Michael Angarano has candidly discussed the rigorous preparations required for filming sex scenes with co-star Elle Fanning in the upcoming Apple TV+ series Margo's Got Money Troubles. The 38-year-old actor revealed that the intimate moments were treated like stunt work, leaving him physically sore after rehearsals.
Stunt Rehearsals for Steamy Scenes
At the series premiere in New York City on Wednesday, April 8, Angarano told People magazine about the unique approach to filming the comedy-drama's more sensual sequences. 'We had rehearsals that were for our sex scenes, but they called it stunt rehearsals,' he explained. 'It was actually kind of fun thinking of it like stunt work.'
He elaborated that both he and Fanning, 28, underwent physical preparations before shooting, which proved demanding. 'You're sore after,' Angarano admitted, though he noted that the process served as a 'bonding' experience between the two actors.
A Complicated On-Screen Relationship
In the series, Fanning portrays Margo, a young woman who becomes pregnant after an affair with her married English professor, played by Angarano. The character subsequently struggles financially, turning to unconventional methods to support herself and her child.
Angarano, who was friends with Fanning prior to their collaboration, expressed enthusiasm about working with her on this complex project. 'I was really excited to do it with her because it's such a complicated relationship,' he said regarding his role as Mark opposite Fanning's titular character. 'It's so dimensional and heavy.'
He praised the series for its nuanced portrayal of flawed characters without judgment. 'I think the show does a really good job of this in general, where it presents very dysfunctional, flawed people but doesn't really judge them,' Angarano observed. 'I think a lot of people would cast aspersions about their relationship. It's inappropriate. It's many things, and he does not treat it well, but it was really fun. It was just a really fun thing to explore.'
Series Premiere and Star-Studded Cast
Margo's Got Money Troubles, adapted from Rufi Thorpe's novel of the same name, follows Margo's journey after dropping out of college. As a young mother facing money troubles, she creates an OnlyFans account using advice from her estranged father, a former pro wrestler, though she questions the cost of internet fame.
The series boasts an impressive supporting cast including Michelle Pfeiffer, Nicole Kidman, and Nick Offerman. Fanning's sister Dakota, 32, provided support on set during filming, with Elle noting she was 'on set a lot' for encouragement.
The Apple TV+ series premieres on Wednesday and will be available for streaming, offering viewers a provocative exploration of modern relationships and financial survival.
