that her character, Marissa Irvine, is more relatable and warm compared to her previous role as Shiv Roy.
• Behind the Camera: Snook’s experience as an executive producer was influenced by the collaborative environment she observed during her time on Succession.