Katherine McNamara Unpacks Her Transformative Villain Role in Stephen King’s ‘The Stand’ Miniseries

In a highly anticipated television event, Katherine McNamara takes on a strikingly different and darker persona as Julie Lawry in the CBS All Access miniseries, The Stand. Premiering on December 17th, this ambitious adaptation breathes new life into Stephen King’s epic 1978 novel, transporting viewers to a world ravaged by a devastating plague and locked in a timeless struggle between the forces of good and evil. At its heart, the narrative explores the very essence of humanity, as the fate of mankind rests precariously on the shoulders of the venerable 108-year-old Mother Abagail and a disparate group of survivors chosen to rebuild society. HollywoodLife had the exclusive opportunity to delve into McNamara’s experience, discussing the profound challenge of portraying a character as complex as Julie Lawry and her immersion into the iconic Stephen King universe.

Reflecting on the collaborative spirit of the production, Katherine shared her admiration during an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife for TVTalk on October 1st, while also promoting the See What Happens campaign for PRECISION1® lenses. “There’s something truly special about being surrounded by a group of individuals so deeply inspired and passionately devoted to the source material,” McNamara explained. “Their ability to take such a rich story and bring it to vivid life on screen is genuinely amazing to witness.” She highlighted the creative liberties taken, including an alternate ending penned by Stephen King himself, emphasizing how these fresh elements coexist harmoniously with the original narrative’s core. “There are so many new elements woven in, yet the series remains incredibly true to the spirit of the original novel, which I believe is the perfect formula for a successful book-to-screen translation,” she noted. “The cast is simply incredible, and for me, it was a profoundly different experience, especially after spending so long portraying heroic characters. Now, I find myself embodying someone who is arguably one of the worst human beings imaginable in a post-apocalyptic landscape. Making the character choices required for Julie often made me feel like a truly grotesque individual, but that’s an inherent part of the acting process. You embrace roles that mirror aspects of yourself and those that are entirely divergent, acting as a chameleon to inhabit each new skin. Despite the challenging nature of the role, it was immensely fun, and everyone involved in the production was just phenomenal. I feel incredibly thankful to have been a part of it and eagerly await for audiences to finally see it.” Her enthusiastic words underscored the depth of her commitment and excitement for this unique project, setting the stage for a performance that promises to be both captivating and unsettling.

Julie Lawry represents a radical departure from any character Katherine McNamara has portrayed previously, a challenge she embraced with remarkable gusto. “What I truly appreciate about Julie is her unflinching authenticity, however twisted it may be,” McNamara elaborated. “She is unimaginably herself, operating without inhibition, and harbors no reservations about asserting her desires and relentlessly pursuing what she wants.” Katherine candidly admitted that these attributes constitute perhaps Julie’s “only admirable qualities,” alongside her uncanny ability to effortlessly pull off vibrant pink hair, among other striking colors. “In virtually every other respect, she is unequivocally not a role model to emulate,” McNamara stressed. The intricate process of playing a villain, she explained, necessitates a certain degree of affection for the character, even when the actions and motivations feel morally reprehensible. “It’s undeniably an intense experience when you’re making choices that make you feel like a truly disgusting human being, embodying the worst possible version of humanity,” she reflected. Yet, McNamara quickly contextualized this internal struggle within the broader purpose of storytelling. “That being said,” she continued, “it all serves a vital purpose in telling the overarching story, vividly illustrating the good, the bad, and the ugly extremes that such catastrophic situations can unleash within the human spirit. Exploring these darker facets is crucial to providing a complete, unvarnished look at the human condition under duress, offering audiences a profound understanding of the moral ambiguities inherent in survival.” This thoughtful approach underscores McNamara’s dedication to her craft and her commitment to delivering an authentic, if unsettling, portrayal.

Adapting beloved novels for television or the big screen is an inherently delicate endeavor, particularly when dealing with literary masterpieces like Stephen King’s The Stand, where fervent fan bases often hold a deep protective allegiance to the source material. The Shadowhunters alum reassured fans that this particular miniseries “stays remarkably true to the book.” However, she also offered intriguing insights into the creative liberties taken to enhance the narrative for a contemporary audience. “With the inclusion of a new ending, and as the creators have judiciously expanded certain elements of the story, Julie’s individual narrative arc diverges somewhat from its original depiction in the novel,” McNamara revealed. This deliberate alteration, she suggested, is not a deviation for deviation’s sake but rather a purposeful artistic choice. “I believe this only serves as a powerful statement that the creators are endeavoring to make with this miniseries,” she articulated, “tailoring this material to deliver a story that resonates profoundly with the specific needs and anxieties of 2020 and beyond.” This thoughtful update ensures that while honoring King’s timeless vision, the adaptation also speaks directly to modern societal concerns, allowing for fresh interpretations of its enduring themes. The prospect of a new ending, especially one crafted by King, adds an exciting layer of intrigue, promising both fidelity and innovation for long-time readers and new viewers alike, navigating the complex interplay between loyalty to the original text and the demands of contemporary storytelling.

In a remarkably eerie and unforeseen twist of fate, the themes and unfolding events within The Stand miniseries found unsettling parallels with the global realities of the COVID-19 pandemic during its production and release. McNamara profoundly articulated this unexpected resonance: “What makes The Stand truly remarkable is that, yes, it revolves around a devastating plague and its aftermath, but beyond the grand scale of catastrophe, it is fundamentally a story about people.” She emphasized that the narrative delves deep into the human element, exploring “what happens to those who are left behind, and crucially, the profound internal journey one undergoes as a human being, compelling individuals to confront and choose what they truly stand for and who they are at their core.” This central theme highlights the existential choices forced upon survivors, where every decision carries immense weight, shaping not only their immediate fate but also the future of humanity. “Ultimately, it is the choices you make that forge your destiny, and that ethos forms the very bedrock for all of the characters in King’s universe,” McNamara explained. As is characteristic of Stephen King’s masterful storytelling, “every single character is incredibly complex, richly drawn, and burdened with a wealth of personal history and internal conflict.” Placing such intricately developed individuals into the brutal crucible of a post-apocalyptic world creates a narrative that is “visceral, profoundly adult in its themes, and often absurd in its macabre details – truly Stephen King at his finest,” she declared with genuine excitement. “I am so incredibly excited for audiences to witness this unfolding drama.” The relevance of The Stand, especially in a world grappling with its own pandemic, transforms it from mere fiction into a compelling mirror reflecting societal resilience, fear, community, and the timeless struggle between good and evil, making its release exceptionally timely and impactful for a global audience seeking meaning in times of uncertainty. It serves as a stark reminder of the fragile nature of civilization and the enduring strength of the human spirit when faced with unimaginable adversity.

Beyond her captivating work on screen, Katherine McNamara is also actively involved in a new campaign with Alcon, dedicated to encouraging individuals to “See What Happens” when they unlock the boundless freedom offered by PRECISION1® contact lenses. McNamara shared her personal journey and enthusiastic endorsement of the product: “Getting contacts had been on my perpetual to-do list for what felt like an eternity, and then, during the quiet introspection of quarantine, I finally managed to tackle and conquer that long-standing item.” Her experience with the lenses has been nothing short of transformative. “I absolutely adore these contact lenses because, quite frankly, they make me feel like a superhero,” she declared with a beaming smile. This sense of empowerment stems from the practical advantages they offer. “I can genuinely go about my life unhindered, possessing the superpower of crystal-clear vision without the constraints of glasses.” This campaign resonates deeply with McNamara’s active and dynamic lifestyle, embodying the seamless integration of clarity and convenience. Her advocacy highlights how PRECISION1® lenses provide not just visual correction, but an enhanced sense of freedom and capability, allowing users to fully engage with their world without compromise. The “See What Happens” message inspires curiosity and encourages individuals to discover the positive impact that unburdened sight can have on their daily adventures, aligning perfectly with McNamara’s own energetic and adventurous spirit, further solidifying her authentic connection to the brand.