Hannah Einbinder reflects on her experience working with Gillian Anderson on the film “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma,” which has altered her view on the conclusion and impact of “Hacks.”
While promoting the film with Anderson, Einbinder shared on Variety‘s Awards Circuit Podcast that Anderson frequently discusses her past work on ‘X-Files’. “She’s asked about it constantly,” Einbinder observes, adding, “It’s made me realize that I’ll probably be talking about ‘Hacks’ for the rest of my life, and I’m grateful for that. Being part of something that resonates deeply with a passionate audience is a lasting gift.”
Despite numerous appearances by Paul W. Downs and his “Hacks” co-star Megan Stalter, the question remains: why isn’t a Jimmy and Kayla spinoff underway?
Downs expresses enthusiasm for the idea, stating, “I would love for it to happen. We had a specific vision for ending the series, and it was a challenge to deliver a satisfying conclusion. We debated extending it, but ultimately, I’m pleased we adhered to our plan, and it resonated with viewers. I want that to be the lasting memory.”
He further notes, “Playing these characters and witnessing their growth over five seasons has been rewarding, making the thought of no continuation daunting. However, any future project would need to be distinct.”
Considering potential spinoffs, Downs suggests, “There are many characters worth exploring. I’d love to see Mayor Jo’s election story or Marty’s journey to Vegas in the ’70s.”
Einbinder supports the Mayor Jo concept, likening it to ‘Better Call Saul’ with “her being an absolute criminal. I’d be front row with popcorn for that one.”
For now, Downs and Einbinder discuss the end of “Hacks” and future plans on the Awards Circuit Podcast, where they also participate in the 10 Questions quiz.
On the Roundtable, Variety TV critic Aramide Tinubu shares her summer TV recommendations and thoughts on the Emmy nominations. Listen below!
Downs, admittedly biased, praises Einbinder’s role in the upcoming slasher film “Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma,” debuting August 7. “This is a pull quote now from Variety: Absolutely beautiful, absolutely terrifying, and absolutely funny. Hannah is a revelation. Her range is impressively showcased again in this film.”
Downs, along with Lucia Aniello and Jen Statsky, has several projects in progress, including one with Kaley Cuoco, pending schedule alignment, and another HBO project.
“I can share it’s a limited series, an hourlong format with a slight tonal shift but definitely humorous,” Downs reveals.
Einbinder is eager to collaborate again, telling Downs, Jen, and Lucia, “I want to be their non-problematic Rob Schneider, appearing in everything they do endlessly.”
Einbinder reflects on her time with “Hacks” and how a video from Season 1 feels like a time capsule: “Recorded in my trailer with poor sound quality, it was like a diary. I said, ‘I think these people are going to mean so much to me.’”
Over six years since “Hacks” began, Einbinder has grown significantly. “Most nights, when I return to bed after a long day, I’m filled with gratitude. This experience has opened countless doors for me. On an emotional level, our bond is strong. Before auditioning for Ava, I was a touring comic; COVID ended that, and my prior coffee shop job also vanished. I really didn’t know what to do. This success has never been lost on me.”
10 QUESTIONS WITH HANNAH EINBINDER and PAUL W. DOWNS:
1. Childhood nickname: Einbinder: “‘Pud,’ short for ‘Pudding.’ My parents called me that.” Downs: “‘Chubb.’ I think it originated from my love of pasta and pizza. I also loved Swiss Miss, mixing it with half and half to make a sludge. My version of child cocaine, I suppose.”
2. Something you loved as a kid but can’t believe you were into it now: Downs: “I collected little figurines like dragons or wizards on amethyst, sold at a kiosk at Rockaway Town Square Mall. They were fantasy, hippie-like figurines. I can’t believe I was so into them.” Einbinder: “Through inner child work, I’ve embraced things I liked. I once took baton lessons from a stripper named Heather. She did flaming baton at her club and taught on the side. We wanted to see her perform, but she said, ‘It’s not for kids.’”
3. Go-to Karaoke or sing-in-the-shower song: Einbinder: “‘What’s Up,’ by 4 Non Blondes.” Downs: “‘All I Wanna Do’ by Sheryl Crow. It’s a crowd favorite.”
4. Give me an alternate title for your show: [Not asked]
5. What’s your secret talent?: Downs: “I can give a good massage.” Einbinder: “I can create a bubble ring underwater. Or a smoke ring, as shown on ‘Hacks.’”
6. Favorite ice cream flavor: Downs: “As a child, I loved strawberry. Now I prefer dark chocolate double fudge chunk.” Einbinder: “Mint chip.”
7. The one item you couldn’t live without: Einbinder: “Cell phone.” Downs: “I’d say toothpaste. You really want toothpaste.”
8. What TV show in all of history do you wish you were a cast member of? Einbinder: “‘Sopranos,’ ‘Mad Men.’” Downs: “While I love shows like ‘Arrested Development,’ ‘Succession,’ or ‘Fleabag,’ I’d probably have enjoyed being on ‘Friends.’ It would have been a blast.”
9. Fictional character you most admire: [Not asked]
10. Your favorite piece of advice: Einbinder: “‘Faster and funnier.’” Downs: “I’ve said those words. I also appreciate Maya Angelou’s advice to Oprah: when someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time. It’s excellent advice.”
Variety’s “Awards Circuit” podcast, hosted by Clayton Davis, Jazz Tangcay, Emily Longeretta, and Michael Schneider, who also produces, is your go-to for dynamic discussions on the best in film and TV. Each episode features interviews with prominent film and TV figures, debates on awards races, industry news, and more. Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
