Shocking Revelations: Surprising Tension Surrounding 'Sex and the City' Cast Amid Kim Cattrall Drama

Cynthia Nixon and Kim Cattrall. Shutterstock (2)

Cynthia Nixon discussed the differences between shooting And Just Like That and the original run of Sex and the City. She subtly suggested that Kim Cattrall's absence has actually improved things. "We don't really talk about it," the 57-year-old Emmy winner told Vanity Fair on June 15 when asked about the change in dynamics without Cattrall, who is 66. "Yes, it did feel very different. It also felt different because we have these incredible new characters, and we're older now, and our fictional children are mostly grown. Many things felt different."

The previous candidate for governor didn't explicitly mention her former co-star, but she subtly suggested that the cast is experiencing greater happiness now due to their excitement about being a part of the revival series.

"What made the experience so incredible was that everyone present genuinely desired to be there. That's the ultimate truth," Nixon explained. "We all have a genuine affection for one another, a deep love for our show, and a strong desire to continue it. And we all genuinely wanted to be there. This creates a significant difference, as it means we are not constantly tiptoeing around someone who is unhappy for reasons that are difficult to comprehend."

Cattrall, known for her portrayal of PR expert Samantha Jones in the original run of SATC and its two movies, chose not to be part of AJLT, which was released in December 2021. She also declined to be involved in a third SATC movie.

Both Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker, who portrays Carrie Bradshaw, have stated that the actress who played Mannequin was never approached to return for AJLT.

Cynthia Nixon, Kristin Davis, Kim Cattrall and Sarah Jessica Parker on ‘Sex and the City.’ Craig Blankenhorn/Hbo/Darren Star Prods/Kobal/Shutterstock

Last month, news emerged that Cattrall would make a surprise appearance on AJLT, but only in a brief cameo during the season 2 finale. Variety reports that the How I Met Your Father actress did not have any interaction with Parker or showrunner Michael Patrick King during the scene, which apparently features a phone conversation between Carrie and Samantha.

In the world of the show, Samantha is still alive and well, residing in London and maintaining a distant relationship with Carrie, Miranda, and Charlotte. Despite Carrie's attempts to reach out via text in season 1, Samantha never made an appearance on screen.

Last year, Cattrall referred to Samantha's storyline on AJLT as "odd." In an interview with Variety in May 2022, she expressed uncertainty about her feelings towards it, stating, "I don't know how to feel about it. It feels very final for me, like it doesn't continue." She also mentioned that while it's rare in her industry, it's empowering to have people wanting more, especially at the age of 65. Cattrall expressed pride in leaving behind a character she deeply loved and cherished, stating, "I loved her. I loved her so, so, so much."

Season 2 of And Just Like That premieres on Max Thursday, June 22.