Kathryn Hahn on Becoming a Comedy Powerhouse, The Studio Season 2, and Hollywood’s Uncertain Future

Kathryn Hahn never planned to be known as a comedy star. But over the past two decades, she has steadily become one of the most reliable scene-stealers in Hollywood. From early breakout roles in Anchorman and Step Brothers to her recent turn opposite Seth Rogen in Apple TV+’s The Studio, Hahn has built a career defined by sharp instincts, fearless choices, and memorable characters.

In a recent episode of The Last Laugh podcast, Hahn reflected on her journey and the success of The Studio, which became one of 2025’s most talked-about comedy series. On the show, she plays Maya, the flamboyant and intense head of marketing at Continental Studios—a character who is as absurd as she is recognizable to anyone familiar with the entertainment industry.

Hahn explained that Maya’s over-the-top style was key to defining the role. Working closely with costume designer Kameron Lennox, she embraced a “more is more” philosophy, complete with bold outfits, dramatic hair extensions, and oversized accessories. At one point, the look became so extreme that creators Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg had to step in. “We can’t see your eyes,” they told her, forcing the team to scale things back slightly.

Despite the exaggerated visuals, Hahn said Maya was not based on one specific person. Instead, the character draws from the many “flavors” of executives she has encountered throughout her career. The result is someone who feels both wildly exaggerated and uncomfortably familiar.

Beyond the comedy, The Studio struck a nerve with its satire of Hollywood’s fragile state. Season 1 ends with a looming merger storyline, in which Amazon threatens to acquire Continental Studios, potentially costing many characters their jobs. The plot closely mirrors real-world fears about Netflix’s reported interest in buying Warner Bros., a move that could dramatically reshape the industry.

“It’s really scary,” Hahn said of the current landscape. Still, she acknowledged the opportunities streaming platforms have provided her. She pointed to Netflix projects like Private Life (2018) and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022), which she believes might not have been possible elsewhere. Referring to Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos’ promise of limited theatrical releases, Hahn added, “I cannot believe that’s something to be grateful for, but I certainly am.”

Even with the uncertainty, Hahn remains optimistic. “Because what else can you do?” she said. “You’ve got to be hopeful.”

That optimism extends to The Studio Season 2, which is set to begin filming in January. Hahn teased that she has heard “little bits and bobs” about the new season and is already excited. She also hinted at a possible international storyline, noting that Rogen was recently spotted at the Venice Film Festival doing what looked like research. “I have renewed my passport, just in case,” she joked.

Looking back on her career, Hahn often sums it up humorously: from quirky best friend to mom, to “divorced horny mom… to witch.” While the joke lands, it overlooks the depth and range she has brought to each role. With The Studio and more projects on the horizon, Kathryn Hahn continues to prove that her evolution as an actor is far from over.