Mackenzie Foy

IS CRACKING HOLLYWOOD…

Aged just 17, LA native Mackenzie Foy has already mesmerised as young Murph in Interstellar, and dazzled as Twilight’s vampire/ human hybrid Renesmee Cullen. Now she’s spearheading Disney’s festive fantasy The Nutcracker And The Four Realms; not bad for someone who caught the acting bug at six and never looked back. “I knew instantly that it’s what I want to do for the rest of my life.”

How would you describe Nutcracker’s Clara?

Clara is a curious young girl. She recently lost her mother, which is heartbreaking. She’s still figuring out who she is and doesn’t know that this world exists. So, initially, Clara’s just in awe of the beauty and pure magic of the world. When she finds out that it’s endangered, she feels she has to protect this beautiful place that belonged to her mother.

What’s it like to be a Disney princess?

My family and I are die-hard Disney fans. So it’s like… Oh my gosh! It’s so cool. And I loved being a princess who does stunts. It was really fun to be on wires and a harness, but to still be in a Victorian dress. Like, “I’m doing action and I’m awesome, but I’m in a skirt!”

Was Twilight a turning point for you?

Anyone’s first movie is where you learn what a set is, how everything works. So definitely. I still get recognised for that film, but I’ve gotten to the point where people are like, “Oh, you’re taller than you were when you were nine!” I always find it really funny.

What are your memories of working with Christopher Nolan?

It was really, really cool. He brought in science and human emotion, and combined it in a beautiful way. Especially because I want to be a director and create my own stories. I promised myself I would finish high school first. I’m in my last year, so hopefully soon I can get into it and show people different perspectives of the world. JF