Yes, Lesley-Ann Brandt, the talented actress who portrays the demon Mazikeen (Maze) in the hit series Lucifer, was indeed pregnant in real life during the filming of the show's second season.
Lesley-Ann Brandt's Real-Life Pregnancy During Lucifer Season 2
Lesley-Ann Brandt's pregnancy occurred during a pivotal time for Lucifer, as the show was solidifying its narrative and character arcs. Her real-life pregnancy posed a unique challenge for the production team, as the character of Maze was not written to be pregnant.
- Timing: Brandt was pregnant while filming Lucifer Season 2. For instance, during the production of an episode featuring Maze enjoying one of Dan's famously stolen pudding cups, the actress was approximately six months pregnant.
- Concealment: To maintain continuity and avoid altering Maze's storyline, various tried-and-true television production techniques were employed to cleverly hide Brandt's baby bump from viewers. This is a common practice when an actress is pregnant but her character is not.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Actress | Lesley-Ann Brandt |
| Character | Mazikeen (Maze) |
| Show | Lucifer |
| Season | Season 2 |
| Real-Life Event | Pregnancy |
| Production Challenge | Concealing pregnancy to maintain character's non-pregnant status |
How Lucifer Handled the Pregnancy On-Screen
The creative team behind Lucifer skillfully managed Brandt's pregnancy without disrupting the show's narrative. Their methods ensured that the audience remained immersed in Maze's storyline without noticing the real-life change.
- Strategic Camera Angles: Directors and cinematographers utilized specific camera angles, often shooting Brandt from the waist up or using close-ups, to keep her midsection out of frame.
- Costume Design: Maze's wardrobe was carefully selected to be looser-fitting or strategically layered, camouflaging the pregnancy bump. Costumes with empire waists or flowing fabrics were often favored.
- Blocking and Props: Scene blocking involved placing objects (like furniture, props, or even other characters) in front of Brandt's midsection. For example, during the aforementioned pudding cup scene, the prop itself, or the way she was positioned, might have aided in concealment.
- Limited Screen Time: While Maze remained a significant character, there might have been a subtle adjustment in her screen time or the types of scenes she was involved in, particularly towards the later stages of Brandt's pregnancy.
This approach allowed Lesley-Ann Brandt to continue her role as the formidable demon Maze, while also accommodating her real-life journey into motherhood. Brandt and her husband, actor Chris Payne Gilbert, welcomed their son, Kingston Payne Brandt-Gilbert, in July 2017, shortly after Lucifer's second season aired.
For more details on Lesley-Ann Brandt's journey as an actress and mother, you can often find interviews where she discusses balancing her career with family life. Many articles from reputable entertainment news outlets covered her pregnancy and its impact on the show's production at the time, such as those found on TVLine or Digital Spy.
Impact on Character and Production
Lesley-Ann Brandt's pregnancy demonstrated the adaptability and ingenuity of television production. Instead of writing the pregnancy into Maze's storyline, which would have drastically altered the character's arc, the team chose to conceal it. This decision ensured that Maze's fierce, independent, and non-maternal persona remained consistent with her established character, allowing the show to explore her growth in other dimensions, such as her friendships and her quest for identity, without an unexpected detour into motherhood.
