‘Missing You’ Star Rosalind Eleazar on How Her Kat Donovan Is Different Than in the Book

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As an actress who has played a diverse range of characters, I can confidently say that playing Kat in Missing You was a unique and challenging experience for me. Unlike some of my previous roles that leaned towards the wild and extreme, Kat is more grounded, which presented its own set of challenges. It was refreshing to step into the shoes of someone who feels more “normal” compared to my past characters.

Working on this project was particularly intense due to the fast-paced nature of the storyline. Every day brought a new shock, revelation, or event that kept me on my toes. It was almost like living Kat’s life for those few months, and I must admit, it felt like I was shedding a piece of myself with every scene we shot.

I can’t predict how audiences will react to Missing You, but I hope they will be entertained and go on Kat’s journey with her. I also hope they feel for her because, let’s face it, if you ask my mum about my personality, she might struggle to sum me up too!

On a lighter note, after this show, I can already imagine the offers pouring in for detective roles. Well, a girl can dream, right? Maybe one day I’ll be solving mysteries with a British accent and a quirky catchphrase like “It’s elementary, my dear Watson!” But until then, I’m just enjoying the ride that is my acting career!

Actually, you might be surprised to know that Rosalind Eleazar often takes on roles more unconventional than Detective Kat Donovan in Netflix’s “Missing You”.

But it didn’t stop the shoot from getting pretty intense.

As a seasoned detective with years of experience in solving missing persons cases, I find “Missing You” to be a captivating addition to the growing list of Harlan Coben adaptations. The story follows the journey of a dedicated detective named Eleazar, who specializes in finding those who have vanished without a trace. With my own background in investigating such cases, I can appreciate the intricate plotlines and attention to detail that make this series stand out. I’m eager to see how “Missing You” unfolds and how it compares to other adaptations based on Coben’s works.

A decade ago, her beloved fiancé Josh (portrayed by Ashley Walters) disappeared mysteriously. Recently, while browsing profiles on a dating app, she encounters his image, causing her world to potentially shatter once more. This event compels her to delve back into the enigma surrounding the murder of her father (Lenny Henry) and uncover hidden truths from her past. Coben, during a London panel, declared that the series concludes with “the most emotionally impactful ending I’ve ever encountered,” admitting that he shed tears over it.

The new series, reimagined by Victoria Asare-Archer, offers a thrilling rollercoaster ride for both its characters and audience members. Consisting of five episodes, this production premiered on Netflix worldwide on January 1st, following in the footsteps of Fool Me Once, another adaptation of the author’s novels starring Michelle Keegan. In 2024, it became Netflix’s most-watched TV show and ranked as its eighth most popular program ever.

Presently, it’s Eleazar’s time. Accompanying the British star is the formidable team consisting of Walters, Henry, Richard Armitage, Jessica Plummer, Matt Willis, and James Nesbitt. Below, the actress engages in a spoiler-free chat with The Hollywood Reporter regarding the universal charm of Coben’s writing, positioning the series within the U.K., and confronting the uncertainty of an inconsistent response: “I can’t predict what people will think. I’m deeply connected to this project; it feels like a part of me is invested in it.

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Well, this really is an emotional rollercoaster for Kat.

As a writer who has often tackled complex and traumatic characters in my stories, I can empathize with the challenges of portraying such individuals authentically. In Harlan Coben’s world, his protagonists are constantly bombarded with one revelation after another, leaving them with little time to catch their breath or process their emotions.

In a normal world, it would be natural to encourage these characters to take a break, seek comfort in conversation with others, but that’s not an option in Coben’s gritty and fast-paced narratives. Instead, his characters display remarkable resilience, picking themselves up and moving forward despite their pain. They are survivors who yearn for answers, having weathered numerous storms in their lives.

When crafting these characters, it is crucial to approach them with sensitivity, as they have endured real-life hardships that many readers may relate to on a deeply personal level. As a writer, I believe it’s our duty to honor their experiences and portray them truthfully, without sensationalizing or trivializing the pain they have suffered.

How did you land the lead role in Missing You?

