Jessica Chastain Seeks New The Help Film Sequel
In a recent episode of Entertainment Weekly’s esteemed podcast, The Awardist, Jessica Chastain revealed her genuine eagerness to revisit the role of Celia Foote in a potential sequel to the 2011 Oscar-winning drama The Help.
Recorded before the SAG-AFTRA strike, the conversation shed light on Chastain’s desire to explore further the character’s journey and dynamics. This sentiment has piqued the curiosity of fans and cinephiles alike.
“You know who I think about all the time, and I just wish I could play her [again]? Celia Foote,” Chastain stated. “I just want to do something, Celia and Minny, and see what happened. You know they ended up living together and raising the baby together; they were best friends. How amazing would that film be? I loved her, and I got to be a bit silly.”
Jessica Chastain reveals that she wishes to play Celia Foote again in a sequel to ‘The Help’ where Octavia Spencer’s Minny is “best friends” with her.
— Pop Base (@PopBase) August 15, 2023
“You know they ended up living together and raising the baby together, they were best friends.” pic.twitter.com/Uk2ZgIENXx
Chastain’s eagerness to revisit Celia Foote stems from the character’s complexity despite her supporting role in the first film. “Celia, it was such a deep dive for me. I really threw on that character, and I didn’t really get to mine that much material because I was a supporting part of that story. That’s a character I wish I could revisit.”
The original The Help, adapted from Kathryn Stockett’s novel, resonated with audiences on multiple levels. Chastain’s portrayal of Celia Foote garnered her an Oscar nomination, while Octavia Spencer secured the coveted Academy Award for her role as Minny Jackson. The film was a critical and commercial success, scoring four Oscar nominations and grossing $216 worldwide for highlighting the relevance of its themes and performances.
Viola Davis and Octavia Spencer are the only black actresses to receive three Academy Award nominations. pic.twitter.com/lNKvkNUxrA
— filmartbox (@filmartbox) January 23, 2018
However, The Help was not without its share of criticisms. Viola Davis, who received an Oscar nomination for her role as Aibileen Clark, pointed out the film’s limitations in depicting the true voices of the Black characters. In a candid interview with The New York Times, Davis expressed her desire for a more authentic representation of their experiences during that era, citing a missed opportunity in the original film.
Davis’s critique highlighted the complexities of portraying racial dynamics on screen, which resonates with Chastain’s wish for a sequel that delves deeper into the characters’ stories. The potential for a sequel offers a chance to address the concerns raised by Davis and others while also honoring the emotional bonds that connected the characters in the first installment.
While Chastain’s enthusiasm for a sequel is palpable, the involvement of key cast members, including Viola Davis, remains uncertain. As discussions about the potential sequel continue, fans and industry observers eagerly await updates on whether the story of Celia Foote and Minny Jackson will continue on the silver screen.
