In the inaugural episode of That ’90s Show, a line by Kurtwood Smith’s character, Red, to Laura Prepon’s Donna and Topher Grace’s Eric, “You’re upstairs people now”, sets the tone for the series. This phrase, which takes us back to the couple’s teenage years spent in the Forman’s basement in the original show, That ’70s Show, continues to echo in Prepon’s mind, even as the sequel series enters its third part. Prepon, who began her acting journey with That ’70s Show, has reprised her role as Donna in the latest season of the Netflix spinoff, which is currently streaming. Additionally, she has taken on the responsibility of directing the eight-episode series.
Donna’s Transition from Basement to Kitchen
Donna, who spent most of her time in the basement in That ’70s Show, is seldom seen there in That ’90s Show. As Prepon tells The Hollywood Reporter, “Whenever I’m acting, I’m in the kitchen now with Red and Kitty.” She humorously remarks that it felt “weird” when she had to shoot a scene in the basement.
Stepping Back into Donna’s Shoes
For Prepon, reprising the role of Donna feels like “stepping into a cozy pair of jeans” since she knows the character inside out. Having previously directed episodes of the show and her other Netflix series, Orange is the New Black, Prepon dons the director’s hat for the entire series this time. “I directed last year. But this time I got to do a bunch in a row, so you can really kind of sit deep in the saddle,” she explains.
Comfort on the Sets
Prepon expresses her comfort on the sets, stating, “I’m so comfortable on these sets. Because I’m also an actor, there’s a lot of empathy and understanding with these kids, and Debra Jo and Kurtwood. I would never ask anybody to do anything I haven’t myself done, literally, on these sets.”
Directing the Next Generation
She emphasizes that her experience on That ’90s Show has been “wonderful,” and particularly that she has been able to wear the director hat “with this next generation on this show.”
Returning to the Show
For Prepon, returning to the show has consistently been a no-brainer. “When [That ’70s Show creator] Bonnie Turner called me and asked me to come be in the pilot of ’90s, I didn’t hesitate,” she says. “It was the same set designer, the same hair designer, the same costume designer. It was like going back to a family.”
Reconnecting with Co-Stars
Prepon also shares that her ease on-camera with her original co-stars fell right into place, particularly between her and Grace, her now on-screen husband in the show. “There was this scene [in the pilot] where we stood up, and he got in a position, and I folded and was right behind him. We were right back on set, and it was how Eric and Donna always used to stand in so many episodes, and Topher and I did it like muscle memory,” she explains.
Returning to Donna
“We just stood up, and went into our Eric-Donna formation, and both of us looked at each other and just burst in laughter because it’s so deep in my muscles, it’s so deep in my psyche,” she says. “A very, very pivotal moment in my life was playing Donna, and it’s so lovely to go back.” The Orange is the New Black actress notes that now both she and the character of Donna are married and a mother, emphasizing it’s “really wonderful to be able to see her progression in life.”
Future Hopes
It’s clear that Prepon has had a great experience returning to the character and the show, making her hopes on the future quite clear. “I really hope we get to do more.”
Streaming Now
All episodes of That ’90s Show part three are now streaming on Netflix.
FAQs
What is That ’90s Show?
That ’90s Show is a sequel to the popular series That ’70s Show and features the same characters in a new decade.
Who stars in That ’90s Show?
Laura Prepon and Topher Grace, who played Donna and Eric in That ’70s Show, reprise their roles in the sequel.
Where can I watch That ’90s Show?
All episodes of That ’90s Show are currently streaming on Netflix.
Who is the director of That ’90s Show?
Laura Prepon, who also plays Donna in the series, is the director of That ’90s Show.
Credit: www.hollywoodreporter.com
