Yahoo Lifestyle 'Superman' Star Rachel Brosnahan Reveals How She Found Out She Was Cast as Lois Lane
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"I didn't double dip," Rachel Brosnahan assures me as she offers a French fry, served with a side of honey mustard. Sharing fries with the star of the upcoming Superman movie might sound like the setup of a classic celebrity profile, but these fries are different. We're chatting at a McCain Foods pop-up — the brand behind 1 in every 4 fries eaten worldwide. The brand claims these particular "Fries of the Future" are made from potatoes grown using regenerative agriculture practices.
Rachel, a self-proclaimed fry lover and passionate sustainability advocate, has teamed up with McCain to help spread the word about their new Regen fries. "I'm always looking for new brands across different categories that not only make things I like, but also happen to make the world a little better along the way," she says.
During our chat, The Amateur actress dished on her favorite sustainable beauty and fashion brands, opened up about the audition process for Superman and introduced me to an entirely believable theory about how Midge Maisel and Lorelai Gilmore are related. (More on that ahead.)
But when it comes to sustainable style, Rachel believes that "the less we can buy new, the better." She likes to buy off The RealReal, "because it's resold clothing," and cites Gabriela Hearst and Reformation as brands she thinks are making a real commitment towards sustainability.
As for her everyday skincare routine, Rachel swears by Biossance 100% Squalane Oil. "I've been using it literally every night. I love it," the 34-year-old reveals. Rachel also loves Olio-E-Osso Tinted Balm, which she uses as a lip, cheek and eye tint. Another makeup brand Rachel mentions is Chantecaille, which she says has a commitment to environmental philanthropy.
100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil
Tinted Balm
Philanthropy Cheek Shade Blush
"There's a big movement across the different commerce spaces and I appreciate that it's something we're all thinking about," Rachel adds. "As consumers, I really do believe that most people are trying to figure out how they can make a difference, especially with what feels like the increasing volume of challenges that we're facing. When companies take that first step, they make it simple and they can help raise awareness. Consumers can feel better about the decisions that they're making day-to-day, and how they can be doing more too."
Speaking of saving the world, Rachel's turn as the iconic Lois Lane in the 2025 Superman movie from director James Gunn hits theaters on July 11. When asked if she remembers where she was when she found out the part was hers, Rachel laughs and confirms she does.
"I was in a bathroom at Aritzia in SoHo. My phone rang, and it said 'James Gunn.' I don't know why he's listed, but he's listed. And I was praying that the toilet didn't flush behind me, but I didn't want to miss the call. Somewhere in my brain I felt like if I missed the call that I wouldn't get the job," she recalls. "So I picked up the phone and he just said, 'How'd you like to be the next Lois Lane?' I was very excited and then immediately nervous. I had big shoes to fill."
She points out that James famously has everyone audition, for every part. "I made a tape in my living room with my husband. He's really confused about why he's not playing Superman after his excellent off camera reading," Rachel jokes about her husband, actor Jason Ralph.
She went on to do chemistry reads in Los Angeles, and after mixing and matching, "somehow David [Corenswet] and I had the chemistry," she continues. "Even from the tests that we all did out in Los Angeles, it was clear that this was a really special team of people who just love this project, love comic books — and that's who you want behind these iconic characters and properties."
While she can't reveal much about the upcoming film, the actress strongly believes "there's something in it for everyone." She calls it "the hopeful Superman," stressing that "it's hopeful without being overly earnest and saccharine."
"I'm excited to be putting something hopeful out into the world in the middle of these pretty tricky and tumultuous times. It's hopeful, but it's also entertaining. It has all the things you expect and want from a big superhero movie and then also a lot of heart too."
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel star knows a thing or two about heart. Ahead of a PaleyFest LA panel titled "The Amy Sherman-Paladino Multiverse," I had to ask Rachel: If she could play a different character from any of Amy's shows (Gilmore Girls, Bunheads or another role in Maisel), who would she pick?
"I'd want to be Jess in Gilmore Girls," she revealed. "I got to work with Milo [Ventimiglia] and he's such a sweetheart. But Jess was kind of a hot bad boy, and I'd love to know what that feels like."
I tell her I was going to ask if she's a Gilmore Girls fan, since Midge Maisel and Lorelai Gilmore share some traits.
"They share some DNA. I think Midge might be Lorelai's great, great, great grandmother," Rachel responds immediately. "Maybe once removed... That's the multiverse. They're all connected, right? They're connected by comedy and poodles."
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