Recently I spoke with Actress Sophia Hammons about her pending Disney film “Under Wraps.
How did you get into acting and what was your big break?
I started out in musical theater and I love singing and dancing but, when I was about nine years old, I decided I wanted to focus on acting and specifically acting in movies. My first big role was in Keyhole Garden, a film with Zoe Saldana and Garrett Hedlund that will be out soon. After that, I played Isla in Netflix The Social Dilemmawith Skyler Gisondo and Kara Hayward, and then I played Amy in Disney’s upcoming Under Wraps (premiering October 1, 2021).
What is your favorite Disney park attraction and how many parks have you visited?
I’ve been to Disneyland and California Adventure many times. I haven’t been to Disney World yet, but I really want to go. My favorite rides at Disneyland are Thunder Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean, and my favorite ride at California Adventure is Radiator Racers. I could do those three all day long.
What is it like to be a part of the Disney family?
It feels great to be part of the Disney family. I grew up watching the Disney Channel and the Disney princess movies, and now I’m part of them. I really can’t believe that – it’s like a dream – but at the same time, everyone has been so real and welcoming. I’m so grateful to be part of it.
Do you have a favorite role or type of role you would like to be cast as in the future?
I love playing assertive characters like Amy in Under Wraps because it’s how I’d like to be in real life. Amy knows what she wants and is determined to get it. I’m pretty determined too, but I love the way that Amy is clear about her goals and committed to achieving them. She’s a leader!
What attracted you to the part?
Amy is sweet but tough. She’s friends with Marshall and Gilbert, andshe can be vulnerable at times, but she’s also a leader. I love playing characters who have different sides to them. People are complicated. They’re never just one thing. There’s always more to someone, andthat’s the kind of character I’m drawn to.
What sort of prep work did you do for the part?
I worked on the character a lot with Alex Zamm, the director of Under Wraps, and with Malachi Barton (who plays Marshall) and Christian J. Simon (who plays Gilbert). Alex wanted the dialogue to be snappy, so he told me to watch His Girl Friday, a movie from 1940 with Cary Grant and Rosaline Russel. I loved it! I also watched other movies with strong female characters who go toe to toe with the male characters. And, of course, I watched the original Under Wraps!
If you could describe your character in 5 words, what words would you choose?
Sweet but tough, confident, adventurous, ambitious, fearless. I guess that’s six.
Without giving too much away, do you have a favorite scene in the film?
My favorite scene in Under Wraps is when Amy opens us and gives Marshall advice about his family problems by talking about her own family. She allows herself to be vulnerable even though she’s so focused on her mission. Like I said, people are complicated.
Any memorable moments that stand out?
A memorable moment on set was when we were shooting the manor scene in a real manor that might have been haunted. Malachi convinced me and Christian to go upstairs into a creepy dark hallway. We tiptoed to the end of it and arrived at a closed door. Suddenly there was a strange knocking sound, and we all screamed and ran way. We later learned that someone had lived in that room. It was really scary and also fun.
When not on set what are some of your favorite things to do?
In Vancouver, where we shot Under Wraps, I loved hanging out with Christian and Malachi. We became friends in real life too! At home, I love spending time with dad, my dog Larry, and my friends. I listen to music and sing and watch movies.
What else do you have coming up?
I just did Disney Princess Remixed, which is on Disney Channel andDisney+ now, and I have another project coming up, but it hasn’t been announced yet. Stay tuned!
