What’s Wrong with Morgan Freeman’s Hand in ‘Lioness’? The Truth Behind His Glove

Viewers of Paramount+’s ‘Lioness‘ have spotted something that’s hard to ignore: a compression glove tightly wrapped around Morgan Freeman’s left hand. The acclaimed actor portrays U.S. Secretary of State Edwin Mullins in the espionage thriller, and his increased presence in Season 2 makes the glove more noticeable than ever.

Unlike many of his previous roles, where the glove was cleverly concealed through camera angles or editing, ‘Lioness’ showcases Freeman’s hand prominently on multiple occasions. According to a report from The Direct, the glove stems from a severe car accident in 2008 that resulted in permanent nerve damage to his left hand.

The nerve damage Freeman experienced from that 2008 accident has not fully healed, affecting his left hand to this day. Due to the lasting effects, Freeman now wears a compression glove in nearly every film and television appearance to aid circulation in the affected limb.

In many of his earlier projects, filmmakers often avoided showing his left hand or framed shots to keep the glove out of sight. However, ‘Lioness’ takes a different approach, providing viewers with an unfiltered look at the actor’s condition.

Freeman has discussed his injury in various interviews, noting that despite treatment, his hand’s condition has not improved, and he has lost the ability to move it. He once described the situation, emphasizing that without movement, his hand swells, highlighting just how often a hand typically moves throughout the day.

The issues related to Freeman’s hand are more complex than a mere injury that healed over time. He has mentioned ongoing pain years after the accident, at times describing it as excruciating.

Freeman attributes much of this persistent pain to fibromyalgia, explaining that it travels up and down his arm and can become particularly intense. This combination of nerve damage from the accident and a chronic pain condition makes the glove a permanent necessity rather than a temporary accessory.

Freeman has candidly acknowledged that he suffers from nerve damage that has not improved, resulting in an inability to move his hand. He explained that the lack of movement leads to swelling, which is why the compression glove has become an essential part of his daily life.

The impact on his everyday life has been significant. Hobbies he once enjoyed, such as flying jets and sailing solo, have become impossible with only one fully functional hand.

Freeman has openly shared how the accident has altered his life beyond acting. He began piloting at age 65, a hobby that provided him with a sense of freedom, but he no longer feels confident at the controls due to his condition.

Sailing was another passion he had to give up, having previously spent weeks at sea in solitude. These losses weigh heavily on him, even though he refuses to let them define his outlook.

Despite the challenges, Freeman maintains a grounded perspective on the changes to his body. He has stated that there is a purpose to such changes, encouraging him to move on to new things and redefine himself, while still finding joy in simple pleasures like walking.

He has even adapted his favorite activities around his injury instead of abandoning them altogether. Freeman revealed that he still plays golf, albeit one-handed, swinging solely with his right arm.

The choice made by ‘Lioness’ to display Freeman’s hand without concealment is notable as it breaks away from Hollywood’s long-standing conventions regarding his condition. Throughout Season 2, the show features Freeman prominently, including numerous shots that clearly display his signature glove.

This decision has piqued the interest of viewers who may not have been aware of the backstory. Freeman’s expanded role in ‘Lioness’ Season 2 sees him more involved in the activities of the show’s Lioness agents, resulting in significantly more screen time compared to his Season 1 appearances.

For longtime fans of Freeman’s work, witnessing the glove so openly on screen has created an unexpected connection with the actor’s real-life story. Freeman remains one of the most recognizable figures in American cinema, boasting a career that spans over five decades and includes an Academy Award.

‘Lioness’ airs on Paramount+, and Freeman’s larger role this season means that his glove and the story behind it are likely to continue generating conversation as the season progresses. Given Freeman’s openness about his hand over the years, it feels fitting that the show finally allows that aspect of him to be seen.

What was your reaction when you first noticed Edwin Mullins’ glove on screen, and did learning the real reason behind it change your perception of his scenes in ‘Lioness’?