Natasha, I truly appreciate that Poker Face can incorporate moments like the one featuring the hilariously long straw. Do you enjoy discovering scenes that seem out of place, yet bring so much joy?

NATASHA LYONNE: After seven months of filming, spontaneous moments arise. Taking bold swings and making strong choices become second nature. To be honest, I often don’t recognize these moments as they unfold. Perhaps this stems from my self-taught acting journey, where I drew inspiration from various mentors. I find myself borrowing techniques from greats like Peter Falk. For instance, when I observe Jack Nicholson‘s choices in films ranging from Five Easy Pieces to his unique take in The Departed, it resonates with me. I recall Dennis Hopper‘s unexpected appearance in Apocalypse Now, where he seemed to exist in his own film. It just works somehow. Watching Al Pacino embrace his quirky side has also influenced my approach. He often imbues his characters with such eccentricity that I theorize he forgets his lines, turning to physical comedy to regain focus. During an Off-Broadway production, I played an inebriated character who slept a lot, humorously asking, “Wake me up when it’s my turn.” After witnessing Pacino’s Shakespeare performance on Broadway, I returned to my performance embodying his spirit. This commitment transformed the character. Even in small things, like a straw, I strive to surprise myself and maintain a lively presence. That spontaneity is incredibly fun.

The dynamic between Charlie, a character who cannot be deceived, and her companion who doesn’t believe in dishonesty is fascinating. How did you navigate that relationship?

JOHNSON: Introducing Patti Harrison‘s character allowed us to explore the intriguing concept of a sidekick in this narrative. Our starting point was to consider, “What would a Watson be to her Holmes?” Casting someone as talented and engaging as Patti was crucial for this role, as her chemistry with Natasha is palpable, which helped us to better understand their dynamic.

Cynthia Erivo Showcases Her Incredible Range in Season 2 of ‘Poker Face’

“We both truly admired her performance.”

What impressed you both about Cynthia Erivo and her performance with multiple characters?

LYONNE: During her DJ moment, Rian had a pre-recorded song, and it was just her up there spinning. That was possibly the most hilarious sight I’ve witnessed in years.

JOHNSON: Beyond her on-screen performance, both of us appreciated the sheer logistics of her work. We filmed that episode in an incredible 10 days, given the complexity and length of the narrative. We had everything meticulously planned out, utilizing three cameras to capture multiple angles simultaneously. As she would change costumes, we would set her up for the next scene while maintaining the flow of the shoot. To be able to embody five or six characters, keeping track of them all while navigating the filming of 50 pages in just 10 days, was a monumental feat. We both felt fortunate to have her in this episode for countless reasons.

LYONNE: It felt incredibly fun. Watching her and Rian collaborate was a joy because they are both artists at the pinnacle of their talents, thoroughly enjoying their craft. The absence of the pressures typically associated with feature films allowed them to play freely. For me, witnessing my friend Rian and my new friend Cynthia work effortlessly was akin to watching two geniuses revel in a creative playground, showcasing their most vibrant selves. It’s just a delightful experience.

Poker Face is available to stream on Peacock. Don’t miss the thrilling Season 2 trailer: