Michelle Pfeiffer may be starring in one of television’s buzziest dramas, but filming “The Madison” was anything but glamorous. The Hollywood icon recently opened up about the harsh realities of shooting Taylor Sheridan’s new Paramount+ series in rural Montana, revealing there were no traditional trailers, no plumbing, and in some cases, no bathrooms at all.
During an appearance on the Los Angeles Times podcast “In Conversation: ‘The Madison,’” Pfeiffer reflected on just how rugged conditions became while filming the series. The actress explained that while the scenery was beautiful, basic comforts were hard to come by. “You may as well be in a tent because, you know, there is no bathroom,” Pfeiffer said. “Even the outhouse is not real. So there’s no AC, there’s no plumbing, there isn’t anything. But it is breathtakingly glorious.”
Because the production was shot in remote locations, cast members often had to improvise, including going to the bathroom outside. Plus, the conditions varied by season, with scorching heat in the summer and freezing temperatures in the colder months.
Pfeiffer Says ‘The Madison’ Set Had Few Accommodations
The actress also revealed that the production setup left cast members without many of the comforts Hollywood stars are typically used to between takes. Since the show was filmed in 360 degrees, trailers could not be placed nearby without appearing on camera.
“It took a while [to get used to] because they built that cabin. It was all a little bit rushed for everyone, and so there weren’t certain accommodations set up,” Pfeiffer explained. “We didn’t really have trailers there because they were shooting 360 [degrees]. So, they couldn’t have a bunch of trailers around.”
According to Pfeiffer, the set initially lacked places to sit, nearby bathrooms, and even food. “There was really no place for us to sit,” she said. “There was no bathroom nearby. There was no food. And in the winter, it was cold. It was like, ‘Could we have a heater?’”
She added, “And in the summer, it was like, ‘Could I get an umbrella because the sun’s really intense?’ It took us about halfway through to figure all of that out.”
Michelle Pfeiffer Initially Had Tension With Taylor Sheridan
Pfeiffer also recently revealed that signing onto “The Madison” required a leap of faith, one that initially created some tension between her and creator Taylor Sheridan. The actress said Sheridan approached her about the project before a script had even been written.
After visiting Sheridan at his Texas ranch and hearing about the show concept and her character arc, Pfeiffer wanted to read material before committing. “I said, ‘Okay, when could I read something?’” Pfeiffer recalled, but Sheridan’s response surprised her. “He said, ‘Well, I’d like to know who I’m writing for before I start writing. So after you commit.’”
Unsure about the unusual process, Pfeiffer turned to a trusted source for reassurance: her friend Helen Mirren, who previously worked with Sheridan on “1923.” After Mirren gave Sheridan glowing reviews, Pfeiffer agreed to join “The Madison” without ever seeing a script.
Pfeiffer Says Grief In ‘The Madison’ Felt Deeply Familiar
In “The Madison,” Pfeiffer stars as Stacy Clyburn, a wealthy New Yorker forced to navigate grief after suddenly losing her husband, played by Kurt Russell, while adjusting to life in rural Montana. The emotional storyline struck a personal chord for Pfeiffer, who admitted she has experienced profound loss in her own life.
Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, the actress reflected on how grief can unexpectedly reshape a person’s perspective. “For a brief amount of time, all that really matters is connection with other human beings,” she said.
Michelle Pfeiffer Gets Candid About Grief After Personal Loss
Pfeiffer went on to explain that losing someone meaningful taught her difficult lessons about identity and healing. “When you have grown up with someone, and you’re so entangled with each other, after a while, you don’t really even know where you end and the other person begins,” she explained. “How do you even start to imagine your life without them and rebuild when everything you knew has fallen apart?”
Despite the rugged filming conditions, Pfeiffer’s leap of faith appears to have paid off. “The Madison” has already completed filming for season two, while Paramount+ handed the series an early season three renewal. An official premiere date for season two, however, has yet to be announced.