The addictive subgenre of high socio-economic status scandals has risen in popularity due to buzzworthy shows like Netflix’s The Tinder Swindler and Inventing Anna. Hulu’s The Dropout is the most recent series to join the collection. Based on the true story of bio-technology entrepreneur Elizabeth Holmes, The Dropout stars Amanda Seyfried in the titular role with New Girl‘s Elizabeth Meriwether serving as executive producer, showrunner and co-writer. Seyfried is outstanding in her portrayal of Holmes; however, the founder of Theranos was almost played by a different actor.
Kate McKinnon — the hilarious comedian of Saturday Night Live fame — had been tied to The Dropout since the project was in its early stages, but ended up being completely absent from the show when it made its heavily promoted debut. So what’s the reason for McKinnon’s quiet disappearance from the series?
Why Kate McKinnon Dropped Out of The Dropout
When The Dropout was announced in April 2019, Kate McKinnon was slated to be an executive producer and star in the leading role of Elizabeth Holmes. Production had even been planned to accommodate the star’s busy schedule with SNL. However, McKinnon subsequently took on another role as Carole Baskin in Peacock’s JOE vs CAROLE, another adaptation based on Netflix’s popular docuseries Tiger King (and hoping to capitalize on its predecessor’s popularity). Though no official reason has been given for McKinnon’s departure, it’s likely that the comedian was spread too thin between SNL, JOE vs CAROLE and The Dropout and had to decide which non-SNL project to do.
Though McKinnon would have undoubtedly excelled as Elizabeth Holmes, leaving The Dropout for JOE vs CAROLE might’ve been the best decision for her. The role of Baskin is more humorous than that of Holmes (though The Dropout is not short of hilarious moments itself). Since comedic impersonations are one of McKinnon’s greatest strengths, she’s perfect as the eccentric big-cat rescuer going head-to-head with Joe Exotic.
McKinnon as Baskin and Seyfried as Holmes
When McKinnon left The Dropout, a new actress dropped into her role. Amanda Seyfried was cast as the Elizabeth Holmes, and excels in her own way in taking over the part. From her forced, deep baritone voice to her piercing gaze that holds both a fascinating mystery and slight vacancy that makes the viewer wonder what’s going on behind her eyes, Seyfried delivers a captivating performance from beginning to end. The series succeeds in large part because of her.
Starring in a more dramatic role than usual, McKinnon likewise is excellent in JOE vs CAROLE. The actress mixes her expert comedy skills with a suspenseful edge as she guides viewers through the crazy story of the Carole Baskin vs. Joe Exotic feud. While it’s unfortunate that McKinnon had to choose between two enticing projects, it seems that all worked out for the best. Each actress succeeds with their respective roles, making it hard to imagine anyone else playing these two wildly different, equally infamous women..
The first four episodes of The Dropout are streaming now on Hulu, with new episodes releasing Thursdays through April 7. The first episode of JOE vs. CAROLE is now streaming on Peacock.
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