Kaley Cuoco Confirms New Fear Unlocked by Tense Amazon Prime Thriller
Kaley Cuoco has quietly established herself as the reigning queen of deliciously addictive action series, transitioning seamlessly from playing a trouble-making flight attendant to voicing the iconic DC character Harley Quinn. In recent years, she has plunged headfirst into the thriller genre, exploring dark comedies like Meet Cute and Based on a True Story, alongside action-packed films such as Role Play. Her latest venture, Amazon Prime Video's Vanished, accelerates full throttle into dark and dangerous territory, featuring Cuoco as Alice Munroe, an archaeologist who embarks on a perilous journey of deceit after her boyfriend Tom, portrayed by Sam Claflin, mysteriously disappears from a moving train.
The Premise That Shook the Big Bang Theory Star
In an exclusive interview, the 40-year-old actress revealed that the intriguing premise of Vanished left her profoundly shaken. "I'm a very insecure, anxious traveller. I'm not like that in my life, but when I'm travelling, the older I've gotten, I've gotten a little more fearful," Cuoco confessed. "I kept thinking: 'Oh my gosh, if this happened to me, if I really was on a train and my guy literally disappeared, I would be terrified.'" She elaborated that Alice's determination to stay and investigate the disappearance felt entirely believable, as the heart naturally resists accepting a horrific reality.
True Crime Obsession and Its Calming Effect
When questioned whether filming intense shows like The Flight Attendant and Vanished had altered her daily life, Cuoco admitted that the thought of someone vanishing from a moving train had indeed unlocked a new fear. However, she clarified that she hasn't changed her lifestyle, despite acknowledging she probably should. Beyond the set, Cuoco immerses herself in harrowing true crime stories, a genre she finds utterly fascinating. "I watch a lot of true crime. I watched Dateline in 2020, and then there's podcasts that I listen to that are probably darker than I would like to admit," she shared. Surprisingly, this content keeps her calm, a paradox she acknowledges makes no logical sense. Additionally, she is addicted to court TV, captivated by live proceedings that make her feel like a courtroom observer.
Collaboration with Sam Claflin and Emotional Scenes
Working alongside Sam Claflin, known for his role in The Hunger Games, was a highlight for Cuoco. She praised his reputation and found his self-deprecating nature endearing, which fostered an immediate lightheartedness on set. The series features several high-octane scenes, often involving Alice in heart-pounding chase sequences. Cuoco expressed her enjoyment of such physically demanding moments, though she humorously noted feeling almost too old for them. Conversely, emotional scenes proved more exhausting, with one requiring her to cry for seven hours straight. She revealed that thoughts of her daughter easily trigger her tears, a common parental experience where emotions intensify.
Future Projects: Harley Quinn and a Return to Comedy
Another role that grants Cuoco immense creative freedom is voicing Harley Quinn in the hit animated series, which has run for five seasons with hopes for more. Her portrayal, especially Harley's bisexual relationship with Poison Ivy, resonated deeply with fans, earning viral acclaim. Cuoco hailed the show as a "slam dunk" and expressed eagerness for future seasons, curious about what the writers might devise next. Beyond Harley Quinn, she reflected on the impact of her other roles, particularly Penny from The Big Bang Theory, reminiscing about meaningful fan interactions, including Make-A-Wish visits that left a lasting impression.
Looking ahead, Cuoco is ready to revisit comedy, a genre close to her heart. "I'm hoping this next year, I'm gonna get back to some of the broader, silly comedy that I really enjoy. The over-the-top silliness, not taking yourself so seriously. It's where I live in my heart and I like making people laugh so that's where I definitely want to be," she stated. She aims to switch gears after focusing on thrillers, though fans can currently enjoy her in Vanished, which she describes as a "really fun ride" that is "super bingeable" and visually stunning, with unpredictable twists that keep viewers guessing.
