Hulu's new miniseries, 'Good American Family,' tackles the controversial and complex real-life story of Natalia Grace, a young woman with dwarfism whose adoptive parents claimed she was an adult posing as a child. The series, while inspired by real events, presents multiple perspectives, a narrative approach that initially made star Mark Duplass hesitant.

In an interview with Variety at the Los Angeles premiere, Duplass confessed his initial skepticism: “Look, there’s a documentary, there’s a movie called ‘Orphan’ that has similar themes, it’s been in the press. Why do we need another ripped from the headlines story?” However, the showrunners, Katie Robbins and Sarah Sutherland, convinced him with their plan to utilize a “Rashomon”-style structure, exploring the story from various viewpoints and highlighting the inherent biases involved. This unique approach, Duplass noted, was compelling and unlike anything seen in the miniseries format.

Casting Imogen Faith Reid as Natalia was crucial to the project's success, according to Sutherland. An extensive international search led to Reid, a newcomer from the UK, whose audition tape impressed everyone. Reid's performance required her to portray Natalia across a wide age range and from different perspectives, a challenge she tackled with the help of an acting coach, script breakdown sessions, and collaboration with the directors and dialect coaches. The role marked Reid's first major series role.

The preparation and research varied significantly among the cast. Christina Hendricks, who plays Cynthia Mans, a later adoptive figure in Natalia's life, shared a surprising revelation: she was cast only 30 hours before filming began. She relied heavily on Reid's established portrayal of Natalia and their immediate chemistry, describing the experience as a fast-paced but ultimately rewarding collaboration.

Ellen Pompeo, who takes on her first leading television role since 'Grey's Anatomy,' hopes viewers will reflect on their own biases after watching the series. She expressed a desire for audiences to consider their judgments based on appearances and to question their own preconceived notions. The series aims to encourage critical self-reflection and a deeper understanding of the complexities of the story.

The first two episodes of 'Good American Family' premiered on Hulu on March 19th, with the remaining six episodes released weekly. The series promises a nuanced and multifaceted exploration of a highly publicized and emotionally charged real-life case, prompting viewers to question their own perspectives and judgments.