Aubrey Plaza praised for her unconventional roles and fearless embrace of the acting craft, recently embarked on a captivating journey into the expansive X-Men universe. Her chosen path led her to a groundbreaking spin-off series that teased viewers with a one-of-a-kind fusion of mutant abilities and chilling horror.
The 39-year-old audacious decision to immerse herself in this atypical project undoubtedly captivated her devoted fanbase, yet it inadvertently sowed a rift among her inner circle of friends. For some, the series’ bone-chilling, fear-inducing storyline proved too intense to watch, leaving them on the edges of Plaza’s creative exploration.
Aubrey Plaza Friends Disturbed By Her X-Men Spin-off Choice
Aubrey Plaza, widely recognized for her audacious and unconventional roles, once embarked on a captivating journey into the enigmatic universe of X-Men.
Her choice to embrace a spin-off series promised a distinctive fusion of mutant abilities and raising horror, evoking tremendous enthusiasm from her devoted fanbase. Nonetheless, this creative venture inadvertently triggered fear among her closest companions.
In an era where television productions, ranging from Mr. Robot to Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, are addressing mental health issues with increasing sensitivity, Legion introduced a perplexing equation of mental illness and superheroism.
This approach has sharply divided critics; some applaud the show’s meticulous portrayal of the condition, while others criticize it for seemingly exploiting schizophrenia for dramatic thrills.
Busker, portrayed by Plaza, commences her journey within the confines of a psychiatric ward, yet the precise nature of her ailment remains shrouded in ambiguity. The actress herself acknowledged the uncertainty, asserting that it was never “labeled.”
However, Plaza’s choice of the X-Men spin-off left her friends deeply unsettled, rendering them incapable of fully immersing themselves in the series due to its profoundly grotesque and disconcerting horror elements.
In an interview with The Guardian, Plaza candidly admitted that Legion is genuinely terrifying, enveloping each scene with a spooky, nameless horror.
The nightmarish creatures that haunt Haller’s memories flit in and out of focus, leaving an indelible mark on viewers. Plaza revealed, “I have some friends who can’t watch it because they’re so disturbed by it.”
Notably, her commitment to the role shines through, as she dedicated herself to the demanding facets of the series.
Aubrey Plaza’s Legion Role Draws Inspiration From David Bowie
The Mike and Dave Need Wedding Dates performer portrayal in Legion drew profound inspiration from the iconic David Bowie.
Plaza celebrated for her eccentric and enigmatic characterizations, skillfully harnessed Bowie’s distinctive flair and ever-evolving creativity, culminating in a truly mesmerizing performance.
As Plaza immersed herself in the role of Lenny Buster, a manic mental patient with a dark, gleeful spirit, she found herself captivated by Bowie’s irreverent approach to gender and identity.
Originally intended for a middle-aged man, the character’s transformation took shape after creator Noah Hawley encountered Plaza, though the exact spark of inspiration remains a mystery.
Legion, revolving around mutant David Haller’s struggles with telekinetic powers in a psychiatric hospital, benefits immensely from Plaza’s homage to Bowie.
Her portrayal infuses the series with a captivating depth and intrigue, firmly establishing it as a standout in the television landscape.
Source: The Guardian, Vanity Fair
