Movies

Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel on ‘The Better Sister’ and taking control in Hollywood

BBG News

Last summer, there was a tense exchange between Elizabeth Banks and Jessica Biel. Temperatures rose as old scores were finally addressed, and it so happened that Justin Timberlake stepped in to mediate the situation.

On their days off from filming the new Prime Video limited series “The Better Sister,” which is now streaming, intense showdowns took place on a New York City padel court. The actors, along with Justin Timberlake (Biel’s husband) and Max Handelman (Banks’ husband), enjoyed a fun competition in the growing racquet sport. According to Biel, they “enjoyed themselves immensely by taking turns defeating each other.

On the “The Better Sister” production, Banks and Biel found joy in working together as teammates. There, they not only played pivotal roles but also donned producer hats. The collaborative, ego-free atmosphere under showrunners Olivia Milch and Regina Corrado was highly appreciated by them. Interestingly, their competitive spirit still flared up during brief Bananagrams games between takes.

Banks stated that this was primarily a gathering of many mothers who emphasized, ‘We’re too busy for distractions. We want our team to be home for family dinners,’. There was a strong sense of camaraderie among them, yet they all pushed each other towards excellence.

In this intricate, Shakespearean-style mystery series, consisting of eight episodes, the storyline follows the 2019 novel by Alafair Burke. Two sisters, the stylish and accomplished Chloe (played by Biel) and the recovering addict Nicky (Banks), who were once married to the same man, Adam (Corey Stoll), find themselves reunited following Adam’s murder. Their bond is further strained when their shared son, Ethan (Maxwell Acee Donovan), who was raised by Chloe and Adam, is accused of the crime. As the sisters work together to unravel a tangled web of family secrets and deceit, they must confront the complexities of their past.

Corrado expressed that a significant number of shows he’s been involved with have focused on muscular, aggressive men engaging in violent acts against one another. However, he emphasized that what truly terrifies him is the power of women in this industry and the subtle harm we can inflict upon each other, especially when they are sisters.

Over the last ten years, both Biel (age 43) and Banks (age 51), who are well-known actors, have been branching out into roles beyond acting. Specifically, they’ve been more active behind the camera. For instance, Banks has directed films like “Cocaine Bear,” “Pitch Perfect 2” and the 2019 version of “Charlie’s Angels,” and she’s also produced a variety of projects under Brownstone Productions, the company she co-owns with Handelman.

Apart from acting, Biel has also moved into production with her company Iron Ocean. They have supported projects like “Cruel Summer,” “The Sinner,” and “Candy.” Interestingly, she was part of “Candy” as an actress too. Currently, she’s working on a revival of the ’90s series “7th Heaven,” but she won’t reprise her role from the original series where she played Mary Camden, the rebellious character.

For Biel, the latest thriller projects, including “The Better Sister,” resonate deeply with her curiosity about human behavior. She ponders, “Why do people act as they do?” In tight situations where survival is at stake or when protecting one’s children, she wonders, “What extreme measures would someone take? How far would they push themselves?

In a combined video chat, Banks and Biel shared insights about creating “The Better Sister” and the extensive professional journeys that brought them to this point. Here are some highlights from their discussion (beware of potential spoilers).

Television

This upcoming summer promises an array of captivating TV shows. Among them are the comebacks of beloved series such as ‘The Bear’ and ‘Wednesday,’ along with fresh arrivals like ‘Ironheart,’ ‘Excessive’ and ‘Alien: Earth.’

What initially attracted you to “The Better Sister” and your specific roles?

Biel: Initially, I focused on the role of Nicky, and it piqued my interest. A few days afterward, I received a call stating, “They want you for Chloe.” Upon learning that Elizabeth was discussing Nicky with them, I thought, ah, now it all fits together. For years, I’ve been told we resemble sisters.

Bank: In my experience within the industry, Jessica Biel always had a spotless reputation. She was admired for her kindness, generosity, skill, and ease of collaboration. When I heard this, I thought it seemed effortless and enjoyable. Director Craig Gillespie then approached me with the suggestion to make my character, Nicky, a bit disheveled, as he felt it would add more humor to the role. He convinced me that this messy version of Nicky, contrasting Jessica’s character, was a smart idea overall.

