Beverly Vance Opens Up About 'Hillbilly Elegy' Pay and the Chance of a Sequel

During a recent appearance on Tomi Lahren’s “Fearless” program, Beverly Vance – mother of Vice President J.D. Vance – chatted about the business side of the 2020 Netflix adaptation of her son’s memoir, Hillbilly Elegy. The conversation was casual, with a few laughs, but it also got into the nitty‑gritty of Hollywood negotiations.

When Lahren asked whether the studio had tried to “lowball” her, Beverly replied, “Um, I’m happy with what I made.” She explained that the producers initially offered less than she felt was fair, but she stood her ground and eventually secured a payout she’s satisfied with.

The film, which featured Amy Adams as Beverly and Glenn Close as her mother, was a high‑profile project. Beverly noted that the star power behind the picture made it clear the studio couldn’t simply walk away with a cheap deal on the family’s life story.

The interview then shifted to the idea of a sequel. Lahren asked if “Hillbilly Elegy 2” might be on the horizon now that J.D. Vance is the nation’s vice president. Beverly quickly deflected, saying, “That should probably be JD’s decision, since he wrote the book and it’s based on his life.” She added that whatever he decides, she’ll support it.

Beyond the financial side, Beverly reflected on how the original movie gave her a platform to share her long‑term recovery from addiction, a theme that runs deep in the memoir. She hopes any future project would continue to highlight that journey.

In short, Beverly Vance walked away from the “Hillbilly Elegy” deal feeling respected and fairly compensated, and she’s leaving the door open for a possible follow‑up, but only if her son wants to write it.