Jana Kramer didn’t land her ideal part in the debut season of The Hunting Wives, but season 2 could offer another opportunity.
“I was crushed [when I wasn’t cast in season 1],” Kramer, 41, revealed to Us Weekly during promotion for her new holiday movie, The Christmas Ring. “Actors face rejection in auditions constantly. I’m accustomed to it. However, getting so close, being pinned for a role, testing for it with only two other contenders—receiving that rejection call is devastating.”
Kramer sensed that The Hunting Wives would become a hit.
“I knew it would be a major show,” she stated. “Many people question why I’d pursue such a show given my discussions about faith, etc. One of my most cherished and iconic roles was Alex Dupre on One Tree Hill because of her wild and crazy nature. I didn’t relate to her, but I enjoyed myself.”
She added: “I got to step outside of [myself]. I enjoy playing the mom in movies, but I really want to have fun again, to truly act and portray these eccentric characters.”
With production for season 2 of The Hunting Wives yet to commence, Kramer mentioned staying in contact with the casting team. “I received an email about a possible role. But I have to audition and see what happens,” she stated. “Who knows? Hopefully, something will come of it one day. My aim is to rejoin the show, and getting this close is incredibly difficult, but it indicates I’m one step nearer.”
Adapted from May Cobb’s novel of the same name, the show debuted on Netflix in July. Subsequently, Kramer disclosed on Instagram Stories that she was nearly cast as Callie—a role eventually filled by Jaime Ray Newman.
“I was pinned for it. It’s really challenging to test in this industry. Reaching that stage is so difficult. Even during auditions, so many people are auditioning,” she expressed on her “Whine Down” podcast. “You’re on standby. Being pinned means you’re available. They’re interested in you, and you’re holding those dates. You’re so close to achieving it. [When I wasn’t cast on] The Hunting Wives, I cried for about three days. I was extremely upset.”
Kramer revealed that The Hunting Wives wasn’t the sole show she almost secured recently.
“I felt very optimistic about this recent audition [after The Hunting Wives]. Landing it would have meant a huge spinoff show for me. I was in contention, and I received a text from my manager stating, ‘Their offer is extended to this person, so if they decline, you’re next.’ But this person will likely accept,” she recounted. “I know this person’s show was just canceled, and they’re ideal for the role. I’ve competed against her for roles before.”
Kramer continued: “It’s a fantastic role, and this is great for her. But it was one of those moments where I wondered, ‘When will it be my turn?’ I’ve put in so much effort. I desire this. I want to return to a show, and that’s my aspiration.”
Despite feeling disheartened, Kramer refused to surrender. “I know it’s inevitable. I’m tired of saying that [though]. Because everyone says, ‘You’re almost there. You’ll secure it.’ I’ve been saying this for 20 years. It’s been 15 years since I left One Tree Hill,” she added. “I understand people experience this. But it’s acceptable for us to not be OK sometimes.”
Kramer isn’t solely anticipating a role on The Hunting Wives. While speaking with Us, she talked about starring in The Christmas Ring, inspired by Karen Kingsbury’s novel of the same name. The film centers on military widow Vanessa as she seeks her family’s missing Christmas ring, a D-Day heirloom. Her quest leads her to Ben (Ben Hollingsworth), who reveals the possibility of a second chance at love.
“What I appreciate about Christmas movies is their established formula, but sometimes I wish they incorporated more of [the elements] Karen brought to this movie,” Kramer stated. “It includes conflict, loss, grief, and hope. And she integrates it all so beautifully.”
Kramer valued the film’s “element of faith” while maintaining its appeal to all holiday enthusiasts.
“It was delightful to create a Christian, faith-based [movie], and it’s also enjoyable to include that steamy aspect,” she shared with Us. “And that’s what I adore about The Christmas Ring and [A Cowboy Christmas Romance], as each slightly pushes the boundaries. The Christmas Ring explores the limits of loss, grief, family connections, and conflict. And [Cowboy] explored sexual boundaries.”
The Christmas Ring premieres in theaters on Thursday, November 6.
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