The wait is over, and fans couldn’t be more thrilled! The beloved “trysexual” Samantha Jones, portrayed by the Golden Globe-winning actress Kim Cattrall, is set to make a triumphant return in the second season of the Sex and the City reboot, And Just Like That…! After publicly distancing herself from the franchise in the past, Cattrall made a surprising announcement on the first day of Pride Month in June 2023, revealing that she will reprise her iconic role for a cameo in the final episode.
The news of Cattrall’s comeback sent shockwaves of excitement among fans who had eagerly hoped for her return. Initially, Cattrall had firmly stated that she would not reprise the role of Samantha after the first two Sex and the City movies, closing that chapter of her career. Rumors had circulated in 2017, suggesting that Cattrall was the reason behind the cancellation of a third SATC film. However, she promptly debunked those claims, expressing her repeated rejection of the project and dismissing any negative press portraying her as demanding or a diva.
While Cattrall did not appear in the first season of And Just Like That…, her character remained present through on-screen text messages with Carrie Bradshaw, played by Sarah Jessica Parker. In the highly anticipated second season, set to premiere on June 22 on Max, Cattrall’s return will be a momentous event. According to reports, her character will engage in a pivotal phone conversation with Carrie, filmed in March 2023 in New York City without direct interaction with the show’s stars or its creator, Michael Patrick King.
King had previously confirmed that Samantha would be part of the second season’s storyline, expressing his goal of uniting all the characters on the same path rather than separate trajectories. The anticipation for Cattrall’s return extends beyond the fanbase. Ivan Hernandez, who portrays newcomer Franklyn in the series, shared his excitement on the red carpet premiere of Netflix’s Never Have I Ever, expressing his enthusiasm for seeing Cattrall grace the screen once again.
What makes Cattrall’s return even more special is her collaboration with Patricia Field, the renowned costume designer who dressed her throughout the original series and the two SATC movies. Although Field was unable to join the reboot due to a scheduling conflict with Netflix’s Emily in Paris, she and Cattrall remained close friends and reunited on set in March 2023, ensuring that Samantha’s style will be as iconic as ever.
Cattrall’s journey back to And Just Like That… has been filled with twists and turns. In a May 2022 interview, she had made her reluctance to join the new show abundantly clear, expressing dissatisfaction with how her character was portrayed in the script for the never-produced third movie. She found the direction “heartbreaking” and believed it deviated from the Samantha she had portrayed. The show, in her eyes, seemed to be essentially a continuation of the third movie, exploring similar storylines, including the death of Big, Carrie’s longtime partner.
Furthermore, Cattrall highlighted the importance of growth and progression, stating that returning to a job she did 25 years ago would not be fulfilling unless the characters and narratives had evolved. After the second movie, she felt a definitive sense of closure, and the idea of reprising Samantha no longer resonated with her.
In an intriguing twist, Cattrall revealed that she was not initially approached to join And Just Like That…, learning about the reboot through social media like everyone else. Sarah Jessica Parker confirmed this, acknowledging that they respected Cattrall’s public statements and understood that she didn’t want to participate. Despite never watching the show herself, Cattrall expressed gratitude for being missed by the fans, even though she found it strange to no longer be a part of the world she once knew so intimately.
The decision to not participate in the third Sex and the City movie was a deliberate one for Cattrall. In 2017, when plans for the movie were scrapped, she made it clear on Instagram that her heart was no longer in it. As she reflected on her life at 61, she desired a less hectic schedule and a break from the demanding work she had been immersed in for years. Cattrall’s decision to prioritize her well-being and embrace a different pace was met with understanding and respect.
Looking back on her time filming Sex and the City, Cattrall cherishes the unique role the show played in television history. In a September 2020 interview, she described the show’s innocence despite its bold subject matter. It provided a platform for women to openly discuss topics close to her heart, and she recognized the significance of the show’s timing. Cattrall praised its revolutionary approach to sexuality, with Samantha serving as a sex-positive, empowering character that resonated deeply with audiences.
While Sex and the City marked a significant chapter in Cattrall’s career, she has since ventured into other projects, including her network TV debut in Fox’s Filthy Rich. Returning to television, she noticed the remarkable changes in the industry since her time as Samantha, with technological advancements altering the production process. Cattrall’s ability to adapt to the evolving landscape demonstrates her dedication and passion for her craft.
Now, as Kim Cattrall prepares to step back into Samantha Jones’ shoes, fans eagerly await her highly anticipated cameo in the second season’s finale. The return of this beloved character promises to reignite the spirit of Sex and the City, reminding us of the show’s cultural impact and celebrating the enduring legacy of Samantha’s vibrant and fearless persona. Get ready for an unforgettable reunion that will leave fans clamoring for more!
