Bittersweet reason Netflix’s Kaitlyn Dever took on Apple Cider Vinegar lead role

Apple Cider Vinegar star Kaitlyn Dever had a bittersweet reason for taking on the role of Belle Gibson in the new, six-part Netflix series.

The actress plays a fictionalized version of the Australia influencer, who duped hundreds of thousands of fans into believing she'd beaten cancer by shunning chemotherapy and opting for a healthy diet and natural remedies instead.

Belle Gibson reportedly made more than $1 million in sales after launching The Whole Pantry app and cook book.

But her web of lies unraveled when her pledge to donate a large sum of money to charity never materialized.

Program creator Samantha Strauss told Netflix Tudum the series explores 'a whole tapestry of people across the wellness and medical spaces', including social media influencers who became 'blind to the truth'.

Dever, whose previous roles include Amy in coming-of-age comedy-drama Booksmart and Lily in Netflix's Good Grief, revealed she was 'blown away' after being considered for the lead role of Belle in Apple Cider Vinegar.

She told the Sydney Morning Herald she's 'very excited for the world to see [the show] come to life'.

But the role holds an even deeper meaning for Dever.

The 28-year-old also said she hoped to honor her late mom who was 'obsessed' with the series.

Dever's mom Kathy died of breast cancer last February.

Dever, who is set to join the cast of HBO smash hit The Last of Us this April, said: “My dad has seen it, my sisters have seen it, and they all love it,” adding: “My mom really liked reading this series, she was obsessed with it, so I’m honouring her in this role.”

Dever revealed in October 2020 that her mom had been diagnosed with stage 4 metastatic breast cancer for a decade.

Taking to Instagram, she explained that Kathy was diagnosed at the age of 39 and 'everyday since has been a terrifying battle'.

Hailing her mom the 'strongest woman I know,' Dever went on to praise 'the doctors that have taken such good care of her over the years' and encouraged her fans to get checked out themselves.

In an update last February, Dever shared the sad news that her 'best friend' had died.

"I don’t even have the words," she wrote in part. "Nothing I’ll ever say will amount to the gifts you have given me in my life, the boundless joy you brought, the deep, endless, unconditional love you gave me and our family. Your love was everywhere."

Apple Cider Vinegar is available to stream now on Netflix.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact the American Cancer Society on 1-800-227-2345 or via their live chat feature, available 24/7 every day of the year.