Starting with the Marvel Cinematic Universe's serialized storytelling, shared universes and crossover-heavy shows have become commonplace. Both the small and silver screen have plenty of these massively popular projects, which are often shrouded in mystery until release. Just ask Sarah Paulson, who stars in the ultra-secretive American Horror Story.
Sarah Paulson also has another super secretive project coming out with M. Night Shyamalan's Glass. Paulson plays newcomer Ellie Stapler, squaring off against the cast of both Unbreakable and Split in the crossover movie. I recently spoke with Paulson about playing Ellie, and her penchant for picking ultra secretive projects. It turns out, all the spoiler dodging is exhausting, as she put it:
It's always hard because with everything I do there's this level of secrecy around it. I'm not able to talk about it as freely as you would be. Like when I did the movie Carol or Ocean's 8. You can talk about the plot, you can talk about your experience making it in a really fun, free way. This is hard, because there are spoilers. American Horror Story I can never talk about the plot, even when I know exactly what the plan is, I still can't talk about it. Bird Box I couldn't.
That's how the cookie crumbles. If you want to work in super popular projects featuring ambitious crossovers and years of anticipation, you're going to have to keep it tight lipped. And for Sarah Paulson, this can be a bit trying while doing press.
Sarah Paulson's comments make a great deal of sense, given the high stakes of her most recent film projects. Every season of American Horror Story is heavily guarded, as Ryan Murphy crafts a new setting, set of characters, and moments of horror. Paulson has been in every scene of the fan favorite series, and is often at the center of crossovers, as she plays her myriad characters from the past eight seasons.
Then there's her role as Ellie Staple in Glass. M. Night Shyamalan's new release is almost two decades in the making, as it completes the narrative started back with 2000's Unbreakable. Shyamalan is a director synonymous with twist endings, which must be guarded in order for them to retain power. As such, Sarah Paulson is once again unable speak freely about her character, and the contents of Glass.
Luckily for the Emmy Award winning actress, Glass is in theaters now, with every twist, turn, and comic book showdown available for moviegoers. Following the wild success of Split, the pressure is on for M. Night Shyamalan to complete his trilogy, including his perspective on superheroes. As for American Horror Story, Sarah Paulson will just have to wait until the fall, when Season 9 premiers with a mysterious new theme.
Glass is in theaters now. Be sure to check out our 2019 release list to plan your trips to the movies this year.
