Beverly Vance Opens Up About Hillbilly Elegy Film Pay and a Possible Sequel

During a candid sit‑down on OutKick’s “Tomi Lahren is Fearless,” Beverly Vance—mother of Vice President J.D. Vance—talked about the business side of the 2020 Netflix adaptation of her son’s memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. The discussion started with a simple, but pointed, question: “Did they pay you enough?”

“Um, I’m happy with what I made,” Beverly answered, a hint of a smile in her voice. She went on to explain that studio executives had initially tried to lowball her, a tactic she’s heard countless times in Hollywood. “They thought I’d just take a little amount and be fine with it, but that didn’t fly with me,” she said, laughing a little.

The film, which featured a star‑studded cast—Amy Adams stepped into the role of Beverly, while Glenn Close played her mother—had the kind of pull that usually translates into bigger checks. Beverly noted that she stood her ground, refusing the first offer that came across the table.

When Lahren shifted the conversation toward the future, she asked whether a “Hillbilly Elegy 2” might be on the horizon now that JD Vance is serving as the nation’s vice president. Beverly’s response was measured: “I think that should probably be JD’s decision, since he wrote the book and it’s based on his life. Whatever he decides, I’ll be okay with it.”

She added that a sequel could give the family a chance to showcase her long‑term sobriety and the personal growth that followed years of struggle—a storyline she feels could resonate with many viewers.

Beyond the paycheck talk, Beverly briefly touched on the broader cultural conversation surrounding the memoir, noting that the story’s raw honesty still sparks debate, especially in today’s political climate. Yet, for her, the primary concern remains the integrity of the narrative and the well‑being of her family.

As the interview wrapped up, Lahren thanked Beverly for sharing both the financial details and her perspective on a possible sequel, emphasizing that the Vance family’s voice remains central to any future screen adaptation.