Kiernan Shipka Discusses ‘Industry’ Series and ‘Mad Men’ Impact

Kiernan Shipka has made a notable transition from her childhood role on “Mad Men” to a prominent character in HBO’s “Industry.” As the actress steps into her new role in this finance drama, she reflects on the complexities of growing up in the entertainment industry.

Kiernan Shipka’s Journey from “Mad Men” to “Industry”

For seven seasons, Kiernan Shipka captivated audiences as Sally Draper on “Mad Men.” Her portrayal of a young girl navigating a challenging environment of adult conflicts set against the backdrop of the 1960s has become iconic. Now, at 26, Shipka returns to television with a new opportunity in HBO’s “Industry.”

New Beginnings in “Industry”

As the series enters its fourth season, “Industry” sees a significant shift in its cast and storyline. The character of Hailey, played by Shipka, is introduced as an assistant to Max Minghella’s character, who is the CEO of a startup called Tender. The series has transitioned away from its original setting at the fictional bank Pierpoint, resulting in a nearly complete cast overhaul.

• Cast changes: Myha’la, Marisa Abela, and Ken Leung remain from the original cast.
• New characters introduce fresh dynamics within the finance drama.

Shipka’s involvement came unexpectedly, as she had not seen “Industry” prior to her audition. However, the show’s reputation for exploring mature themes, including sex and ethical ambiguities, drew her interest. She describes the audition material as “crazy,” which helped solidify her decision to join the cast.

Career Evolution and New Directions

After “Mad Men,” Shipka starred for four seasons in “Chilling Adventures of Sabrina,” which garnered a dedicated fanbase but didn’t showcase her range as a mature actress. As she contemplated her next steps, she sought roles that allowed her to delve into more adult themes.

• Recent projects include: Osgood Perkins’ “Longlegs” and Gia Coppola’s “The Last Showgirl.”
• Shipka’s mentor advised her to embrace life experiences to enhance her acting.

She recalls her childhood spent in Los Angeles, where Hollywood was her everyday environment. Growing up around co-stars like Jon Hamm and Timothée Chalamet shaped her understanding of the industry.

Rediscovering “Mad Men”

In an interesting twist, “Mad Men” has recently become available on HBO Max, introducing Sally Draper to a new audience. Shipka finds it remarkable that people are still discovering the show and experiencing her early performances.

“What’s incredible about Mad Men is that people are still finding it,” she reflects.

Character Development in “Industry”

Shipka’s character, Hailey, offers a different perspective compared to her earlier roles. As the season progresses, her character’s relevance in the plot intensifies, creating anticipation among viewers. Shipka states that she eagerly sought insights about her character’s future from the creators.

Filming has had its moments of fun, particularly during a scene in a nightclub set in Cardiff. This setting, enhanced by a real DJ, provided an authentic experience for the actors. Shipka described the filming as surreal and enjoyable, a stark contrast to the often awkward nature of such scenes.

Kiernan Shipka’s evolution as an actress is evident as she embraces new challenges in “Industry,” promising a fresh facet of her talents to viewers and fans alike.