Natasha Lyonne Reflects on the Future of ‘Poker Face’ and Her Exciting New Project ‘Uncanny Valley’ at Red Sea Studio
Peacock Cancels ‘Poker Face’ Renewal; Rian Johnson Explores New Opportunities
Peacock announced last week that it will not renew the popular series Poker Face for a third season, a decision that has caught many fans off guard. Following the cancellation, the show’s creator, Rian Johnson, in collaboration with his T-Street partner Ram Bergman and MRC, is actively seeking new buyers. The production is exploring the possibility of casting Game of Thrones star Peter Dinklage as the lead, with plans to recast the role periodically.
Lyonne, who remains an executive producer, expressed her admiration for both Dinklage and Johnson, stating, "I love Dinklage, I love Rian, and we’ll see what happens. I could pop back up. I really need a few years; if I don’t make a movie before I die, I’ll be very bummed out. So let me just get one feature in the can, and we’ll see."
Currently, Lyonne is working on Uncanny Valley, an AI-driven feature she co-wrote with Brit Marling, through Asteria, the AI production studio she co-founded with Bryn Mooser. This project is set to mark her feature directorial debut.
Discussing the intricacies of using AI in filmmaking, Lyonne noted, “When you’re not generating in Midjourney, it takes longer, basically, because it’s a team of artists in there. We’re looking at every image and kind of dialing it in.” She further elaborated on the lengthy creative process involved, stating, “Everything I’ve done is always sort of a five-year span from inception to the touch-and-go cycle of cast coming together with the budget.”
Lyonne also reflected on the broader implications of AI within the film industry, emphasizing the importance of protecting artists and copyright. “I think it’s worth remembering that we need hope and new ideas, and to remember that we’re kind of the architects of this moment, and how we all choose to show up for each other is really key.”
Looking ahead, Lyonne hopes for a potential Poker Face revival should it find a new platform. “I love Poker Face,” she remarked. “I just would like to do a couple of movies for a second, and maybe I’ll see you again.”