In your acting career, Elizabeth, it’s been noticed that you’ve gained the most acclaim from your comedic performances. Lately though, you seem to be leaning towards more subtle, dramatic roles. Is this a path you’ve longed to tread?

Banks: My career began with many intense dramas, such as “Seabiscuit” which was nominated for seven Academy Awards. Despite my sense of humor, I was typecast early on in dramatic roles. It wasn’t until I made “The 40-Year-Old Virgin” that people started to realize I could be funny. Yes, I knew I was humorous, but initially, I thought I would focus on romantic comedies. However, the film industry didn’t ask for my comic skills when I started making movies. I’m grateful for the opportunity to reinvent myself in my career and do so multiple times.

In the title of this show, “The Better Sister,” we find a constant competition between the two female characters. Can you share any instances where you’ve observed such a comparative dynamic in your professional life within the same field as well?

Biel: In the past, it seemed as if people were trying to keep women apart during auditions, creating a competitive atmosphere where agents and managers made us feel like we were each other’s rivals. Sitting in an audition room, there was a palpable tension because everyone felt that they had to compete with one another. It often felt like “you against everyone, and everyone against you.” Although things have changed significantly since then, the entertainment industry remains ruthless. I have personal experience of feeling insufficient, judged, and suppressed by the industry, needing to struggle and strive for every opportunity that came my way.

Banks: I encountered a similar situation when I was starting out in the industry. There’s this feeling that there are limited opportunities, like there’s only so many roles for women in Hollywood. However, organizations like the Geena Davis Institute have gathered data showing the imbalance in female representation. At some point, I realized that the odds were stacked against me. My first film was “Wet Hot American Summer” with Paul Rudd and Bradley Cooper, who later became superheroes. I knew I wouldn’t get those roles, especially as I aged. Eventually, I understood that it’s a systemic issue and a numbers game. Instead of continuing to play by the same rules, I decided to follow in the footsteps of many remarkable women before me, and create my own opportunities.

I’m aware that we’re fostering the emergence of the next generation in the field, as I collaborated with them on a film titled “Bottoms”. Currently, Emma Seligman, Rachel Sennott, and Ayo Edebiri are taking center stage, and their work is simply remarkable. I believe it’s the women who have instigated this change within the industry. My hope is that we’ve truly grasped these lessons and are now providing the necessary opportunities to ensure a lasting impact.

Biel: I truly wish for it to be distinct, improved, fairer, and filled with love since, goodness, it was tough.

Movies

The cheerful teen comedy that we now have was a result of years-long collaborative efforts between director Emma Seligman and actors Rachel Sennott and Ayo Edebiri, who have worked together extensively over time.

A major topic explored in this series revolves around trust – a concept that delves into questions like: can we rely on our loved ones, partners, law enforcement, or even our own recollections? Was the process of creating this show a catalyst for you to ponder about the authenticity of your personal realities?

Banks: Growing up, my father fought in Vietnam, but we rarely discussed it. Returning veterans from that conflict faced hardships, feeling neglected by their country. How must it feel for those who served, only to be met with hostility upon return? This realization made me ponder the depths of parental mysteries unveiled as one grows older and the layers of understanding that unfold in time.

In simpler terms, I was the eldest sister, and I managed to shield my younger sister from the side of our father that I was familiar with. Since they had both learned about his behavior, he didn’t present that aspect to her. There is a ten-year age gap between me and my brother, meaning he didn’t experience the same parental treatment as I did.

Biel: In some ways, my perspective somewhat aligns with Chloe’s naive faith in the police. It’s intriguing to observe Elizabeth’s scenes where she voices Nicky’s sentiments of distrust towards these individuals, “Don’t trust them. Don’t share anything.” I often ponder if I harbor similar thoughts, as I might unintentionally disclose sensitive information due to my trust in their role as protectors. Would this blind trust potentially put me or my loved ones at risk, making us vulnerable because we feel a sense of obligation to appease the police department that is supposed to aid us?

