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Cynthia Erivo, previously celebrated for her accomplishments on stage, has recently captivated audiences with her role in “Wicked,” a film that has shattered box office expectations. This breakthrough has introduced Erivo to a broader audience, although she has been part of the screen world since 2015, featuring in various films and television shows. Among her past performances, her role in “The Outsider” stands out, deserving renewed appreciation from those who are just now discovering her talent.
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“The Outsider,” a 2020 adaptation of Stephen King’s novel, takes viewers to a small Oklahoma town shaken by a gruesome murder. True to King’s style, the story transcends the typical crime drama, delving into a psychological thriller infused with eerie supernatural elements. Erivo portrays Holly Gibney, a detective with savant syndrome, whose extraordinary perceptiveness aids her in unraveling mysteries at crime scenes and in her interactions with suspects.
The character of Holly Gibney originally appeared in Stephen King’s literary universe in 2014 with the novel “Mr. Mercedes.” She became a beloved figure, reappearing in several novels between and after “Mr. Mercedes” and “The Outsider.” King’s latest work, “Never Flinch,” continues to explore Holly’s adventures, underscoring her enduring appeal.
Holly Gibney was first brought to life on screen by Justine Lupe in the TV adaptation of “Mr. Mercedes,” a series that ran for three seasons on the now-defunct Audience network. This show is often considered one of the finest Stephen King TV adaptations. King himself has expressed his admiration for Holly, wishing she were real so he could spend time with her, and has praised both “Mr. Mercedes” and “The Outsider,” along with the actors who portrayed Holly.
Erivo is the second actor to portray King character Holly Gibney
HBO
While “Mr. Mercedes” successfully aired three seasons despite its limited exposure on a niche network, HBO opted to conclude “The Outsider” after just one season, as it was intended as a limited series. Fans had hoped for a continuation elsewhere, but with no updates five years later, it appears that Erivo’s portrayal of Holly Gibney has likely reached its conclusion.
Holly was first brought to the screen by actor Justine Lupe, who played Holly Gibney in a TV adaptation of “Mr. Mercedes.” It’s our pick for the best Stephen King TV series, running for three seasons on the now-defunct Audience network. King, who loves the Holly Gibney character so much that he has said he wished she was real so he could hang out with her, had nothing but kind words about both “Mr. Mercedes” and “The Outsider,” as well as both actors’ versions of the character.
While the “Mr. Mercedes” show managed to get three seasons despite being on a channel very few people paid attention to — or even had on their cable plan — HBO let “The Outsider” go after only one, as it was designed as a limited series. Fans initially hoped that it would find a new home for additional seasons, but given that it’s been five years now without news of that happening, Erivo’s time as Holly Gibney is likely at its end.
