How Schitt's Creek Helped Create Black Mirror S6's Most 'Awful' Character
With the most meta-story and the most unexpected cast, Black Mirror Season 6 kicked off the season.
Black Mirror, Charlie Brooker's critically acclaimed anthology series, has become a cultural phenomenon, sparking conversations about the potential consequences of technology and its impact on society. In its portrayal of dystopian futures and technological themes, it has attracted a dedicated fan base and influenced other television shows and films.
With more than 10 years in the game, Black Mirror released its 6th season the other day and it is already driving the audience crazy. With Salma Hayek, Aaron Paul, Kate Mara and many other Hollywood A-listers joining the cast, the highly anticipated return of the iconic Netflix series brings a fresh look to the season.
But according to Charlie Brooker himself, the main character of the first episode was created for the particular actress.
Joan is Awful revolves around Joan, an ordinary woman facing personal challenges that have led her to lead an ordinary life.
Everything changes when she stumbles upon a TV show called Joan is Awful on the streaming service Streamberry, which turns out to be a depiction of her everyday life, but with exaggerated and dramatic moments.
According to first-hand information from Charlie Brooker, the role of Joan the Awful was written for Annie Murphy from the very first moment.
The director confessed that he was one of those hooked on the CBC sitcom Schitt's Creek during the pandemic, and Annie Murphy's performance stood out to him. He thought she was incredibly funny and felt she was perfect to play Joan.
The Black Mirror crew was looking for a character who was sympathetic, relatable, silly, and flawed, and the Emmy-winning actress fit the bill perfectly.
The fact that the episode's director, Ally Pankiw, also worked on Schitt's Creek made the episode an ideal collaboration.
With standout performances from Annie Murphy and Salma Hayek and a cautionary tale exploring society's reliance on technology and desensitization, Black Mirror Season 6's first episode burst into our lives with no chance of being disappointed.