In the glittering chaos of the 2025 Emmy Awards red carpet, where stars dazzle under the relentless flash of cameras, Malin Akerman paused to deliver a heartfelt revelation that has fans and industry insiders buzzing. The 47-year-old actress, best known for her breakout roles in cult classics and now the gripping Netflix thriller The Hunting Wives, opened up about the HBO mockumentary The Comeback—the series that she says she owes “everything” to. Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE and Entertainment Weekly’s Red Carpet Live on September 14, Akerman gushed about creators Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King, crediting the show with launching her career into the stratosphere. But she didn’t stop there: Akerman teased her return for a third season of The Hunting Wives, hinting at even darker twists and deeper character arcs that promise to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As The Hunting Wives fresh off its season 2 renewal, this tease has ignited speculation about where her enigmatic character, Margo Banks, will go next. In a town where reinvention is currency, Akerman’s journey from aspiring model to television powerhouse is a testament to persistence, talent, and the pivotal breaks that change everything. Let’s dive into the story behind her words, the shows that shaped her, and what lies ahead for this versatile star.

The Emmy Moment: A Red Carpet Reflection on Roots

The 2025 Emmys, held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles, were a night of triumphs and surprises, with shows like Shogun and The Bear dominating the conversation. But amid the awards-season frenzy, it was Akerman’s candid interview that stole a slice of the spotlight. Flanked by her The Hunting Wives co-star Brittany Snow, the duo arrived in coordinated elegance—Akerman in a sleek black gown that echoed her sophisticated on-screen persona, Snow in a shimmering emerald number that hinted at their characters’ fiery dynamic. As they chatted with hosts about the recent Netflix renewal for season 2 of their series, announced just two days prior, Akerman steered the conversation to her origins.

“I owe everything to The Comeback,” Akerman declared with a warm smile, her Swedish-Canadian accent adding a touch of charm. “Lisa Kudrow and Michael Patrick King—they gave me my start, and I’ll be forever grateful. It’s one of my favorite shows, and it’s amazing to see it coming back.” The comment wasn’t just nostalgia; it was a nod to the groundbreaking HBO series that first aired in 2005, positioning Akerman as a rising talent in Hollywood. Kudrow’s Valerie Cherish, the desperate diva at the heart of the mockumentary, became an iconic figure, and Akerman’s involvement marked her entry into prestige television. With The Comeback renewed for a third and final season in June 2025—set to premiere on Max in 2026—Akerman’s words feel timely, fueling hopes that she’ll reprise her role as the ambitious Juna Milken.

Snow, ever the supportive co-star, chimed in with laughter about their DIY season 2 announcement video, which featured Akerman’s infamous “shake-and-go” wig from the show. “We weren’t doing a boring announcement,” Snow recounted. “Malin got this really bad wig from somewhere, and we just made it happen.” The lighthearted exchange masked the deeper bonds forged on set, but Akerman’s praise for The Comeback underscored a career pivot point. For fans, this moment was electric—not just a throwback, but a bridge between her past and future projects, especially as she dropped the bombshell tease for The Hunting Wives season 3.

The Comeback: A Mockumentary Masterpiece That Launched a Star

To understand why Akerman holds The Comeback so dear, one must revisit the series that redefined satirical television. Created by Kudrow and King—the minds behind Sex and the City—The Comeback premiered as an eight-episode miniseries on HBO in 2005. It followed Valerie Cherish (Kudrow), a washed-up sitcom star from the ’90s hit I’m It, as she desperately claws her way back into relevance. Armed with a reality TV crew filming her every move for a show-within-a-show called The Comeback, Valerie auditions for a new sitcom, Room and Bored, playing a landlady to a group of eccentric young roommates. The genius lay in its cringe-inducing humor: Valerie’s obliviousness to her own delusions, her passive-aggressive barbs, and the brutal behind-the-scenes footage that exposed Hollywood’s underbelly.

Critics hailed it as ahead of its time, blending The Office-style awkwardness with sharp industry commentary. Though it struggled with ratings initially, cult status followed, leading to a second season in 2014. That sophomore run upped the ante, with Valerie producing her own reality series, Seeing Red, while navigating family drama and career sabotage. The show’s renewal for season 3 in 2025, marking the 20th anniversary of its debut, was met with jubilation. HBO executive Amy Gravitt enthused, “No matter what the industry throws at her, Valerie Cherish is a survivor. On the 20th Anniversary of her debut, Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow have brilliantly scripted her return to HBO, and we can’t wait to see that.”

