It’s fair to say many actors go through intense transformations for certain roles. Just think about Jim Carrey sitting in the makeup chair for hours to transform into the Grinch. Fans are used to not recognizing their favorite Hollywood stars, especially when the transformations are spot-on. But Renée Zellweger‘s latest role is sparking controversy over her fat suit.

NBC drama The Thing About Pam follows Pam Hupp, a nefarious, nosey-neighbor type who became a murderous mom in real life. Zellweger seems to hit a home run as the lead actor. But critics are not happy about the producers’ choice to put Zellweger in a fat suit as part of the transformation. The critics say it’s not so much about her performance as it is Hollywood’s “fatphobic” tendencies. Are they be right?

‘The Thing About Pam’ is based on the true story of convicted murderer Pam Hupp

The producers responded to the fat-shaming backlash surrounding Zellweger’s fat suit transformation. The Wrap shared some of the comments made by executive producer Chris McCumber, who said, “It’s our job” when talking about providing actors with the tools they need for their roles. With regard to the use of prosthetics, McCumber stated, “It was part of [Zellweger’s] toolkit.” 

Transformation is part of acting. The “further away you are from yourself,” the easier it is to explore a character’s story, McCumber said. It’s also been confirmed that Zellweger, Duhamel, and Fleshler enjoyed the whole process of transforming physically into their roles.

Zellweger responded to the controversy, too. The Oscar winner defended herself to Entertainment Tonight: “In the case of telling this story, it was really important to as closely resemble Pam Hupp.” She went on to say it’s about accuracy in portraying a character who should seem so familiar.

Regardless, when you see Zellweger in The Thing About Pam, you won’t recognize her.

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