‘We Really F—ing Hope That This Is Working:’ School Spirits’ Jess Gabor Told Me How She Films All Those Janet Scenes With Peyton List, And It’s Intense

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With each episode of “School Spirits” that airs on the 2025 TV schedule, my fascination grows as I realize that both Jess Gabor and Peyton List portray Janet. Throughout the series, while Janet inhabits Maddie’s body, the show alternates between these two talented actresses to reveal the spirit’s true identity and how she behaves in a different physical form. Consequently, when I got the opportunity to interview Gabor about playing Janet, I couldn’t help but ask about working with List, and it sounds like a challenging yet intriguing dynamic.

The process commences as soon as the performers receive their scripts. Gabor shared with me during an interview for TopMob that she and the Cobra Kai star would meet up on weekends to discuss and strategize about Janet’s actions in each specific episode, putting it simply: they would go over scenes and plan out her moves.

Whenever we received a fresh script, we’d arrange meetings in our respective hotel rooms, where we’d discuss my approach to the role, her preferred portrayal, minor gestures and details to replicate on set for authenticity.

Initially, I appreciate the dedication and thoughtfulness these two actresses bring to their roles. Furthermore, it seems appropriate. Gabor mentioned that the series “School Spirits” films its episodes quickly, which means they must hold on tight and rely on the process and their preparation. As the actress portraying Janet put it:

Each day on set, we tackle around fourteen pages of filming, which means diving into a scene, capturing it in one or two takes before moving on. It’s a rollercoaster ride filled with uncertainty, as we both, Peyton and I, found ourselves questioning if our efforts were paying off. During this production, there was an undercurrent of anxious hope, wondering if what we were doing was actually working. We really, really hoped it was.

Undoubtedly, it proved successful, and the inventive elements like this are what make “School Spirits” stand out among Paramount+’s top shows, as I see it. The intricate ghost dance sequence, along with numerous instances where Gabor and List portray Janet, demonstrate the dedication, hard work, and careful planning that went into creating this series.

Regarding Janet inhabiting Maddie’s physical form, the actress shared that they’ve given considerable thought to her appearance and mannerisms to ensure that she remains a unique character regardless of who portrays her. This consistency in acting style for both Gabor and List, as they play Janet, also aids List in distinguishing Janet from Maddie specifically.

To clarify, the Shameless actress shared with me that many of the character choices are influenced by the fact that Janet is a woman from the ’50s, while Maddie represents a modern woman. She further elaborated that her character’s spirit often keeps her legs crossed or together and her hands positioned at her waist. Additionally, she maintained a formal posture, stating:

She maintained a very disciplined posture due to her upbringing with a rigidly religious father in the 1950s. Consequently, she developed a rather taut physique. To emphasize this difference, we aimed to portray both characters with distinct body types, as Maddie is depicted as slouchy and laid-back, while Janet was meant to be the complete opposite.

Additionally, Gabor mentioned that when List portrays Janet, she will have her hair tucked behind her ears. This isn’t merely a distinction between Maddie and Janet; it also carries significance as the actress explained her character does this because she is “a science enthusiast” and would always avoid having her hair obstruct her view.

The intricacy of these characters’ predicaments is astonishingly profound, yet delving into the depth of thought and planning behind it all is equally fascinating. Despite the complexity, the clarity with which List’s Maddie and Janet are distinguished from each other, along with Gabor seamlessly embodying the ghost trapped in Maddie’s body, makes the entire journey worthwhile.

To get a clear understanding of my point, you might want to watch the series “School Spirits” on Paramount+, particularly tuning in for the season finale of Season 2 which will be airing next Thursday and promises to be thrilling. This episode is crucial as it will reveal the fate of Maddie and the ghost residing within her.

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2025-02-28 04:37