Kiernan Shipka joined the cast of HBO Max’s drama Industry in its fourth season, which premiered on January 11. The 26-year-old actress portrays Hayley Clay, a determined assistant working closely with two of the show’s main characters, played by Kit Harington and Max Minghella. This role marks a new chapter in Shipka’s career, moving beyond her earlier identity as a child star and teenage actress.
Transitioning Into Mature and Complex Roles
Having grown up in the public eye, notably starring in Mad Men and Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, Shipka embraced fresh challenges with Industry’s mature themes. Her portrayal of Hayley Clay reflects a departure from previous roles, demonstrating her growth as an adult actor. The show’s realistic and often provocative storytelling allowed her to explore complex aspects of her character’s life, including a daring threesome scene featured in the third episode of the season released on Sunday.
Exploring Challenging Scenes in ‘Industry’
Shipka described this particular scene as both “brave” and “rule-breaking,” fitting well within Industry’s reputation for pushing boundaries. Speaking to Variety, she emphasized the scene’s emotional complexity:
“It’s such an important scene for all three characters,”
she said.
“But what I think is so interesting about that scene is that everybody’s got this wildly different emotional arc: You’re doing something together, but everyone is on kind of their own journey.”
The scene involved Marisa Abela, who plays Yasmine, the wife of Kit Harington’s character, adding layers to the narrative tension.
Reflecting on Early Career and New Opportunities
Shipka also reflected on her long-standing career, stating,
“I mean, I’m 26 now, but people have known me since I was 6.”
She acknowledged the weight of such public recognition over a long period. Regarding her casting on Industry, she shared,
“So for them to say, ‘Hey, I think she’s the girl for Hayley,’ is very exciting for me,”
crediting casting director Julie Harkin along with co-creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay for their belief in her suitability for the role.
Embracing Growth Beyond Previous Image
The actress expressed enthusiasm for the mature aspects of this part, explaining,
“It’s a part I love. So I was definitely aware that I was doing something more mature, but I wasn’t really thinking, ‘I’ve really got to do this sort of thing next.’ It’s about the people and the material.”
This approach highlights her focus on the script and collaborators rather than the pressure of shifting her image drastically.
Excitement Over Challenging Audience Perceptions
Shipka concluded by acknowledging how the role might challenge how viewers perceive her as an actor.
“When it goes up against stuff I’ve done previously, that’s so exciting and so fun,”
she remarked. This willingness to take risks signals her dedication to evolving within her craft and exploring bold narratives.
