Alexandra Borbely Replaces Kata Gaspar in ‘The Renegade’ Season 3 | RTL+
The Hungarian drama series A renitens (The Defiant) returned for its third season on , with new episodes now available on RTL+. However, the biggest change isn’t a plot twist, but a leading-lady switch: Borbély Alexandra has taken over the role of Renáta from Gáspár Kata.
The transition wasn’t without its challenges for Borbély, who readily admits the role presented a significant hurdle. “Here’s a very difficult task,” she told Story magazine, “but it helped somewhat in my preparation that I was previously invited to the casting for the Slovak version of the series, so the role itself wasn’t completely unfamiliar to me. However, I was pregnant at the time and ultimately couldn’t go. Later, whenever I saw Kata as Renáta, I thought she fit the character very well. So, I already had some idea of her, and I also watched the French version.”
Borbély’s arrival isn’t simply a recasting; it’s an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective to the character and the dynamics between the show’s players. For the actress, it’s also a chance to revisit a side of her artistry she hasn’t explored in some time – her comedic timing.
“I wanted to be an actress as a child ” Borbély explained. “I always brought a funny piece to every recitation competition. Later, however, life steered me towards dramatic roles, while I always longed to show my comedic side. A renitens allows me to do that. Of course, I had to free myself to do so. I wanted the viewers to see my silly side.”
“It was particularly difficult knowing that everyone would initially compare me to Kata and her playing style. Nevertheless, I was confident that I didn’t want to imitate anyone. I only wanted to start from myself.”
Interestingly, Borbély found the role of the three-child mother resonating with her own life experience. “Yes, the showrunner even said during filming, ‘My God, your gestures and reflexes are just like a mother’s.’ I’m sure that becoming a parent added to this character, as Renáta’s personality is one of its most important elements. Incidentally, having a child changes every actress’s life and performance.”
The casting process itself had a curious precursor. Borbély was initially considered for the Slovak adaptation of the series before becoming pregnant. This early exposure, though ultimately unrealized at the time, provided a foundational familiarity with the character. She then observed Gáspár Kata’s portrayal, acknowledging the original actress’s strong fit for the role, and even studied the French version to gain further insight.
This layered preparation speaks to Borbély’s dedication to approaching the role authentically, rather than attempting a mere imitation. She consciously chose to build her own interpretation of Renáta, drawing on her personal experiences and artistic instincts. The actress recognized the challenge of stepping into a role already so strongly defined by a predecessor, but embraced the opportunity to showcase a different facet of her talent.
Borbély’s desire to reconnect with her comedic roots is a key element of her approach. Having initially been drawn to acting through humorous performances in her youth, she felt a pull towards reclaiming that playful energy. A renitens, she believes, provides the ideal platform for doing so, allowing her to explore a lighter side that had been somewhat overshadowed by more dramatic roles.
The impact of motherhood on her performance is also significant. Borbély acknowledges the subtle but powerful influence of her own experiences as a parent, noting that her instincts and mannerisms naturally aligned with those of a mother figure. This organic connection, recognized by the show’s creators, adds a layer of authenticity to her portrayal of Renáta.
The third season of A renitens, represents not just a continuation of the story, but a reinvention of a central character. Borbély Alexandra’s arrival signals a new chapter for the series, one that promises to be both familiar and refreshingly different. The show’s success will likely hinge on how effectively she navigates the delicate balance between honoring the established character and forging her own unique path.