Los Angeles:
Lena Dunham is crediting Taylor Swift for elevating one of the most emotional scenes in her new Netflix series, Too Much. The creator, writer, and director shared how Swift’s “Bigger Than the Whole Sky”, a bonus track from the 2022 album Midnights, perfectly underscored a pivotal moment in the show’s final episode.
The scene follows Jessica (played by Megan Stalter) through a crushing emotional spiral—breaking up with Felix (Will Sharpe) and suddenly losing her dog. Curled on the couch in grief, Jessica receives a message from Wendy (Emily Ratajkowski), her ex-boyfriend’s current girlfriend. What follows is not confrontation, but quiet understanding and unexpected connection.
“She stops seeing Wendy as the villain in her story and starts seeing her for who she really is – just another woman trying to make sense of her own life,” Dunham explained.
How Taylor Swift Came Into the Picture
Originally, Dunham had selected a different track for the emotional scene, but after Swift and her brother Austin (who oversees her music placements) watched the scene, Taylor made a suggestion.
“She said, ‘Actually, I think I know what should be here,’” Dunham told USA Today.
“We did not have to move a frame. That song just said everything that had to be said.”
Though Dunham and Swift have been friends for years, this is the first time Swift’s music has been used in any of Dunham’s projects.
“It’s one of my absolute favorite moments I’ve ever had the chance to film,” Dunham added.
Real-Life Inspiration Behind Too Much
While fictional, Too Much draws inspiration from Dunham’s own life and relationship with British musician Luis Felber, whom she married in 2021. Felber co-created the series and influenced the development of Felix’s character.
“I love writing men, but at the end of the day, I haven’t had a chance to be one in this lifetime,” Dunham said.
“So what does it look like for a guy who is tender and complicated and has made mistakes to try and put some of that behind him?”
Felber also helped portray a more authentic London, showcasing places like East London and Camberwell, far from the touristy image of the city.
“I hope Londoners will recognize there was a lot of love put into it,” Dunham said.
A Series That Speaks Across Generations
Though Too Much ends on a hopeful note with Jessica and Felix reuniting and getting married, Dunham insists the show is about more than romance—it’s about grief, personal growth, and change.
“I’ve had a couple of twentysomethings watch the show and they’re really sweet about it,” she shared.
“But there’s something when I talk to people who are in their 30s – they just get it in a different way.”
With Swift’s heart-wrenching ballad closing the finale, Too Much leaves viewers reflecting on the bittersweet beauty of letting go and moving forward.