AUSSIE STAR SAMARA’S NEW ROLE
THE AUSSIE SOAP STAR TURNED A LISTER IS RETURNING TO THE SMALL SCREEN IN NINE PERFECT STRANGERS
It’s been eight years since Samara Weaving left the safety of Summer Bay to tread the well-worn path that Aussie soap stars tend to follow to Hollywood. Since then, the actress’ career has flourished, with her picking up roles in blockbuster films including Ready or Not, Bill and Ted Face The Music and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri.
This month alone, the Adelaide-born star can be seen in the movie Snake Eyes as action hero Scarlett, and on the small screen playing social media-obsessed Jessica in the highly anticipated miniseries Nine Perfect Strangers.
Despite her success, there was a time when Weaving believed she was being pigeon-holed into a certain type of character. A succession of roles in horror films such as Mayhem and The Babysitter lead the 29-year-old to believe she was destined to be typecast as the damsel in distress.
“I was a bit nervous, not stuck as I loved filming horror-comedies, but it seemed that was all I was going to play,” Weaving tells WHO over Zoom from her home in Los Angeles. “The turning point came after filming [TV series] Picnic at Hanging Rock, when I could show more range, and it has led to lots of other opportunities. I feel really lucky,” she adds.
Your character Jessica is horrified when, at the health and wellness resort, she has to hand over her phone. Can you relate to that?
I think I’d love to throw my phone away, but if there was no TV, then I’d get a bit nervous. I like to watch a TV show or movie at night. I think I have a pretty healthy relationship with social media, but Jess confuses her self-esteem with external validation. I can relate to that, feeling confident because of a good review. But your self-esteem really comes from within.
When the world was shutting down due to the pandemic, you came back home to film in Byron Bay. What was that like? When Australia shut its borders, I thought I wasn’t going to be able to go home for a very long time. I felt so lucky to be offered a job filming a series based on a Liane Moriarty book and getting to work alongside Nicole [Kidman] and Melissa [McCarthy]. Coming home and filming in beautiful Byron during such a crazy time was the icing on the cake.
Did it make you long for a permanent move Down Under?
I always think about that! But what works best for me is having a foot both here and in the US. I like going back and forth when it’s possible.
What are the main differences between filming in Oz or the US?
I think there is an Aussie culture of just getting on with the job, which is great. Everyone has a grounded work ethic and no-one acts like a diva, which I adore. In the States, it’s more apparent.
You’ve worked with some big names in the biz. When was the last time you were starstruck?
I got starstruck by the amazing talent on Nine Perfect Strangers every day. I have an upcoming film called The Valet where I worked with Max Greenfield. I’m obsessed with him and he is so lovely and kind.
Were you a fan of Liane Moriarty before filming began?
After watching Big Little Lies, I read all her work. She is an incredible author. All her books should be turned into TV shows or movies.
Have you and fiancé Jimmy set a date for the wedding yet?
It feels impossible to make plans right now, as we have family both in Oz and the US. Maybe we’ll just have to have two weddings.
(Nine Perfect Strangers is streaming on Amazon Prime Video from Aug. 20)