Summary
Summer H. Howell, the young actress known for her role as Carrie in the latest adaptation of Stephen King's classic, shares insights into her journey from a small-town girl in Manitoba to a rising star in the horror genre. Howell recounts her early experiences with acting, including a pivotal moment when she auditioned for a toothpaste commercial at the age of six, which sparked her interest in the industry. Despite initial hesitations, she eventually landed her first significant role in "Curse of Chucky," leading to her current portrayal of Carrie, a character she describes as deeply complex and relatable.
During the conversation, Howell reflects on the challenges of embodying Carrie, particularly the emotional depth required for the role. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with the character's journey and the significance of her performance in evoking genuine emotions from the audience. Howell also discusses the unique environment of a horror set, highlighting the camaraderie among cast members and the necessity of balancing the serious nature of the material with moments of levity, such as using a fart machine for comedic relief.
The actress expresses her excitement about the show's success and the positive reception it has garnered, noting the relevance of its themes in today's social media-driven world. Howell hopes to continue exploring diverse roles and projects, including an upcoming action film titled "Runaway." As she navigates her burgeoning career, she remains grounded by her supportive family and a commitment to authenticity in her work.
Show Notes
Summer H. Howell joins us for her first-ever podcast interview! The rising star is here to talk about taking on the titular role in Mike Flanagan's new adaptation of Stephen King's telekentic teen bloodbath 'Carrie,' from auditioning over Zoom (and having to cry on command!) to finding the character, working opposite Samantha Sloyan, and getting absolutely drenched in blood. FYI the 22-year-old beat out 1400 hopefuls for the gig! We get into her most challenging scenes, the show's approach to bullying and social media, Mike bringing real teenagers into the writers' room, fan theories, and whether there could be a second — and third — season.
Summer also takes us back to growing up in Manitoba, landing her first role in 'Curse of Chucky,' and developing her signature scream. We talk about how much her life has changed since 'Carrie,' her manifestation journal, tarot readings, crocheting cat hats, attending the Louis Vuitton fashion show, and her love of 'Hunter x Hunter.' Plus, her upcoming action movie 'Runaway' with Josh Duhamel, and so much more.
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