Amanda Seyfried has revealed the surprising emotion that motivated her to take on the lead role in The Testament of Ann Lee. Reflecting on the project, the actress admitted that one feeling stayed with her throughout filming: fear.
Seyfried explained that her hesitation came from stepping into material that felt far removed from the modern world—a challenge she has faced in previous roles. She compared it to her experience portraying Marion Davies, the mistress of media mogul William Randolph Hearst, in David Fincher’s Mank.
“Anything that feels far away from the contemporary-ness of the world scares me,” Seyfried shared in a recent interview. Despite the initial trepidation, she emphasized that this very discomfort is what made the experience so rewarding. “Which makes it a thousand times more worthwhile,” she added.
Her dedication to the role has not gone unnoticed. Seyfried’s performance has already drawn high praise from critics and industry insiders alike. An anonymous Academy voter recently told Variety, “She was astounding … I haven’t seen a better performance this year,” even admitting they “didn’t really like the movie.”
For Seyfried, taking on Ann Lee was more than just a career move—it was a deeply personal challenge. Her ability to channel fear into a compelling and nuanced performance underscores why she remains one of Hollywood’s most versatile and respected actresses.
As awards season heats up, Seyfried’s portrayal of Ann Lee is widely expected to be a major contender, cementing her reputation for choosing daring, transformative roles.