Enter Malin Akerman as Juna Milken, the beautiful, blonde ingénue who becomes Valerie’s unwitting rival. In season 1, Juna is a pop singer thrust into acting as Cassie, the ditzy roommate on Room and Bored. Her wide-eyed ambition and flirtatious energy clash with Valerie’s fading glory, creating comedic gold. Akerman, then in her mid-20s, brought a fresh-faced allure to Juna—part valley girl, part schemer—that showcased her comedic timing and dramatic range. “Juna was both a friend and an existential threat to Valerie,” Akerman reflected in a recent podcast appearance. She recurred in season 2 as Juna’s star rises while Valerie’s plummets, adding layers to the satire on fame’s fleeting nature.

Akerman’s role was her first major TV break, coming after modeling gigs and small film parts. Born Malin Maria Åkerman on October 12, 1978, in Stockholm, Sweden, she moved to Canada at age two. By 17, she won the Canadian Ford Supermodel title, catwalking across Europe before pivoting to acting. Early credits included guest spots on The O.C. and CSI: NY, but The Comeback was the catalyst. “It was my first real taste of ensemble comedy on a prestige level,” she told Us Weekly in July 2025, when news of the season 3 renewal broke. “Hoping to reprise Juna—fingers crossed!” The experience under Kudrow and King’s tutelage honed her skills, teaching her to navigate scripted absurdity with authenticity. Without it, Akerman admits, her path to stardom might have been far rockier.

From Mockumentary to Blockbusters: Akerman’s Career Trajectory

The Comeback didn’t just give Akerman a role; it propelled her into Hollywood’s A-list orbit. Post-2005, she exploded onto the big screen. Her breakthrough came in 2007’s The Heartbreak Kid, a raunchy comedy opposite Ben Stiller, where she played the seductive Lila—earning laughs and a Razzie nod for her over-the-top performance. But it was 2009’s Watchmen that cemented her as a serious actress. As Silk Spectre II/Laurie Juspeczyk, Akerman embodied the conflicted superheroine in Zack Snyder’s gritty adaptation of Alan Moore’s graphic novel. The film’s visual spectacle and her nuanced portrayal—balancing vulnerability and ferocity—drew acclaim, proving she could handle action and drama.

The rom-com wave followed: 27 Dresses (2008) with Katherine Heigl, Couples Retreat (2009) alongside Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston, and The Proposal (2009) in a supporting role. Akerman’s blonde bombshell vibe made her a go-to for lighthearted fare, but she sought depth. “I owe everything to those early roles, but The Comeback taught me to embrace the funny and the flawed,” she said in a 2025 interview. Television beckoned again with Trophy Wife (2013-2014), where she starred as the free-spirited stepmom in an ABC sitcom, earning a Critics’ Choice nod. Film highlights included Rock of Ages (2012) belting out ’80s anthems with Tom Cruise, and the indie darling The Final Girls (2015), a meta slasher homage that showcased her horror chops.

Motherhood in 2018—welcoming son Sebastian with husband Jack Donnelly—shifted priorities, leading to selective roles like the voice of Gwen in The Buzz on Maggie and a stint in Billions. But The Hunting Wives marks her return to leading lady status, blending thriller elements with the interpersonal drama she excels at. Her career, spanning over two decades, boasts over 70 credits, from superhero epics to intimate indies. As she told Substack’s Evan Ross Katz in September 2025, “The Comeback was the foundation—without it, I wouldn’t have the confidence to take on Margo.”

The Hunting Wives: A Southern Gothic Thriller That Captivated Audiences

Fast-forward to 2025, and Akerman is at the helm of The Hunting Wives, Netflix’s addictive drama adapted from May Cobb’s 2021 novel. Premiering on July 21, 2025, after Netflix licensed U.S. rights in June, the series quickly became a summer sensation, blending Big Little Lies-esque intrigue with Texas-sized secrets. Starring Brittany Snow as Sophie DeMuth, a former Houston socialite escaping a stalled marriage by moving to the rural town of Huntley with husband Jake (Evan Jonigkeit) and daughter Harper (Jordyn Lemoine), the show explores themes of isolation, desire, and deadly ambition.

