Merritt Wever Joins ‘The Gilded Age’ Season 3 as Monica O’Brien, Bertha Russell’s sister. Carrie Coon praises her “unshakably honest” performance in the HBO drama.

HBO’s hit period drama The Gilded Age just became a lot more interesting. The multi-award-winning actress Merritt Wever has officially joined the cast of Season 3 as Monica O’Brien, the long-lost and estranged sister of Bertha Russell (the impressive Carrie Coon).

While Season 3 is just starting to ramp up production

Wever’s casting announcement made headlines and has already generated buzz across the entertainment dialogue. And it is for good reason. Wever is subtle but magnetic and, more importantly, she has a great ability to create empathy for her characters. 

Who Is Merritt Wever? A Quick Refresher

Before we dig in, let’s go through the accolades of the Emmy-winning actress being discussed in high drama circles. 

Merritt Wever: A Summary of Excellence 

Notable Roles: 

– Zoey Barkow in Nurse Jackie 

– Mary Agnes in Godless 

– Detective Karen Duvall in Unbelievable

– Ruby in HBO’s Run 

Awards: 

– Primetime Emmy Awards for Godless (2018)

– Emmy for Supporting Actress for Nurse Jackie (2013) 

– Numerous Critics’ Choice/Screen Actors Guild nominations 

Wever has certainly found a niche as one of those performers who not only play a character but become it. Her characters resonate because they feel real, flawed, and authentically human. That’s why Carrie Coon’s remark about being “unshakably honest” about Wever feels less like a compliment…

What to Expect for Season 3 of ‘The Gilded Age’

Sneak Peek at the New Season

Decider and IMDb are reporting that Season 3 of The Gilded Age is now in production, and anticipatory buzz is starting to build. Returning stars Christine Baranski, Cynthia Nixon, and Morgan Spector continue to deliver the late-19th-century high-society drama taking place among New York’s elite.

The cast of season 3 will feature new additions:

Merritt Wever as Monica O’Brien

Bill Camp as J.P. Morgan

Leslie Uggams as Mrs. Ernestine Brown

The Gilded Age continues to juxtapose historical storytelling with personal character-driven arcs. The entry of Monica—Bertha’s estranged sister—opens up an opportunity for emotionally complicated confrontations, past grievances, and, perhaps, redemption.

Carrie Coon & Merritt Wever: Sisterhood Made in Heaven?

On the Value of Onscreen Chemistry

Carrie Coon’s immediate connection to Bertha Russell, a woman rising through an unmapped social hierarchy’s cutthroat ambitions, has become one of the series and the defining performances. Coon has played her share of complex characters (The Leftovers, Fargo, The Nest), but even she will concede that Wever’s honesty brings a unique value to the atmosphere.

The Significance of Merritt Wever’s Casting

1. Emotional Complexity in Period Dramas

Period shows can be challenging because of the need to avoid caricatures. Merritt Wever will undoubtedly ensure the emotional stakes are always at the forefront of the production. We expect that Wever’s character of Monica O’Brien to be a stark contrast to Bertha’s polished exterior, creating an electric tension.

2. An Opportunity to Take a Deeper Look at Bertha’s Past

Monica’s story potentially holds the key to Bertha’s story, too.

Is she running from a tumultuous childhood? From betrayal?

Sacrifice?Shame?Multimedia fans are accustomed to snapshot stories that contain little gas; Wever’s character may not just affect the current climate, but usher in an entirely new story arc.

3. Serious Star Power Increases Production Value

Hiring an Emmy-award-winning actress, whose presence is usually subtle and emotionally weighted, indicates HBO’s appetite for quality. There’s a distinct lack of character in the swath of streaming content, and casting choices like this help The Gilded Age stand out.

What We Can Expect as Fans from Monica O’Brien’s Character

Based on early leaks and story arcs created within The Gilded Age, here’s what we can expect: 

•  Tension-filled reunions: I suspect there will be very raw and emotional scenes between Monica and Bertha.

•  Flashbacks: It seems we will get glimpses into the sisters’ childhood together, revealing what will more than likely unfold to be Bertha’s origin story.

• Power Dynamics: Monica could upset Bertha’s social standing, or could even expose information that would tarnish her views.

• Surprising Relationships: Will Monica have an ally? Could she find a friend in another character? Maybe a competitor of Bertha?

A New Season to Watch!

With Merritt Wever slated to join the cast of The Gilded Age, viewers will get to learn from one of the best actors, who oozes storytelling brilliance. Her chemistry with Carrie Coon, who plays Bertha Russell, and the deepening of Bertha’s arc, along with the emotional complexity she always brings to storytelling, seem to be some of the biggest draws for Season 3. 

FAQs

1. Who is Merritt Wever playing in The Gilded Age, Season 3?

She will be playing Monica O’Brien, who is Bertha Russell’s estranged sister. Monica’s character will be layered and has a lot of things to hook into the storyline from an emotional standpoint. 

2. When does The Gilded Age Season 3 come out? 

Currently, Season 3 is in production. HBO has yet to confirm an official release date for season 3, but it is expected in late 2025. 

3. Why is the casting of Merritt Wever significant?

Wever has a large emotive range and has won awards for performing, and she is capable of performing layered characters. She seems to fit into the high-level cast member ranks.

4. What has Carrie Coon said about Merritt Wever?

Coon called Wever’s work “very truthful” and “unflinchingly honest,” complimenting her emotional reactions and their added contributions to the show. 

5. Will Monica O’Brien be a regular character? 

Although HBO has not confirmed, many insider sources in the industry are indicating that her character may have a significant impact in Season 3 moving forward. 

6. What else has Merritt Wever been in lately? 

She starred in Unbelievable, Run, and delivered a breakout performance in Godless. Each of the roles illustrates the versatility of Wever’s range and emotional sensibility. 

7. Where can I watch The Gilded Age? 

The Gilded Age streams exclusively on HBO Max in the U.S.