Malin Åkerman’s Villainous Margo Energy Ignites TikTok Beauty Trend

Malin Åkerman, the Swedish-American actress known for her roles in romantic comedies like 27 Dresses and The Proposal, has taken a thrilling detour into darker territory with her portrayal of Margo Banks in Netflix’s sultry drama The Hunting Wives. The series, which premiered on July 21, 2025, has become a cultural phenomenon, blending murder mystery, high-society drama, and steamy sapphic romance in the fictional East Texas town of Maple Brook. But it’s not just Åkerman’s on-screen performance as the manipulative, seductive socialite Margo that’s turning heads. A surprising revelation has surfaced: Åkerman secretly filmed a beauty-focused TikTok video on the show’s kitchen set, channeling Margo’s fierce, villainous energy—and it’s taken the internet by storm.

From Rom-Com Star to Villainous Queen

Åkerman’s career has been marked by versatility, from her breakout role as Silk Spectre II in Watchmen (2009) to her portrayal of a hedge fund manager’s wife in Billions. In The Hunting Wives, adapted from May Cobb’s 2021 novel, she embodies Margo Banks, the ringleader of an elite clique of gun-toting housewives. Margo is a master manipulator, exuding charisma and danger as she navigates a web of secrets, including an affair with a high school student, an abortion, and a murder to cover it up. Åkerman has described Margo as a “survivor” who does whatever it takes to maintain her social status, drawing parallels to high-society figures like Melania Trump, as noted by the show’s creative team.

This role marks a dramatic shift from Åkerman’s rom-com roots, showcasing her ability to embody a character who is both alluring and ruthless. “She’s vibrant, she’s sexy… there was no way I could say no to it,” Åkerman told People about her immediate connection to Margo’s complex arc. The show’s blend of soapy drama, explicit scenes, and a murder mystery has resonated with audiences, making it Netflix’s top show in the U.S. shortly after its release. Fans on platforms like TikTok and Reddit have particularly lauded Åkerman’s commanding performance, with some jokingly questioning their own sexuality after watching her steamy scenes with co-star Brittany Snow.

The TikTok That Took Over

While The Hunting Wives was already generating buzz for its provocative plot, Åkerman added fuel to the fire with a clandestine TikTok video. Filmed on the show’s kitchen set—likely the sleek, opulent space belonging to Margo and her oil-tycoon husband Jed Banks (Dermot Mulroney)—the video was a beauty tutorial with a twist. Åkerman, in full Margo mode, used her character’s sultry confidence and sharp edge to deliver a makeup routine that felt less like a standard tutorial and more like a masterclass in commanding attention. The video, which has since gone viral, features Åkerman applying bold lip colors and smoky eyeshadow while dropping cryptic, Margo-esque lines like, “A little shadow goes a long way when you’re hiding secrets.”

The setting itself added to the allure. The kitchen, described in set leaks as a luxurious blend of marble countertops and rustic Texas charm, served as the perfect backdrop for Åkerman’s performance. Fans quickly noticed the set’s resemblance to Margo’s home, sparking speculation about whether the video was an intentional tie-in to the show or a spontaneous act of creative genius. Åkerman later confirmed in a Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast interview that she filmed the TikTok during a break in production, wanting to “play with Margo’s energy” in a new medium.

Why It Caught Fire

The TikTok’s success can be attributed to several factors. First, Åkerman’s seamless embodiment of Margo’s persona—equal parts glamorous and menacing—gave the video an authenticity that resonated with viewers. Margo’s character is defined by her ability to wield charm as a weapon, a trait Åkerman carried into the tutorial with her sly smiles and commanding presence. The video’s aesthetic, with its high-gloss production and Margo’s signature bold makeup, tapped into TikTok’s love for aspirational beauty content while adding a layer of intrigue that set it apart from typical tutorials.

Second, the timing couldn’t have been better. The Hunting Wives was already dominating social media conversations, with fans dissecting its plot twists and praising Åkerman’s performance. The TikTok, posted shortly after the show’s premiere, rode the wave of the series’ popularity, amplified by hashtags like #HuntingWives and #MargoBanks. On TikTok, users began recreating Åkerman’s look, dubbing it the “Margo Glow-Up,” with bold red lipsticks and sleek updos inspired by Margo’s polished yet dangerous vibe. One TikToker commented, “Malin’s giving us villainous queen energy, and I’m here for it!”

The video also sparked a broader trend on TikTok, where users adopted Margo’s manipulative, high-society persona in their own beauty content. Videos tagged #MargoEnergy feature creators mimicking Åkerman’s sultry delivery, often set to dramatic soundtracks or clips from the show. This trend has extended beyond beauty, with some users using Margo’s energy to create comedic skits about power dynamics and social climbing, further cementing Åkerman’s influence.

The Wig Controversy and Margo’s Aesthetic

No discussion of Åkerman’s Hunting Wives impact would be complete without addressing the infamous wig controversy. Margo’s look, complete with a reddish-brown wig that later transitioned to a lighter shade, became a lightning rod for fan commentary. Social media posts on X and TikTok called out the wig’s quality, with one user writing, “If The Hunting Wives gets a season 2, please get Malin Åkerman a better wig good lord.” Åkerman addressed the issue on the Not Skinny But Not Fat podcast, explaining that the original wig, meant to reflect Margo’s polished persona, didn’t match the intended color or shape. A second wig was introduced mid-season, with a scene showing Margo getting her hair lightened to explain the change.

Despite the criticism, the wig became an unexpected part of the TikTok video’s charm. Fans embraced its campy, larger-than-life quality, with some incorporating wigs into their #MargoEnergy recreations. Åkerman’s ability to lean into the imperfection, using Margo’s confidence to make the look iconic, only added to the video’s appeal. “It’s not about the wig; it’s about how you wear it,” one TikToker quipped, echoing Margo’s philosophy of owning every moment.

A Cultural Moment

Åkerman’s TikTok isn’t just a viral hit—it’s a cultural moment that underscores The Hunting Wives’ broader impact. The show has tapped into a growing appetite for sapphic narratives, as noted by Karen Tongson, chair of gender and sexuality studies at USC. Its unapologetic embrace of messy, morally complex characters has resonated with audiences, particularly women, who have taken to social media to celebrate its audacity. Åkerman’s video, with its blend of beauty, drama, and Margo’s villainous flair, encapsulates this vibe, offering fans a way to engage with the show beyond the screen.

The TikTok also highlights Åkerman’s savvy as a performer. By blurring the lines between her on-screen role and real-life persona, she’s created a bridge between The Hunting Wives and its audience, inviting fans to step into Margo’s world. This move aligns with the show’s themes of performance and power, as Margo herself is a character who thrives on spectacle. Åkerman’s ability to translate that into a 60-second TikTok shows her understanding of both her character and the digital landscape.

What’s Next for Margo and Åkerman?

As The Hunting Wives awaits news of a potential second season, fans are already speculating about where Margo’s story could go. The season one finale left viewers on a cliffhanger, with Sophie (Brittany Snow) mistakenly killing Margo’s brother Kyle, believing he was sent to harm her. Åkerman has teased that a second season could explore the fallout of Kyle’s death, with Margo’s wrath taking center stage.

For now, Åkerman’s TikTok triumph keeps Margo’s energy alive online. The video has inspired countless recreations, from makeup tutorials to dramatic monologues, proving that Margo Banks is more than a character—she’s a vibe. Whether she’s seducing Sophie, manipulating her social circle, or slaying a beauty tutorial, Malin Åkerman’s Margo is a force to be reckoned with, both on Netflix and on TikTok.