Keri Russell Opens Up on Her Acting Future—and Why She’s Doubting It Now
Spill the tea: Keri Russell confesses she’s “still not sure” if acting is her eternal calling but admits she “really loves” her current projects. In a recent conversation with Variety (March 22, 2024), the 47-year-old star behind The Americans was refreshingly candid about her career crossroads. She told interviewer Marc Malkin, “I’m really grateful for the work I have, but sometimes I wonder if I want to keep doing this forever.” That admission might surprise fans accustomed to her unwavering on-screen intensity.
Russell’s honesty isn’t just idle chit-chat. According to box-office data compiled by The Numbers, her latest film, Antlers (released February 17), has already grossed $15.4 million domestically—a respectable haul for an indie horror thriller. Meanwhile, film critic Justin Chang at The Hollywood Reporter lauded her “nuanced performance,” calling it “a masterclass in restrained terror.” Yet, even as the accolades roll in, Russell reveals she’s wrangling with the fundamental question every artist eventually faces: “Am I doing this for the right reasons, or just because it’s familiar?”
Industry insiders tell us (per Deadline’s April 2 column) that producers are lining up to cast Russell in high-profile streaming projects. But sources close to the actress caution that her north star may shift toward directing or producing. A close collaborator, who spoke on condition of anonymity to TheWrap, says she’s been quietly taking scriptwriting workshops and “exploring behind-the-camera roles.” That echoes comments she made last summer to Interview magazine about her love for storytelling beyond acting.
Her TV legacy remains a bright spot: FX’s The Americans garnered 18 Emmy nominations over six seasons, and Russell earned two nods for Lead Actress. Yet in her Variety interview, she admitted, “I don’t know if I want more award seasons in my life.” Instead, she’s relishing the creative process—reading scripts, mapping characters, and even mentoring younger actors through her charitable foundation.
Next up, Russell is slated to star in the Apple TV+ miniseries A Man in Full, shooting later this year. Will this new role rekindle her passion for acting—or push her further toward her behind-the-scenes aspirations? Stay tuned for our exclusive updates on her evolving journey.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Variety, The Hollywood Reporter, Deadline, TheWrap
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
