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Charlotte Gainsbourg Reflects on Challenges and Frustrations in Amazon's 'Étoile'

The actress discusses her role as a ballet director, the demanding Palladino dialogue, and her disappointment at not performing a dance number in the acclaimed dramedy.

From the first episode, it’s clear Étoile benefits from Amy Sherman-Palladino’s extensive ballet knowledge and Prime Video’s budget.
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Overview

  • Étoile, created by Amy Sherman-Palladino and Daniel Palladino, premiered on Prime Video on April 24, 2025, spotlighting the challenges of professional ballet through a cross-Atlantic dancer exchange.
  • Charlotte Gainsbourg stars as Geneviève Lavigne, the director of Le Ballet National in Paris, who faces administrative pressures and personal vulnerabilities in her leadership role.
  • Gainsbourg expressed frustration at not being given a dance sequence in the series, despite her desire to portray her character as an ex-dancer grappling with aging out of the art form.
  • The actress described the Palladinos' signature fast-paced, precise dialogue as initially difficult to adapt to but ultimately rewarding once mastered.
  • Critics have praised the show's authentic depiction of ballet and its production values while noting its sprawling narrative and focus on spectacle over emotional depth.