Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham open up about aging in Hollywood, self-worth and why ‘Ride or Die’ celebrates women embracing every stage of life.
While Ride or Die delivers plenty of action, comedy and suspense, the series also explores a message that resonates far beyond its high-stakes story. At its core, the Prime Video series examines what it means for women to reclaim their identities, challenge society’s expectations and embrace every stage of life with confidence.
During a recent virtual press day, stars Octavia Spencer and Hannah Waddingham spoke about the series’ deeper themes, including Hollywood’s double standards surrounding aging and the importance of never losing sight of yourself.
One of the show’s most compelling storylines follows Debbie Claybourne (Spencer) as she begins to recognize how much of her life has been devoted to supporting someone else’s dreams. Her journey becomes one of self-discovery, reminding viewers that personal growth doesn’t have an expiration date.
When asked how Ride or Die challenges the idea that women become less visible or less valued as they grow older, Waddingham, who plays Judith Burton, credited writer Tessa Coates for weaving the conversation naturally into the series.
“I think Tessa Coates, our writer, absolutely treads a brilliant line,” Waddingham said. “There’s this thing always that a woman is ‘of a certain age.’ You don’t hear ‘men of a certain age,’ do you? So we are here to punch that in the face.”
She continued by reflecting on why those outdated expectations deserve to be challenged.
“Women are multifaceted,” Waddingham said. “I don’t know why there is a presumption that women should disappear after a certain age. I want people who have life experiences around me to guide. I think this is an exciting project because we get to examine all of those tropes and interpret them in the ways that we want.”
The conversation also turned toward Debbie’s emotional journey throughout the series. As she begins rediscovering herself after years of prioritizing someone else’s ambitions, the story highlights a lesson many viewers may find relatable: caring for others should never come at the expense of caring for yourself.
Spencer explained that while love often inspires people to give everything they have to those around them, maintaining your own identity is just as important.
“That’s what love is, right?” Spencer said. “When you love someone, you tend to give that relationship your all. It’s not saying that we shouldn’t do that. It’s saying we should always remember that we should prioritize ourselves.”
Waddingham agreed, adding that self-care ultimately allows people to show up more fully for those they love.
“Don’t lose the love for yourself in the process,” Waddingham said. “It’s okay to put your own oxygen mask on first so that you can help others.”
Spencer added that the series serves as “a cautionary tale,” encouraging audiences to remember their own worth even while supporting others.
For both actresses, those lessons become clearer with age and experience. Their performances in Ride or Die reflect women who are unapologetically evolving rather than shrinking themselves to fit outdated expectations.
By blending heartfelt conversations with humor and action, this series offers more than entertainment. It encourages viewers to embrace reinvention, celebrate the wisdom that comes with experience and reject the notion that a woman’s value diminishes over time.
With Spencer and Waddingham leading the way, Ride or Die delivers a timely reminder that every new chapter can be the beginning of something even more meaningful.
The new series will premiere July 15 on Prime Video.