As I delve deeper into comprehending that system more thoroughly and address your queries regarding your parents’ history and the variations in our upbringings, it’s important to acknowledge some personal matters. My brother and I are three years apart, but during my youth, I was employed while he wasn’t. He remained at home. In essence, I neglected him, yet at that time, I didn’t fully grasp the gravity of my actions. Instead, I was engrossed in pursuing my passions. It’s now clear to me that my brother had a significantly distinct family experience compared to mine. Sometimes, I find it challenging to discuss this issue with him due to the guilt I harbor over abandoning him. He resided in my shadow and was left behind when I moved on.

Discussing major plot twists — it’s eventually uncovered that Nicky was responsible for Adam’s death, which significantly alters our perception of her actions throughout the series. Elizabeth, could you share some insights about portraying a character who conceals such a significant secret from everyone, including viewers, for an extended period?

Banks: Here’s the thing, I mention immediately after his arrest, “Tell them it was me, I’ll take the blame.” But no one will believe her. I keep thinking about the original movie “Presumed Innocent,” where she knows she can free him. Ethan won’t be going to jail. Nicky has been ready throughout this entire series to admit guilt and go to prison for this crime. I think she almost sees it as her destiny, yet she can’t let Adam triumph. So, there is a lot of strategy at play with Nicky. She’s playing chess and the long game, unbeknownst to poor Chloe.

Chloe ultimately sets up Adam’s superior for the murder in the final episode. What are your thoughts on this action and the reasons behind it, Jessica?

The revelation that Adam framed Nicky and put those drugs on her, making it clear she’s not a terrible mother, leaves Chloe in shock. She realizes she’s destroyed her sister’s life for nothing. She’s essentially assumed the role of Nicky as the child’s guardian. All this, for what? It was all a lie. This understanding solidifies Chloe’s loyalty to Nicky completely. They are now united in their struggle. To protect Nicky, and thus Ethan, someone must take the fall since we’re all involved. Each of us is playing our part, and none are innocent.

Is there a tale or work that seems to persistently tag along with you, one that you secretly hope will vanish? This could be due to the anecdotes people continue to share about it or perhaps because of the indelible mark the internet leaves.

Biel: It’s likely you could find some past actions of mine that I might now reflect on and think, “Perhaps I made a mistake there.” Learning from mistakes involves falling down, appearing foolish, sounding foolish, and then getting back up with the determination to not repeat it. At this stage in my life, I don’t wish to make too many mistakes anymore.

On the flip side, what past chapter of your life are you the most proud of?

Banks: I feel genuinely grateful for the chance I had during “The Hunger Games,” which offered me a stable job in big movies. That period marked the beginning of my family and directing career, as I wasn’t out there hustling to earn a living. It was a blessing to have some financial security for a while, as it gave me the chance to reflect on what truly matters and explore opportunities that aligned with my priorities. I’m proud that I utilized this period effectively.

Biel: Looking back, in my twenties, Michelle Purple and I founded our modest production company, which for a decade was considered insignificant and unimpressive. We didn’t produce any content, and it seemed like a failure. But we were persistent. I seized the initiative, determined to take steps towards creating content that would resonate with me. Instead of idly waiting for my agents to call, as I had been advised, I began sourcing materials, collaborating with writers, and learning the art of development. Now, our small company is producing some content, which is exciting.

Neither of you come from industry families. Did you feel like outsiders stepping into that world?

Banks: I still feel like an outsider.

Biel: I was going to say the same thing!

Banks: I’m well aware of my value and what I’ve achieved, which has helped me overcome feelings of impostor syndrome. However, there’s a certain circle in Hollywood that I don’t quite feel a part of. This reality keeps me determined and competitive, if I may say so myself.

Biel: It helps prevent you from getting overwhelmed by the details or focusing too much on others or what you’re not receiving. Having this mindset allows you to concentrate solely on your task at hand, which I find particularly energizing when I’m being creative. The pleasure comes from the act itself.

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2025-05-30 17:32

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