Kerry Washington opened up about some hot topics during a recent interview! Over Zoom on Thursday, Washington talked to Entertainment Tonight about the future of her HBO miniseries Little Fires Everywhere, and shared her thoughts on why democracy is so important. 

Washington talks future work with Witherspoon

Washington clarified that while fans were wondering about the possibility of a second season of Little Fires Everywhere, it's not going to happen. "So we were never planning to do a season 2 for Little Fires," she explained. "It was a limited series. That's all there is, that's all she wrote. Elena and Mia are not coming back."

However, she revealed that she's continued to be creatively involved with her co-star on the show, Reese Witherspoon! "But Reese and I, we just adore each other and really loved working together," Washington shared. "So we have a few other projects in the works and we'll continue to move those along." 

Washington wanted "a night to celebrate democracy"

Washington also said that fans will see her on-screen in a new role very soon! "Next month I'll be in The Prom, the film on Netflix from Ryan Murphy with Nicole Kidman, Meryl Streep and James Corden," she teased. "It's a really, really exciting project that's based on a Broadway musical. There's singing, dancing and laughter, and it's just such a feel-good project. I'm really happy to be a part of it."

Another project Washington is extremely passionate about is Every Vote Counts: A Celebration of Democracy Special, which she co-hosted with America Ferrera and Alicia Keys. "We just really wanted to come together to create a night of fun, a night to celebrate democracy," Washington explained. "It feels like there's a lot of anxiety and tension about the upcoming election, but we wanted to remind people that people are voting in extraordinary historic numbers."

Washington went on to share why she considers it so important that she's involved in a celebration of voter empowerment. "I think we're stepping into our power and we wanted to celebrate that power and center [around] the voter," the actress said of the event. "Tonight is not about any of the candidates. Tonight is about you. It's about our ability, your ability, as voters to have an impact and make a difference."

Kerry Washington Opens Up About Diversity Issues In Hollywood: "We're Still Centering Whiteness"

She wants people to look at how inclusive their language really is!

Kerry Washington Talks Diversity Issues In Hollywood: "We're Still Centering Whiteness"

Washington shares why she's passionate about voting

Washington also talked about what exercising her democratic right means to her. "For me, when I vote, it's an acknowledgement that I matter. I always say, these elected officials, they work for us," she told Entertainment Tonight. "When we pay our taxes, we pay their salaries. We are the boss. So when we don't show up and vote, it's like we're asleep on the job. We're not bossing up. We need to vote to have our values expressed and to let people know what we think and how we feel."

The actress explained that her own personal views about the importance of democracy and making your voices heard also extend into her work. "But I do feel really passionate about people knowing that they matter," she shared. "And feeling like they deserve to be at the center of their story, the hero of their own family and community and life."

"I think that's why I'm drawn to stories as an actor and a producer that celebrate people stepping into their power and into their truth and into their value," Washington continued. "I'm drawn to projects that make people feel seen and the same is true for me in civic engagement. I just want everybody to feel like they matter. I want everybody to feel seen and heard."

Washington mentioned that she and her husband have already been talking to their kids about voting, making sure they're informed about the process from a young age! Many young celebrities have also recently used their platforms to advocate for the importance of democracy, including Billie Eilish— who urged her fans to vote back in August— and first-time voter Selena Gomez!