Amid the 2023 writers strike, Lena Dunham developed a strong interest in Vanderpump Rules, particularly focused on the highly publicized affair known as Scandoval. This scandal, involving Vanderpump stars Tom Sandoval and Rachel (Raquel) Leviss, led to the end of Sandoval’s nine-year relationship with Ariana Madix.
Attempt to Create a Theatrical Reenactment of Scandoval Events
On the Shut Up Evan podcast, Dunham revealed she tried to organize a dramatic reenactment of the post-Scandoval Vanderpump reunion. She envisioned professional actors portraying Sandoval, Madix, and Leviss to capture the emotional intensity of the moments.
We should basically create like a mini movie in which actors treat this as canon and get up and perform it with all the passion and virtuosity of Shakespeare,
Dunham said.
I went so far as to abuse Andy Cohen’s contact information to pitch him the idea.
—Lena Dunham, Creator
The Reunion’s Iconic Quotes and Limited Support from Andy Cohen
The real reunion featured memorable lines such as
Go f— yourself with a cheese grater
and
You’re a dementor, I know you like Harry Potter.
Dunham suggested that these moments could translate well onto a dramatic stage. Although Andy Cohen, the longtime Bravo producer, understood Dunham’s concept, he did not officially greenlight her project.
Instead, Cohen arranged a separate Scandoval reading on his Sirius XM show Radio Andy, featuring Cheyenne Jackson as Sandoval, Chloe Fineman as Leviss, and Amber Tamblyn portraying Madix.
Dunham’s Dream Cast and Vision for Serious Theatrical Direction
Despite the Radio Andy stunt, Dunham had a different idea for casting. She imagined Andrew Scott playing Sandoval and Jennifer Lawrence as Madix, aiming to bring a more serious theatrical approach to the dramatization.
I want to take these words and direct them like it’s really serious theater,
Dunham explained. —Lena Dunham, Creator
Significance and Potential of the Dramatization Proposal
Lena Dunham’s attempt to turn the Scandoval saga into a serious theatrical production reflects the growing cultural fascination with reality TV drama and its potential for artistic reinterpretation. While her idea was not adopted, it highlights the blurred lines between reality entertainment and dramatic art, and the possible new directions reality TV stories could take in the future.
