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Anna Paquinis joiningThe Affair!
The formerTrue Bloodactress, 36, will have a role in the upcoming fifth season of Showtime’s hit drama. Paquin is expected to play the adult version of Joanie Lockhart, Alison and Cole Lockhart’s daughter.
In thefinal season, Joanie will return to Montauk and set out to discover the truth about her late mother (Ruth Wilson), who in season 4’s shocking finale, died at the hands of her love interest Ben (Ramón Rodríguez).
The season’s upcoming ten episodes will also let the characters explore how “everything does really fall apart in the end, but somewhere in that wreckage, the seeds of change finally sprout,” according to a press release from Showtime.
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“To say we’re happy to welcome @AnnaPaquin, would be the understatement of the century,”she tweeted. “Been a HUGE fan of hers for as long as I can remember. We can’t wait to show you all this final season….”
In response, Paquin echoed her thrilled message and shared that she was looking forward to joining the cast. “Super excited to join you all!” shetweeted back.
The show’s executive producer Jessica Rhoades also sent acongratulatory tweetto the actress: “We’re so thrilled and lucky to welcome @AnnaPaquin to @SHO_TheAffair!” she wrote.
News of Paquin joining the cast comes after it was announced over the summer thatRuth Wilsonwouldnot be returningfor the show’s final season. Her departure left fans speculating about the real reason as to why she chose to move on.
“It isn’t about pay parity, and it wasn’t about other jobs,” Wilson, 36, toldThe New York Timesin a profile piece. “But I’m not really allowed to talk about it.”
While Wilson couldn’t elaborate, she did reveal that there is a larger behind-the-scenes narrative that led to her departure. “There is a much bigger story,” she added.
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“Ultimately, it felt like the most powerful creative decision would be to end Alison’s arc at the moment when she had finally achieved self-empowerment,” the statement continued. “The impact of her loss will be felt as the series concludes next season. We thank the many fans who embraced the character of Alison and especially thank Ruth for her indelible work over the past four seasons.”
Also not returning for the fifth season isJoshua Jackson, who played Cole Lockhart, as well as Catalina Sandino Moreno (Luisa) and Omar Metwally (Vik), according toEW.Season 5 ofThe Affairwill premiere on Showtime in 2019.
source: people.com
