‘FILMING IN NZ WAS SO SPECIAL’
The Kiwi actress returns for a second season of The Wilds, streaming now on Amazon Prime
Your character Toni finally got together with Shelby at the end of last season. What does the new series hold for the budding romance?
It’s really beautiful. They’re kind of falling into each other and there’s a lot of joy in that relationship. It’s really cool to be able to see this gorgeous queer couple on screen falling in love. In saying that, both of the characters are still on their own journeys to fully loving and accepting all parts of themselves.
Now you’ve got so many fans, did the second season of The Wilds come with more pressure?
It’s not pressure – it feels like a real privilege to be able to play this character and tell this story. I’m just hoping I do it justice. It’s not lost on me what it means to play a queer indigenous woman in this beautiful relationship. As a creative, all I ever want to do is make my audience feel seen and heard, so this is just a dream.
What was it like filming the first series in Aotearoa?
It was awesome. When we made season one, I was 20 and just trying to start my career, so being surrounded by so much family was amazing. It was like this big American show, but it was at home and I got to show New Zealand off. I took people around and bragged about how much I love this place. The cast had the best time over here and no one’s going to forget it.
Which places did you show off?
When we were filming halfway between Auckland and Whangarei, which is where I grew up, I would point out all the spots, like, “I used to camp over there when I was a kid.” I loved that. Also, the beach we filmed on at A¯ whitu is my iwi land – I’m Waikato-Tainui – so being there with my family history was so special.
Have any of your co-stars returned the favour and shown you around the US?
I’ve just got back after being over there for a month visiting Sarah Pidgeon, who plays Leah, and some of the new cast members. They showed me around New York and Los Angeles. We’re all really close. We’re so lucky.
How does your family feel watching your success?
They’re so proud of me. I live in Melbourne now and I haven’t been home in a year because of the pandemic, but they keep me grounded – all of that good Kiwi stuff! It makes me so happy they can go on Amazon Prime and show their friends because I know what it means to them. Whenever a new press video comes out, my mum posts it to her Instagram and says, “Make sure you catch up on season one of The Wilds because the new season is coming soon.” They need to get her on the payroll!
What does the rest of the year have in store for you?
I’m looking forward to spending some time at home. It’s been too long!