You only need watch an episode of Big Little Lies, or its actresses' recent Golden Globes speeches, to realise that the women of the show are not to be messed with.
From Laura Dern's no-nonsense businesswoman persona to Reese Witherspoon's real-life mission to eradicate inequality in the workplace via the Time's Up initiative, it's often hard to see where their on-screen personalities end and real-life identities begin.
So, when Dern posted an adorable #WomanCrushWednesday Instagram about her Last Jedi co-star Kelly Marie Tran this week, we were slightly taken aback by the exchange of messages that followed with Witherspoon.
Why? Because it was as if the pair were reenacting their Big Little Lies characters' rivalry, IRL.
'What?! It's Woman Crush Wednesday? As I choose mine, I find out it's her birthday too?! @kellymarietran I worship you and your genuine bright light. Can't wait to see you this weekend!!' wrote Dern.
Reese Witherspoon — who plays nosy mother-of-two Madeline Martha Mackenzie in hit HBO series —commented on the post that she loved Tran in Star Wars but asked one question that reeked of Mackenzie's inquisitiveness.
'I also need to know.... Who is taller, me or Kelly Marie Tran?' she added.
Dern responded with a line inspired by her Big Little Lies character, Renata Klein: 'We don't focus on size in space. But remember this: Renata's on Earth and she'll be happy to discuss your height anytime.'
Of course, the Jurassic Park star diffused the 'tension', adding 'I miss you. Where's my sister?'
They might be rivals on the show but you can tell Laura and Reese are thick as thieves.
Katie O'Malley is the Site Director on ELLE UK. On a daily basis you’ll find Katie managing all digital workflow, editing site, video and newsletter content, liaising with commercial and sales teams on new partnerships and deals (eg Nike, Tiffany & Co., Cartier etc), implementing new digital strategies and compiling in-depth data traffic, SEO and ecomm reports. In addition to appearing on the radio and on TV, as well as interviewing everyone from Oprah Winfrey to Rishi Sunak PM, Katie enjoys writing about lifestyle, culture, wellness, fitness, fashion, and more.
