Newfoundland actor Willow Kean is experiencing a career surge following the massive success of the Netflix thriller Below. After playing Ruth Penney, a local harbourmaster, in the series, Kean has transitioned from local stage and screen work to international film festivals and high-profile receptions in Washington, D.C., and Ottawa.

How did Below impact the series' success?

Below has become a global phenomenon, recording 156 million hours viewed within its first two weeks. The six-part series, which follows a fisherman protecting his community from a sea creature in a remote Newfoundland town, marked the most-watched debut for a Canadian title on the platform.

While the show has reached the top of global charts, it was originally designed as a limited series. Lead actor Josh Hartnett has noted that the project was intended to be a stand-alone story, though fans continue to call for more.

What is the future for Willow Kean?

Despite the sudden attention, Kean is maintaining a grounded perspective on her professional future. Having spent decades in local productions, she prepared for a career shift by updating her professional reel and headshots before the role was even cast.

Kean is wary of viewing this as a permanent shift to Hollywood stardom. She noted that having a hit show does not always guarantee continuous work, stating, "I guess my plan is to just be ready if the work happens." One significant change in her professional life is that she has now secured an agent to help manage new opportunities.

Is a second season coming?

At this time, Netflix has not officially renewed the series for additional episodes. Because it was billed as a limited series, the story was meant to conclude within six episodes. While some successful limited series eventually return for more seasons, no official plans for a sequel currently exist.

FAQ

What is the plot of the show Below?

The series is a creature thriller set in Snook’s Arm, Newfoundland, where a fisherman must defend his family and way of life from a mysterious sea creature.

Has Willow Kean signed with an agent?

Yes, Kean has recently taken the step of hiring an agent to assist with her career following her role in the series.