Amanda Seyfried opens up about seeking complex characters as her career evolves

Seyfried plays prison teacher Karen in Tim Blake Nelson’s new film, which premiered at TIFF

Amanda Seyfried is embracing complex characters as she enters a new stage of her acting career, telling PEOPLE that she feels privileged to be offered roles with greater depth.

Speaking during the 2026 Toronto International Film Festival, Seyfried discussed the kinds of characters she is now interested in portraying. The actress said she has consistently looked for opportunities that allow her to explore different perspectives as a performer.

“I mean, I’ve always been looking for complexity and to get as much perspective as I possibly can as an artist,” Seyfried said.

The actress explained that her approach was also important during the early years of her Hollywood career. After gaining attention through projects including Mean Girls, Seyfried said she deliberately pursued a diverse range of roles because she wanted to establish herself as a serious performer within the industry.

That experience helped her build a broad repertoire and demonstrate her range from a relatively young age. Now, she believes the industry is increasingly providing opportunities for older women to portray characters with nuanced stories and complicated experiences.

“I feel like right now people are seeking me out to play these roles, which is just a real privilege,” she said.

Her comments came as The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd made its world premiere at TIFF on September 13. Directed by Tim Blake Nelson, the film follows Karen, the teacher Seyfried portrays at a maximum security prison.

Karen encounters Wilson, played by Scoot McNairy, an inmate whose charisma and unexpected tenderness affect her after years of an abusive marriage. According to the film’s synopsis, their connection leads Karen to take significant risks in the hope of securing Wilson’s freedom.

The film explores crime, punishment, desperation and retribution while also focusing on the unexpected connection between two isolated people. Seyfried’s role therefore gives her an opportunity to portray a character dealing with personal conflict, emotional vulnerability and difficult choices.

Seyfried has continued to build a varied filmography across comedy, drama, musical projects and more challenging dramatic material. Her upcoming work includes Octet, Lin Manuel Miranda’s musical film, in which she stars alongside Rachel Zegler.

With The Life and Deaths of Wilson Shedd marking another dramatic role for the actress, Seyfried’s latest comments offer insight into the kinds of characters she is interested in pursuing as her career continues to develop.