INTERVIEW BY: IRVIN RIVERA

Sophia Anne Caruso Plays Sophie in Netflix's highly successful fantasy film The School For Good And Evil, adapted from Soman Chainani's series of young adult fantasy books. 

Sophia, like her film character Sophie, explores the importance of seeing each challenge as an opportunity to grow and evolve- realizing that there are more layers to someone's truth and experiences more than anyone realizes. 

Caruso is also a well-rounded creative who also does painting, poetry and music aside from acting.  

In this exclusive interview, Sophia ANNe Caruso talks about her complex character in the film, the production journey to the release, her physical transformations to her stunts, working with Director Paul Feig, inspirations, music and more.

How have you been since the release of The School for Good and Evil?

I'm doing well! It is so surreal with The School For Good And Evil soaring. Our fandom is wild... I'm so proud that our film has found space in the hearts of people all over the world, so I've been trying to take it all in.  

What’s the best part about that entire journey of creating the film?

Every part... If I had to pick...I think any day where I had the opportunity for a stunt was a day I was excited about. I have savored every part of this process. From pre-production and stunt training to the premiere in LA, I have loved it all. 

What do you love the most about Sophie? What drew you to her character?

I’d never seen this version of a fairytale “princess”. I was really drawn to the idea of showing not just the good - but the bad and ugly, so that little girls like my nieces can see that even princesses are imperfect. It’s okay if they are, too. And the overall message about beauty coming from goodness of the heart and the opportunity to share that with women and young girls really swept me off my feet. 

Have you read Soman Chainani’s book prior to booking the role?

I hadn't read the books but when Paul Feig mentioned to me he was adapting them I knew it sounded familiar...  Soman and I met in the summer of 2017 and that was when I first found out about the books. I read them as soon as I was cast.

Let’s talk about the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming.

I love a good challenge. Tough moments became the highs. The physical transformation I have is a good example! I was in the makeup chair for 7 hours I think and that alone tested my patience and stillness. I'd never worked with such intense makeup and I hadn't had a chance to test it before going on set. I had to jump in the cold, but it was so much fun. 

How did you manage to rise above the challenges?

For me, seeing a challenge as an opportunity is everything! As long as you're having fun and working hard I think challenges sort themselves out.

What’s the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of making the film?  

I will always remember the way I felt. I was so happy to be on set doing what I love and the cherry on top is that everybody around me was excited to be making the film, too. With a director like Paul Feig, every moment is a joy. 

Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?

I think that every role I've played resonates with something in me. I played "The Girl" in David Bowie's Lazarus and I think of her way of knowing nothing and everything, her childlike wonder, and hope, paired with confusion and sadness, really touches me.

What inspires you?

The everyday. Leaves and nature...  Meeting new people.

As a well-rounded creative who does painting, poetry, acting and music, What’s your creative process like? 

As it comes! If I'm not inspired visually to be painting or sewing I'm probably off writing lyrics. If I can't find the words I'm humming a melody. I live in a creative brain and my process depends on whatever medium I'm lingering in at the time.

Congrats on your music. From Broadway to having over 900,000 listeners on Spotify. Tell us more about your recent singles “Thing Like That” and “Snow and Ice.” What can your fans expect more about your music journey? 

I'm really happy to be sharing some of my music. "Snow & Ice" and "Thing Like That" both dropped in 2022, but have been alive since 2018. I take my time when it comes to releasing songs. My music is very personal and I like that I'm able to share it when I'm inspired to/ it feels right vs. pumping out songs for quantity over quality. I have more songs I'm excited to release and I will be recording some new songs this December. 

You’ve been a creative artist throughout your life and you started really early. What was that like? How did your immersion in the arts contribute to your present self?

I think it's a great privilege to be exposed to the arts at a young age. I can't thank my parents enough for indulging my desire to be creative.  They let me paint and draw on the walls of the house, and they put the PBS arts channel on instead of cartoons. They encouraged me to sing and express myself always. Being artistic makes up a big part of me and I attribute a lot of the success I have found in it to my parents nurturing my odd sides instead of drowning me in normalcy. 

What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?

Never give up on yourself or your dreams. Never.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why? 

I'm staring at my bookshelf trying to find the answer to this and I'm stumped! Maggie Nelson is one of my favorite writers, so I suppose I'd like to be something by her.