WNBA standout Angel Reese will expand her spotlight from the basketball court to television screens as a new cast member in Netflix’s hit drama The Hunting Wives for its upcoming second season. Reese, 23, confirmed the news Tuesday as filming continues on the steamy series in the Charlotte, North Carolina, area.
Reese will portray a character nicknamed Trainer Barbie, according to Netflix and multiple entertainment outlets. The role is described as a co-starring part in the ensemble cast that includes series regulars like Brittany Snow and Malin Åkerman.
“I’m thrilled to step into this new chapter,” Reese said in a statement. “The Hunting Wives is a bold show with a passionate audience, and I can’t wait to bring something unique to this world.” The comment was shared with reporters following the official casting announcement.
From Hardwood to Hollywood
Reese, best known for her play with the Chicago Sky and multiple All-Star nods, has expressed interest in acting before. She teased her arrival on social media, posting photos from set showing her in character. In her Instagram Stories, she even wrote “Trainer Barbie” next to her trailer.
Production sources say Reese first caught the attention of the show’s creators with a lighthearted message on X (formerly Twitter) last summer after Reese watched the show’s first season. “Nglllll The Hunting Wives is a CRAZYYYY but good watch,” she wrote in August. “Just let me know if you need me for season 2.”
Rebecca Cutter, the show’s creator and executive producer, responded online at the time, writing, “thank you for watching our lil ol show [Angel Reese]!!!” The exchange turned into a running joke among fans once Reese was confirmed as part of Season 2.
“It’s an unexpected journey from sports to scripted drama,” Reese said. “But I’m ready for the challenge.”
What’s Next for Season 2
The Hunting Wives debuted to strong viewership on Netflix in 2025, quickly earning a renewal for its second season. The story follows Sophie O’Neil, played by Brittany Snow, who becomes entangled in the secretive, elite circle of wealthy women in rural Texas.
Brittany Snow recently teased dramatic developments for Season 2, saying, “Someone dies… that is a wild play,” without revealing details. “People are going to be very shocked,” Snow added in a January interview.
Reese’s new role joins several others announced for the season, including additional fresh faces and returning cast members. No official release date for Season 2 has been set, but production insiders expect the series to arrive on Netflix later in 2026.