The Thing About Pam: Renée Zellweger's Fat Suit In New True Crime Series Sparks Debate

Renée Zellweger’s role in an upcoming true crime series has caused quite the stir online because of her fat suit.

Watch the trailer below:

The Thing About Pam has already ignited a heated debate on social media after it emerged Zellweger would wear a padded suit, colloquially known as a ‘fat suit’ and prosthetics to transform her into the American mum-of-two.

Social media initially expressed their anger and questioned the casting for six-part series when on-set pictures were released online once filming began in September and October last year.

Ahead of the show’s debut next month, the first trailer and images were released this week and people are now debating whether it’s acceptable for an actor to wear a bodysuit to transform them into a plus-sized character.

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A similar debate emerged after Netflix released the trailer for their controversial comedy series Insatiable in 2019, for which lead actress Debby Ryan wore a padded suit.

One disappointed Twitter user responded to the series and asked why ‘fat suits’ continue being used. “I just saw Renee Zellweger in a fat suit for a new show and sighed for six days. It's like this gets discussed every time it happens but it also keeps happening every time.”

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Another Twitter user summarised their thoughts with: “God forbid we hire a mid sized actress- no let’s put Renee Zellweger in a fat suit. It’s 2022 and we’re still putting people in fat suits instead of hiring fat actresses.”

A third social media user called out the use of prosthetics and the padded suit worn by Renée. They said: “Renee Zellweger is obviously a great actress, but imagine if they just... cast someone who didn't need to wear this obvious of a fat suit and prosthetics?”

While someone else wrote: “They can cast a fat man without question, but casting a fat woman is impossible in Hollywood. It’s much easier to get a thin woman and put her in a fat suit!”

The Bridget Jones star will play middle-aged mum and insurance office worker Pam Hupp, who is currently facing first-degree murder charges after becoming embroiled in a 2011 murder case.

After the padded suit was widely condemned on social media when the on-set pictures were released, Zellweger discussed her costume in a new interview with Vanity Fair.

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She said: “Oh, gosh, if you don’t recognise an actor or an actress in a performance, that’s a great compliment. You’re not trying to tell your own story.

“It was pretty much head to toe. It was prosthetics, it was a [padded] suit, it was the choice of clothing, it was the briskness in her step-step-step, her gait.

“All of those things were really important because all those bits and pieces are what construct the person that we project our own conclusions and presumptions onto.”

She also said wearing the costume and “embodying” her character felt “really hot.”

NBC has been contacted for comment.

The Thing About Pam premieres 8th March on NBC.