Greta Lee Opens Up About ‘Late Fame’ And Why The Role Feels Meant For Her

Following a string of acclaimed performances in recent years, Greta Lee is set to return to the big screen with “Late Fame.”

Speaking about the project in a recent interview, Lee described “Late Fame” as “a precious secret gem.” She also reflected on how she approached the role after replacing the film’s previously attached star, Sandra Hüller.

Lee’s film, “Late Fame,” had its world premiere in the Orizzonti section of the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in August 2025.

Now, nearly a year later, the movie is set to open in select U.S. theaters through Magnolia Pictures.

Reflecting on the film’s journey ahead of its theatrical release, Lee told The Hollywood Reporter that she is “just so appreciative” the movie was made in the first place.

“It does feel like this precious secret gem,” the “Russian Doll” star said of the project. “Certainly that feels reflected in the kind of distribution and release it’s going to have. I’m just hoping that it can find an audience. It’s one of those films that I feel like is this gift that I want people to receive and to get to see it in a theater.”

Greta Lee Felt Gloria Was Always Her Character

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In “Late Fame,” Lee plays Gloria, an actress determined to win the attention of former poet Ed Saxberger (Willem Dafoe) after discovering his little-known collection of poetry while searching for acting opportunities.

However, Lee almost never landed the role. She stepped into the part after Sandra Hüller, who had originally been cast, withdrew from the project.

Looking back, Lee said she is grateful the opportunity came her way because she believes the role was meant for her.

“The idea of Gloria and who she was in my mind was so firm and so separate from anyone else, including Sandra,” she said. “It felt like it was mine — like, ‘I really want to take the plunge and run with this idea of exactly who this person is.’”

Greta Lee Says Gloria Is A Character You Rarely See Today

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Lee’s enthusiasm for the role was also evident during a Q&A following the film’s screening at the Venice International Film Festival.

“It was one of those moments when I thought, ‘Oh, God, I have to play her.’ Then, when I was lucky enough to get the chance to, I couldn’t believe it,” Lee said at the time, per Deadline.

According to Lee, the kind of woman Gloria represents is rarely seen today, which is why she had extensive conversations with director Kent Jones to ensure every detail of the character felt authentic.

“The kind of woman who is incredibly nostalgic and romantic and looking to the past, looking to women like Marlene Dietrich,” Lee noted. “Those were a few of the things we tried to incorporate into the character.”

Greta Lee Says ‘Past Lives’ Still Touches Audiences

While it remains to be seen how “Late Fame” will be received when it arrives in theaters, Lee is still enjoying the enduring impact of her acclaimed 2023 film, “Past Lives,” which earned multiple award nominations, including a Golden Globe nomination.

Earlier this year, she revealed that people still approach her wherever she goes to share how deeply they connected with Nora Moon, the character she portrayed in the film.

Speaking about those encounters, Lee said she feels “really lucky” to have formed such a genuine connection with strangers through her work. She also recalled one particularly memorable interaction that reinforced that feeling.

“One of the most profound encounters I had was meeting a young person who said that they’d never been in love. And seeing the movie made them excited to fall in love. I said, ‘Good luck. It gets real screwy after that,’” Lee shared.

Greta Lee Isn’t Sure ‘Past Lives’ Will Get A Sequel

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Given the success of “Past Lives,” speculation about a potential sequel has persisted. However, there has been no official announcement about a follow-up, and Lee previously admitted she remains uncertain about whether it will happen.

“While we were filming, there were many jokes about the sequel and the trilogy—giving it the full Linklater treatment. We’ll see,” the “HouseBroken” star said.

Looking ahead, Lee will return to the small screen in Netflix’s “The Last House,” which debuts on the same day as “Late Fame.” She is also attached to “The Eyes Are the Best Part,” a project being produced by Searchlight Pictures.