Natasha Lyonne Talks Peter Dinklage Replacing Her, TV Show’s Future

Golden Globe nominee Natasha Lyonne has finally opened up about Poker Face‘s Peacock cancellation and not returning as the lead in the mystery comedy’s potential third season. In the show, Lyonne portrayed the role of lie detector Charlie Cale for two seasons, which earned her an Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series.

Why is Natasha Lyonne exiting her lead role in Poker Face?

During a recent interview with THR, Lyonne confirmed that the creative team already knew about Peacock‘s looming cancellation even during the production of Poker Face Season 2. Because of this, she’s glad that she and creator Rian Johnson were able to direct the final episode together.

“We weren’t shocked! Isn’t that funny, how that happens? ‘News to some people,’ is what it should say! ‘New news to just us who haven’t been keyed in on the news as it was unfolding in real time,’” she shared. “I’m so grateful that Rian and I directed a finale last season called “The End of the Road” — that should have been a little clue, folks. We literally threw the car off a cliff! We also threw Root Beer in the shot day of — an improvised cameo by my beloved, tiny baby puppy who is 15 but doesn’t look a day over one, thanks to extensive plastic surgery.”

Lyonne also finally explained the reason why Game of Thrones vet Peter Dinklage will replace her as the lead in the possible Poker Face Season 3. Despite her exit, the Orange Is the New Black alum will remain as an executive producer and is still currently involved in the process of the show trying to find a new home.

“I adore Dinklage. Game of Thrones is obviously one of my favorite shows, but Peter is also one of my favorite people of all time. It’s kind of all good news,” Lyonne revealed. “For me, baby’s gotta direct some movies. I’ve been talking about it long enough. I’m very grateful I got to direct TV and write so much of it. I love what I do very much; I’m so grateful that I get to do it. And the unfortunate thing about a human timeline is that, much like the sand in the hourglass, these are the days of our lives.”

She continued, “I gotta get these movies under my belt, and I’m also excited about my Sky show with Matt Berry, Force & Majeure, a sci-fi retro endeavor. When we’re done talking, I’m going to get back to that writers’ room to finish that finale. We shoot in September.”

Poker Face was created, written, and directed by Rian Johnson in his first-ever TV project, with Tony Tost serving as its showrunner. The latest season featured guest stars Cynthia Erivo, John Mulaney, Simon Rex, Giancarlo Esposito, John Cho, Awkwafina, Method Man, Ego Nwodim, Kumail Nanjiani, Melanie Lynskey, Taylor Schilling, Katie Holmes, Alia Shawkat, and more.

(Source: THR)