“Us” is the second much-anticipated film by Jordan Peele (“Get Out”), and it’s already receiving rave reviews as the best 2019 horror film.
Meet here in our interview Shahadi Wright Joseph who play Zora Wilson, and let’s say we’ll see her in a double version of herself.
And if horror films are not exactly your thing, we are counting the days until the release of “The Lion King” live-action adaptation for which Shahadi has reprised the role of young Nala, a portrayal she had previously carried on stage at Broadway.
Music or acting, which passion came first?
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I’ve been singing ever since I could talk, but I didn’t have a passion for it until I started acting. Singing was just something that I liked to do from time to time because it was fun, but I’d have to say that acting came first as a passion.
On “Us,” what kind of preparation you did for your role both as Zora and her doppelgänger?
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Zora Wilson is an aspiring runner, so to prepare for the role my father and I would train and practice at a track near our house. Evan Alex plays my younger brother, Jason. Since I’m the youngest in my own family, I had to figure out how to act like an older sister. I started to borrow some of the characteristics of Evan’s older sister, Raigan, to enhance my performance.
“I had to figure out how to act like an older sister.”
What’s your favorite horror/thriller film?
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My favorite horror/thriller movie has to be “The Shining.” I think the cinematography is incredible. Plus, it has you at the edge of your seat the whole time.
On “The Lion King,” how was reprising the role of Nala after playing her on stage?
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It was such a nostalgic feeling reprising the role of young Nala. So much of the process was very familiar, but I was able to bring more of my own personality into the role for the film.
“It was such a nostalgic feeling reprising the role of young Nala.”
What’s your favorite “The Lion King” song?
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“I Just Can’t Wait to be King,” because it’s fun and energetic.
In what way, if you can tell us, does the live action differ from both the stage and animated versions?
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The visuals in the all new “Lion King” definitely tell the familiar story in a way that’s never been seen before.
What’s your must-have on set?
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My must-have on set is fresh fruit.
A character you would like to play?
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I would love an opportunity to play Dionne from “Clueless,” because I think she has the best fashion and sense of humor in the cast.
A film you would like to see adapted into a musical and vice-versa?
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It would be really interesting to see “Us” adapted into a musical, haha! And I’m still anxiously waiting for the screen version of “In The Heights.”
Favorite movie soundtrack?
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The soundtrack from “Get Out.”
A song to describe “Us”?
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“You Can’t Hide from Yourself”
The most beautiful thing while filming “Us”?
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The most beautiful thing about filming “Us” was building great relationships with the cast and crew.
Photo Credit: Maya Darasaw