In September 2023, I was requested to try out for a role. It could have been August or September, I’m not sure. Only one episode of the series was available at that time, so I swiftly read the book. I found myself captivated by the book. I adored the character Kat; she seemed somewhat different in the book compared to the series. In the book, she appeared more reserved. However, the team wanted her to be more proactive in the show. I’m not exactly sure when I landed the part – it would have been October, and we started filming in January.

Were you a fan of Harlan Coben before you were asked to audition?

I took quite a liking to his books. I’ve caught a few of his TV series, and I recall the movie “Tell No One” [2006] being my initial encounter with him.

Did you watch Fool Me Once on Netflix?

Indeed, it’s incredibly captivating, isn’t it? Coben has a knack for crafting intricate plots filled with unexpected twists and turns. When I finished reading “Missing You,” I was genuinely taken aback by the way the story unfolded. I was absolutely convinced that the ending would be different, and I can’t think of many authors who handle such surprises as skillfully as he does.

Is it intimidating for you, given that your new series will be airing during January and ‘Fool Me Once’ was the most-streamed show worldwide on Netflix last year?

I find it more thrilling than intimidating, as a strong following and genuine enthusiasm for the series can spread quickly by word of mouth. If viewers catch the buzz and exclaim, “Let’s watch Missing You,” that would be quite exhilarating. To put it another way, I’m not surprised that Fool Me Once was one of Netflix’s most-watched shows ever, given how skillfully [Harlan] crafts the storylines.

Isn’t it fascinating to observe how these American narratives have been transposed into British settings by the writers? It certainly gives a different flavor to the tales, wouldn’t you agree?

It struck me that his works can be adapted to various locations. Earlier, he mentioned a new project in Argentina, among several others spread across approximately six countries. This got me wondering about what makes these shows universally applicable. Upon reading the book, I found it quite distinct, not tied to any specific setting. Yet, we filmed it in Manchester. Initially, I questioned how it would translate, but surprisingly, they always manage to adapt and succeed. I believe this is due to his exceptional talent for writing in a way that transcends cultural boundaries.

And these Coben novels aren’t for the faint-hearted…

Absolutely, the shoot was incredibly intense, especially for this storyline. Harlan and I discussed earlier, and it seems that the focus is solely on one character – [Kat]. Unlike some other Harlan productions that have multiple subplots, this one closely follows Kat’s journey. It’s a direct, straightforward narrative about her personal experiences. Each day brings numerous unexpected events – surprises, revelations, and significant occurrences. But I enjoy the intensity; I prefer it over anything less intense.

Is Harlan involved in the shoot or writing process?

He has a significant role in the project. I could approach him with any queries I had. Our primary interactions were with Victoria Asare-Archer, the executive producer and series writer who oversaw the adaptation, but he is actively engaged as well. Given his position as an executive producer, he’s deeply immersed in the decision-making process, expressing his preferences and dislikes.

He plays a key part. I could consult him about anything. Mostly, our conversations were with Victoria Asare-Archer, the executive producer and scriptwriter who oversaw the adaptation, but he’s also involved. In fact, as an executive producer, he’s deeply involved in the decision-making process, expressing his opinions and preferences.

Is Kat very different to other characters you’ve played before?

In my view, the character she portrays is relatively ordinary compared to those I’ve previously taken on. You see, I usually play characters that are quite unconventional and intense. This one, however, seems more normal or commonplace. That’s what makes it intriguing because I haven’t really delved into that aspect much before. In my earlier roles, I played a drug addict, among others. This role was more straightforward, which is why I chose to take it on. Every project I undertake should feel unique and stretch me in some way. The idea of playing the same character repeatedly is something I find unappealing. And honestly, after this show, I may be offered a detective role – just laughing at the thought! That’s how things often go in our line of work.

And how do you think audiences will react to Missing You?

It’s challenging to foresee reactions since the project feels incredibly personal to me. Summarizing it is tough because it’s so intertwined with my experiences, almost like extracting a part of myself. If someone asked about my personality, I wouldn’t know what to say either; perhaps you should ask my mother instead. As for the project, I can only hope that people will be entertained by it and join Kat on her journey, empathizing with her along the way.

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Missing You is now streaming on Netflix.

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2025-01-03 07:25