Gillian Anderson reveals an image from the behind-the-scenes set of Sex Education season 4 to tease the return of her character, Jean Milburn.
A new behind-the-scenes photo from the set of Sex Education season 4 teases Gillian Anderson's return as Jean Milburn. Anderson portrays Jean, the sharp-witted and wise sex therapist in the series, as well as the mother to Otis (played by Asa Butterfield). Aside from being the epitome of grace and care, Jean is also seen wearing several chic outfits throughout the series.
Sex Education season 3, episode 8 made it almost seem like Anderson may not be returning in season 4. Otis awaited whether Jean would pull through surgery after she had a hemorrhage while delivering her baby. Luckily Jean wakes up from surgery, meaning that season 4 will feature Anderson in the iconic role, and season 4 will hopefully also provide answers to who is the father of Jean's baby since the paternity test revealed that it's not Jakob (played by Mikael Persbrandt). Filming for Sex Education season 4 began in August. Several casting updates regarding recurring characters who won't be returning and some exciting new cast members, including Dan Levy, have already created a buzz around the upcoming season 4.
Anderson teases her return as Jean by posting a new photo to Instagram from the makeup and hair chair on the set of Sex Education season 4. In the photo, several makeup products are shown on a table along with a naked (except for a pair of gold boots) doll, and Anderson and her stylist can be seen in the mirror behind the products. In Anderson's caption on the post, she writes, "Jean's baaaaaack!" as well as thanks some makeup companies behind the products and stylists Lisa Eldridge and Emily Bilverstone. The full post can be seen below:
Besides Anderson seeming as excited as fans are to see Jean back on screen, her photo also points to a process in film and television that is incredibly important to the overall outcome of the project. The hair and makeup process for projects that involve prosthetics or characters whose transformation requires hours in the chair often gets more attention than other projects which require more subtle hair and makeup designs. However, even with a character like Jean, who still looks like Anderson, the character's hair and makeup must be unique to her and not the actress. Makeup and hair decisions must reflect not only Jean but the subtle differences in her emotional state from scene to scene.
With Jean becoming a mother again to a newborn child in season 4, her makeup and hair looks are sure to change and embody the hard work parenting a newborn takes while maintaining a sense of self as a woman. Besides this, how Jean and Jakob's romantic relationship changes after Jakob presumably finds out that he's not the father in season 4 presents another opportunity for a change in Jean's character that will likely be reflected in her overall hair and makeup look. As filming on season 4 continues, viewers will have to continue following whether further behind-the-scenes sneak peeks at different looks that Jean will showcase throughout Sex Education season 4 will come to light.