Ellen Pompeo made a highly anticipated return to Grey’s Anatomy in the season 21 premiere this week!
The Return of Ellen Pompeo to Grey’s Anatomy
The 54-year-old actress reprised her iconic role as Meredith Grey in one of multiple episodes this season, giving fans the opportunity to see her on screen rather than just hearing her voiceover.
Ellen Pompeo’s Departure and Return
After leaving the series as a full-time regular following season 18, Ellen had limited on-screen appearances in the last couple of seasons. However, in this new season, fans can expect to see more of her character.
Insights from Showrunner Meg Marinis
In a recent interview, showrunner Meg Marinis discussed Ellen‘s increased screen time this season and the process of bringing her back for episodes.
Keep reading to learn more…
“I don’t think we have a confirmed number right now, and we don’t typically do it all in one run. But I will say, her story does continue at the beginning of this season. With Ellen, we’re an open-door policy,” Meg shared with THR. While it was previously announced that Ellen was slated for seven episodes, there is a possibility of that number increasing!
“When we can have Ellen on set and in the episodes, we love to have her. She’s always present in the show, even if she’s not physically there. She continues to provide voiceovers and remains a central topic of discussion,” Meg added. “She and I have a great working relationship, and I would write scenes for her and Debbie [Allen] all day long if I could. It’s a testament to their chemistry. While we respect Ellen‘s decision to reduce her role, it’s a joy to have her back more prominently this season.”
Scheduling and Storytelling
Meg also shed light on how scheduling works when Ellen returns for on-screen appearances and highlighted the show’s approach to storytelling and character arcs.
“It’s a collaborative process involving Ellen, the studio, and our team. Breaking things into chunks works well for her schedule, and we often structure storylines in arcs,” Meg explained. “Viewers enjoy investing in characters over multiple episodes, and we mix those with standalone stories to keep things engaging. The evolving landscape of television allows us to experiment with different narrative formats, enhancing the viewing experience.”
Conclusion
Ellen Pompeo’s return to Grey’s Anatomy has brought excitement and anticipation to fans of the show. As she continues to grace the screen in the latest season, viewers can look forward to more compelling storylines and character dynamics.
FAQs
Q: How many episodes is Ellen Pompeo confirmed for in the new season of Grey’s Anatomy?
A: While the exact number is not finalized, Ellen Pompeo was initially confirmed for seven episodes, with the possibility of appearing in more as the season progresses.
Q: What other projects is Ellen Pompeo currently working on?
A: In addition to her return to Grey’s Anatomy, Ellen Pompeo filmed a new limited series set to premiere on Hulu earlier this year.
Credit: yogossip.com