Natasha Lyonne on Her Forthcoming Feature Film Debut as a Director and Writer

Natasha Lyonne, a versatile actress, is set to make her feature film directorial debut with a project she has written. The star of His Three Daughters, Poker Face, and Russian Doll recently shared her aspirations in an interview with The New York Times.

Lyonne expressed her enthusiasm for the project, joking that the only obstacle is finding the time to work on it, saying, “if we can just get me a second or third self.” Although she is currently filming season 2 of Rian Johnson’s detective series Poker Face, she is hopeful about the project’s timeline.

While reluctant to share details about the film’s plot, Lyonne did reveal that it involves time and the aging process of dogs, which will likely resonate with dog lovers. As an avid dog owner herself, with a 14-year-old dog named Rootbeer, this theme is close to her heart.

Lyonne also touched on the project’s tone, stating, “If it’s a heavy cat, it’s heavy, and if it’s a heavier cat – well, it’s comedy.” Although the project is still in progress, she emphasized that she doesn’t take failure seriously, viewing it as an opportunity to find the right permutation.

Her advice to aspiring creatives is to remain open-minded and persistent, saying, “You never know what the fate of your work will be.” This mindset has served her well in her own career, with various projects in the works, including Marvel’s highly anticipated film Fantastic Four, where she will star alongside Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Evon Moss-Bachrach.

In addition to her acting pursuits, Lyonne’s production company, Animal Pictures, has signed a deal with global entertainment group Sister, with whom she will be working as an executive. The company is responsible for four shows that air on Apple TV+, including Loot, which stars her friend and former Animal Pictures partner Maya Rudolph.

Lyonne will also be starring in Taika Waititi’s film adaptation of Kazuo Ishiguro’s best-selling novel Klara and the Sun, opposite Jenna Ortega. With her diverse range of projects, Lyonne is solidifying her position as a talented and versatile actress, writer, and director in the entertainment industry.