Over the weekend, during the 15th annual Tribeca Film Festival held in New York City, guests were given the opportunity to watch the premiere episode of TNT’s new summer crime drama Animal Kingdom followed by a Q&A session with some of the cast.
Based on the 2010 Australian film, by the same title, Animal Kingdom focuses on a family of criminals that enjoy spending more than the average “family time” together. This series picks up where the film left off and features Ellen Barkin (Sea of Love), Scott Speedman (Felicity), and Shawn Hatosy (Fear The Walking Dead) and follows them through criminal activities and somewhat inappropriate family relationships.
Originally played by Jacki Weaver, Ellen Barkin is stepping into some pretty big shoes for her upcoming role as Janine “Smurf” Cody, the matriarch to a family of criminals. Actress Jacki Weaver earned an Oscar nomination for her performance in the Australian film as mom to four adult boys and leader of the different lifestyle they live. However, Barkin is more than qualified to take on the role. Barkin is a two-time Golden Globes nominee, a Tony and Emmy Award winning actress, and she has been credited with more than 55 roles in acclaimed plays and movies.
Over on EW.com when asked how she prepared for her part during the Q&A session following the premiere episode at Tribeca, Barkin replied that she went back to the film and rewatched it “a few more times”.
“Because it was such a wonderful performance and such a powerful performance, I wanted to find a completely different way in, so I just flipped her [Janine],” Ellen Barkin.
Joining the cast as Barkin’s grandson is Finn Cole (Peaky Blinders). Finn’s character goes to live with his grandma Janine after his mom dies from a drug overdose. Cole’s character is welcomed warmly into the family by his grandmother but his uncles are a little more worried about his ability to be trusted with the secrets the family holds.
From executive producers, John Wells (Shameless, ER) and Jonathan Lisco (Southland), this crime packed drama pits family against authority and leaves the audience begging for more. Both producers have had incredible success in the shows they are tied to and this one seems to be another hit!
You can catch all the drama of the Animal Kingdom premiere on TNT, June 7th.