The Bear Season 2: Unveiling the Surprising Oscar Nominee for Carmy's Mom Role
The Bear Season 2: Prepare to be captivated by a star-studded cast as the thrilling storyline unfolds, leaving audiences eagerly anticipating the return of Jamie Lee Curtis in The Bear Season 3
WARNING: This article contains SPOILERS for The Bear season 2. Season 2 of The Bear could have taken a different direction, as two other well-known actors were being considered for the roles of Carmy and Sugar's mom, Donna. Donna's first appearance is in the Christmas flashback episode titled "Fishes," which is considered one of the standout episodes of the season. This episode features several guest appearances from renowned actors such as Bob Odenkirk, Sarah Paulson, Jon Bernthal, John Mulaney, and Gillian Jacobs. It also marks the debut of Jamie Lee Curtis in the series, where she portrays the matriarch of the Berzatto family.
An article on Vulture, which explores the numerous cameos in The Bear season 2, reveals that Oscar nominees Michelle Pfeiffer and Melanie Griffith were being considered for the role of Donna. Casting director Jeanie Bacharach explains why these alternate castings did not come to fruition. Bacharach, known for her previous work on shows like Ally McBeal, also discusses how they managed to cast Jamie Lee Curtis before she eventually won an Oscar for Everything Everywhere All at Once. She states:
Jamie Lee was always on the list from the start. However, as the Oscars approached, there was a feeling of, "Yeah, yeah, sure, let's discuss Jamie Lee," but deep down everyone knew she was a strong contender for winning an Oscar.
Michelle Pfeiffer, a devoted admirer of the show, seriously contemplated being a part of it. There were numerous discussions and deliberations, but unfortunately, her busy schedule prevented her from participating in the end.
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Will Jamie Lee Curtis Return In The Bear Season 3?
I believe that [Melanie Griffith] was not adequately prepared to handle that responsibility at that time. When [Series creator] Chris [Storer] mentioned other individuals who had been considered, it occurred to me, 'What about Jamie Lee? Why has she not been considered?' Chris seemed skeptical, asking me, 'Do you genuinely think so?' However, she was an immense, immense admirer. I think she agreed before even perusing the scripts, solely based on the character description and the opportunity to be a part of the show."
In The Bear season 2 finale, Curtis reappears as Donna at the end. However, she decides not to enter Carmy's restaurant after a moment of self-awareness where she realizes her inability to express love to her children. This realization becomes even more heart-wrenching when it is proven right. Natalie, also known as Sugar, is pregnant, and Donna is completely unaware. This starkly highlights the disconnect between Donna and her children.
It is possible that Curtis may make a return in The Bear season 3, if it gets renewed. There are many possibilities to explore with her character and how she might react to the success of Carmy and Syd's restaurant. Additionally, there is an implied history between Donna and Uncle Lee, portrayed by Odenkirk, which could receive more focus in future episodes of the show.
While there is no official confirmation on The Bear season 3, the show has generated positive buzz and reportedly had a high number of viewers, breaking new ground. The second season expands the scope of the dramedy, presenting a particularly intense Christmas episode that could serve as a strong foundation for many more stories in the future.
Source: Vulture