Enter Margo Banks, Akerman’s portrayal of the magnetic, manipulative queen bee of Huntley’s elite “hunting wives”—affluent women who bond over skeet shooting, gossip, and hidden vices. Margo, married to oil tycoon Brad (James Marsden), exudes old-money allure with a predatory edge. When Sophie joins the circle, she’s drawn into Margo’s orbit, sparking a charged friendship laced with jealousy and erotic tension. The ensemble includes Katie Lowes as the bubbly Gigi, Dermot Mulroney as the enigmatic Jack, and Claire Danes in a guest arc as a suspicious investigator.

Season 1 unfolds over eight taut episodes, revealing Sophie’s unraveling as she navigates Margo’s world. Affairs ignite—Sophie with Brad, Margo with shadows from her past—and a murder rocks the group: Abby (a minor character) is found dead, her killing tied to Margo’s desperate cover-up of an affair and abortion. The finale drops the bombshell: Margo pulled the trigger, framing it as self-defense to protect her empire. Critics raved about the atmospheric tension, with Entertainment Weekly calling it “a sultry slow-burn that explodes into chaos.” Viewership soared, with Netflix reporting it as one of the platform’s top 10 debuts of the year, praised for its sapphic undertones and female-driven narrative. Fans on social media dubbed it “the queer thriller we needed,” with Akerman and Snow’s chemistry sparking viral memes.

Season 2 Renewal and the Tease for Season 3: What’s Next for Margo?

The September 12, 2025, announcement of season 2 renewal came via a playful video from Akerman and Snow, complete with wigs and hunting props—a nod to the show’s campy flair. Netflix’s Tudum teased: “Sophie and Margo are on the outs. But soon enough, old secrets and new foes force them back together. As they navigate betrayal and buried truths, the hunting wives’ world grows even more dangerous.” Production is slated for early 2026 in Texas, with returning cast including Jonigkeit and Lowes, plus rumored additions like Jessica Chastain in a villainous role.

But Akerman’s Emmy tease elevated the hype: her return in a potential season 3. While not officially greenlit, insiders whisper Netflix’s confidence in the IP points to multi-season plans. “Margo’s story isn’t done,” Akerman hinted cryptically. “Season 3 would dive deeper into her psyche—more power plays, more consequences. I can’t wait to explore that darkness.” Speculation runs wild: Will Margo face justice for Abby’s murder? How will her bond with Sophie evolve amid new threats, perhaps involving Jake’s secrets or Gigi’s loyalties? The novel’s open-ended nature allows for expansion, and Akerman’s commitment signals big things. In a YouTube exclusive with Entertainment Tonight, she and Snow shared “season 2 wishes,” with Akerman joking, “More wigs, more twists— and maybe Margo gets what she deserves… or not.”

Fan Frenzy and Cultural Impact: Why Akerman’s Story Resonates

Social media erupted post-Emmys, with #MalinAkerman and #HuntingWivesS3 trending. Fans praised her vulnerability: “Malin owing everything to The Comeback? Iconic full-circle moment!” tweeted one user. Another gushed, “Season 3 tease? Margo’s redemption arc incoming—Akerman slays!” The sapphic fanbase, drawn to the Sophie-Margo tension, flooded Reddit with theories, while The Comeback enthusiasts clamored for Juna’s return. Akerman’s journey mirrors many actresses’—from model to mockumentary maven to thriller queen—inspiring a new generation.

Her personal life adds depth: Married to British actor Jack Donnelly since 2018, with son Sebastian (8), Akerman balances fame with family. She’s an advocate for women’s rights and mental health, often sharing how roles like Margo challenge stereotypes. Upcoming projects include a rom-com with Ryan Reynolds and a Hulu limited series on Swedish history.

A Legacy in the Making: Akerman’s Enduring Appeal

As The Hunting Wives gears up for season 2 and The Comeback revives for its finale, Malin Akerman stands at a career pinnacle. Her Emmy red carpet confession wasn’t mere sentiment; it’s a blueprint for gratitude in an unforgiving industry. From Juna’s wide-eyed ambition to Margo’s steely resolve, Akerman has embodied reinvention. With season 3 teases hinting at bolder risks, one thing’s clear: this star’s comeback is far from over. Fans, get your hunting gear ready—the hunt for more Akerman magic has just begun.