Hannah Einbinder says ending HBO’s acclaimed comedy Hacks and starring in the queer horror film Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma has marked one of the most transformative periods of her career. The actress, best known for playing comedy writer Ava Daniels, describes the moment as “an embarrassment of riches” as she enters a new chapter both professionally and personally.

Premiering at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma follows Kris, a filmmaker obsessed with reviving a cult slasher franchise starring a mysterious actress played by Gillian Anderson. Blending horror, fantasy and psychological drama, the film explores themes of shame, repression and identity—subjects that deeply resonated with Einbinder. She says the role encouraged her to confront her own fears and become more open about desire, personal boundaries and emotional honesty.

Those themes mirror Einbinder’s own journey. Reflecting on her early years, the actress admits she struggled with self-worth long before finding success. When Hacks began filming in 2020, she says she lacked confidence, rarely advocated for herself and found it difficult to establish healthy boundaries. Working on the award-winning series, however, gradually transformed her perspective. Today, she describes herself as more grounded and self-assured than she ever believed possible, crediting much of that growth to her experience on the show.

Before becoming an actor, Einbinder studied broadcast journalism and built her career through stand-up comedy. She toured with comedian Chelsea Handler before making her late-night television debut on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in 2020, an appearance that ultimately helped her secure the role of Ava despite having little acting experience. During her audition, she relied on humor instead of dramatic tears, improvising a joke that later became part of the series.

Beyond acting, Einbinder has become one of Hollywood’s most outspoken young performers. She frequently uses award speeches and social media to speak on issues including climate change, immigration and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. She argues that politics cannot be separated from everyday life, believing personal identity and public responsibility are deeply connected.

Einbinder acknowledges that expressing her political views has come at a personal cost, including strained relationships and criticism within parts of the entertainment industry. Nevertheless, she says remaining silent would conflict with her values, particularly as someone who believes speaking out is a moral responsibility rather than a career strategy.

Now stepping away from the creative environment that shaped her on Hacks, Einbinder sees Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma as proof that she can succeed on her own terms. While the transition was intimidating, she says it ultimately confirmed her confidence as both an actor and an individual.

Source: https://www.theguardian.com/