Shailene Woodley said Laura Dern pushed her to accept the role of Jane Chapman in Big Little Lies, a decision the actress now describes as completely life-changing. Released in 2017, the HBO drama quickly became a television phenomenon, drawing attention for its gripping storytelling, star-studded cast, and emotionally charged performances. Based on Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty, the series followed a group of women in Monterey whose seemingly perfect lives slowly unraveled amid secrets, trauma, and a shocking murder investigation.

Shailene Woodley’s latest reflection adds another emotional layer to the legacy of the show and reveals why the project still holds such an important place in her life years later.

Before joining Big Little Lies, Shailene Woodley admitted she was in a different emotional headspace and initially turned down the opportunity to play Jane Chapman. However, Laura Dern personally reached out to her and encouraged her to rethink the decision, believing she would regret passing on the project. The conversation clearly left a lasting impact on Woodley, who now credits Dern for changing her life and career in a meaningful way. Speaking in an interview with Variety, Woodley reflected on the emotional connection she built with her co-stars while filming the Emmy-winning drama.

“It was life-changing in the way that the sisterhood that all of us created in that show is genuine,” she said while praising Dern for her support and influence.

Over the years, the cast, including Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Zoë Kravitz, have repeatedly spoken about their real-life friendship beyond the cameras. The actresses have often shared how they continue to stay in touch through group chats, support one another’s projects, and lean on each other personally even years after the series premiered. Their off-screen bond became one of the defining elements that helped make the emotional dynamic of Big Little Lies feel so authentic to audiences.

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That strong sense of connection continues to keep fans invested in what comes next for the actresses, both together and individually.

Following the success of Big Little Lies, Shailene Woodley is now preparing for another major television project with Hulu’s upcoming limited series Count My Lies. The psychological thriller will star Lindsay Lohan, Woodley, and Kit Harington, with Antonio Campos set to direct. The series is being written by Isaac Aptaker and Elizabeth Berger, the creative duo best known for their work on This Is Us. Filming is reportedly expected to begin in March, with the Hulu project eyeing a late 2026 premiere.

Based on Count My Lies by Sophie Stava, the series follows a woman whose seemingly harmless lies slowly pull her into a dangerous web of secrets and deception. The novel was released on March 4, 2025, and quickly gained attention for its suspenseful storytelling. Along with starring in the adaptation, Lohan will also executive produce the series, signaling a major creative role in bringing the thriller to life on screen.

Shailene Woodley’s upcoming Hulu drama may explore a much darker world than Monterey, but her reflections on Big Little Lies prove the HBO series still holds a deeply personal place in her life and career. Woodley continues to speak about the experience with gratitude, especially the friendships and support system that emerged from the project behind the scenes.

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Do you think Laura Dern convincing Shailene Woodley to join Big Little Lies changed the legacy of the show? Let us know in the comments!