Jennifer Garner Shares Insights on the Intense Fight Scene and Hannah-Bailey’s Relationship Journey in Season 2 Premiere of ‘The Last Thing He Told Me’
Jennifer Garner Returns to Action in Season 2 of The Last Thing He Told Me
SPOILER ALERT: This article contains spoilers for the return of The Last Thing He Told Me Season 2, with the first episode now streaming.
Jennifer Garner reprises her role as Hannah Hall in the long-awaited second season of The Last Thing He Told Me, a series produced by Apple TV and Hello Sunshine, based on Laura Dave’s sequel novel, The First Time I Saw Him. The first episode of the eight-episode season premiered on February 20, marking five years since viewers last saw Hannah grappling with the fallout of her husband Owen Michaels’ (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau) abrupt departure.
The season kicks off with a dramatic encounter when a man posing as a gas maintenance employee intrudes into Hannah’s Santa Monica home, leading to a violent confrontation. This tense moment is previewed in the Season 2 trailer, setting the stage for Hannah’s protective instincts as she goes on the run with her daughter, Bailey (Angourie Rice). Garner shared insights on her past work with actor Sala Baker, who plays the intruder, recalling a previous intense scene in Peter Berg’s The Kingdom.
To enhance the action sequences, Garner collaborated with her longtime stunt double, Shauna Duggins, who coordinated the fight choreography. Garner expressed her confidence in Baker’s selection for the role, stating, "He’s a great actor, and he’s one of her regulars that she hires all the time." She added, “When he showed up, I knew that we were going to have a good time."
Garner detailed the intricate planning behind the stunts, emphasizing her responsibility for her safety while performing. “I’m thinking, ‘Okay, I’m going to hit the couch with my hip first, and then I’m going to bounce off it this way,’” she explained, noting the careful consideration that goes into every scene.
This season promises to explore the evolving relationship between Hannah and Bailey more deeply than in the previous season, where their bond was tenuous at best. Garner characterized Hannah as both cautious and overly prepared, saying, "She doesn’t trust easily," which resonates with her experiences of feeling disconnected from her own parents. “She’s used to questioning people’s intentions,” she added.
As Season 2 unfolds, viewers will see Hannah’s intuition about the dangers surrounding them prove accurate by the end of the first episode, titled "Cape Cod." Garner reflects on Hannah’s objective to provide Bailey the freedom to grow while remaining a protective figure. “I love that,” she said, emphasizing the depth of their relationship.
The Last Thing He Told Me will release new episodes every Friday through April 10.
