Emma Myers Digs In

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Emma Myers’ wanderlust extends beyond our world — even beyond our reality.     

Myers expresses her fondness for the fantasy genre, stating it’s her all-time favorite. She shares how she eagerly puts down her phone to delve into worlds that aren’t real. “It’s what I was raised on; it’s what I was exposed to growing up,” she continues. “There’s just something so enchanting about it.

In late February, we find ourselves enjoying matcha lattes on an unusually balmy day, at a coffee shop in Marietta, Georgia, which an actress suggested. Situated in a charming neighborhood, this café appears as if it’s been plucked straight from a fairy tale, complete with a towering wooden bookshelf filled with neatly arranged hardcovers and a patio enveloped by verdant greenery. It’s the perfect sanctuary for Myers, and its magical allure echoes the mesmerizing essence she exudes in her performances.

It’s her charm that catches the attention of people who have collaborated with Myers, who achieved fame in 2022 by playing Enid Sinclair in the popular Netflix series “Wednesday,” followed by a role as an English teen detective on “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.” Now, she is set to make her film debut in “A Minecraft Movie,” the much-anticipated adaptation of the innovative 3D building game.

Upon recollecting their initial encounters with Myers, her collaborators often describe her as being kind, timid, modest, and sincere, with a hint of “quiet strength” (a term coined by Tim Burton). This is not an overstatement.

As a devoted fan, I arrive 20 minutes early for our 11 a.m. interview, settling on the patio to anticipate her arrival. Upon sending a message to Myers’ publicist regarding the actress’s estimated time of arrival, I receive a reply: “She mentioned she’s here.” To my surprise, I discover that Myers had already arrived at least 10 minutes prior to me, securing our prime spot amidst the throng of caffeine-fueled patrons with their laptops, ensuring we’d have an optimal setting for our chat.

On the comfortable velvet couch by the entrance, “Wednesday” is perched casually, adorned in an understated green long-sleeved blouse and light blue denim pants. She completes her look with stylish shearling boots at the ankles and a mini silver heart pendant around her neck. Her chestnut hair bob is adorned with eyeglasses, creating a captivating contrast against her softly colored blonde locks.

As soon as I identify myself, she promptly leaps up from the sofa and shows great warmth, inquiring about my journey from New York and expressing sincere appreciation for our meeting near her residence in Georgia. With her gentle tone and captivating aquamarine eyes, she exudes a subtle elegance that surrounds her.

I intercept Myers prior to her inaugural worldwide media tour for “A Minecraft Movie” by Warner Bros. and Legendary, set to release on April 4. Making her film debut alongside Jack Black, Jason Momoa, and Danielle Brooks, Myers takes on the role of Natalie in the Overworld, a resourceful young adult who has recently taken custody of her little brother, Henry (Sebastian Hansen), following their mother’s passing.

She’s attempting to balance being a sibling and a parent to her brother, all while tackling her first full-time job, according to Myers. She’s drawn into this eccentric group of characters, and though she may not be the embodiment of reason, she’s certainly the most serious among them.

At twenty-three years old, Myers had a strong affection for the cube-themed video game since it provided numerous chances for her to express her creativity throughout her childhood.

Myers states that you’re free to create whatever you desire without restrictions. He shares an imaginative example of himself designing theme parks for sheep, complete with mine cart rides, and sending them soaring around. Alongside his friends, he would construct escape rooms and intriguing puzzle games as a pastime, finding the experience both captivating and enjoyable. Before this, there was no game like it.

Instead of watching “Minecraft” commentaries on YouTube, she found herself particularly captivated by the videos shared by gaming YouTuber Stampy Cat. Myers recalls that her friends and she were utterly enamored with him. They even sported T-shirts adorned with his logo as a show of their admiration. “One time,” says Myers, “he held a contest, and I can’t remember if we had to compose a song or construct something for the entry. However, we submitted it, filled with excitement, believing, ‘Oh my God, we’re going to win this contest.’ … Unfortunately, we did not emerge victorious.

Myers wasn’t required to go through a traditional audition for “A Minecraft Movie” because director Jared Hess and the movie’s producers were already impressed by her previous work, such as her roles in “Wednesday” and the body-swapping comedy film “Family Switch,” where she played opposite Jennifer Garner.

Instead, Myers received a call from her manager proposing a role in a movie titled “The Craft: Mine” or something similar, for filming in New Zealand. Upon hearing this, she exclaimed, “That’s fantastic! What is it?” To which her manager replied, “I’m not sure what it’s called, but either ‘The Craft Mine’ or something like that.” Myers then revealed her excitement, saying, “You’ve got to be kidding me. I used to play this game when I was a kid!

Approximately a month following her meeting with the producer of “A Minecraft Movie,” Cale Boyter, and sending an enthusiastic video to Hess, they invited her to travel to New Zealand in two weeks. Myers expressed her excitement, stating, “That’s just one of the awesome aspects of this job – you never know what you’ll be doing next, and then suddenly, you receive a call that could dramatically alter your life.

They hadn’t interacted with their co-stars prior to their in-person encounter in New Zealand, an “unusual circumstance” according to Myers, as actors typically undergo a chemistry test or even a virtual meeting before starting production together. However, it turned out that they all got along splendidly and the small cast worked seamlessly together.

The ‘Minecraft Movie’ seamlessly blends intricately designed practical sets (including pixelated outdoor sceneries and cube-shaped watermelons) with digital effects. Although the actors acted in front of green screens, Myers explains they relied on physical models and reference images to envision the Overworld and its famous inhabitants, thereby making the captivating universe more tangible.

Myers notes that it can be challenging when you’re playing tennis without having a clear understanding of what something might appear as. However, having played similar games, he was able to easily visualize the Iron Golem when they mentioned its location. He found it relatively simple to imagine its appearance. Moreover, due to the excellent quality of props and practical elements, being on a soundstage the entire time didn’t pose an issue for him. Holding a square apple, he said, was quite surprising.

According to Hess, “she had an incredible ability to grasp the essence of the world.” It was amusing that she often played ‘Minecraft’ with Jack Black, and they were very immersed in their roles. She would get completely engrossed when playing on her Nintendo Switch.

The movie featured an extensive use of stunts, with Myers executing about 90% of the action scenes personally.

Myers has performed stunts and fight sequences in the past, yet he’s never utilized props or weapons during those actions. For the first time, he got to wield a sword and shovel to strike someone. This experience was unlike falling down stairs or punching someone because it was incredibly precise. It offered a unique challenge, but one that was rewarding. It felt great to perform these tasks myself and say, ‘That’s me!’

The adaptation of a “Minecraft” movie was initially announced back in 2014, coinciding with Microsoft’s acquisition of Mojang Studios for a staggering $2.5 billion. Since its debut in 2011, “Minecraft” has reigned supreme as the best-selling video game ever, with over 300 million copies sold worldwide.

However, transitioning “Minecraft” into a feature film has proven challenging due to numerous changes in directors – initially Shawn Levy, Rob McElhenney, and Peter Sollett among others, and several rounds of script revisions. Finally, in 2022, a definitive production strategy was established, placing Hess at the helm. Myers acknowledges the mounting pressure to create a film that strikes a chord with “Minecraft” enthusiasts, given the protracted and turbulent development phase it has undergone.

Myers expresses that if a project delights him, someone who used to play would also find joy in it. He’s thrilled with the outcome and hopes others feel the same way. There’s a sense of responsibility to make it great, but ultimately, everyone involved had an amazing time creating this movie.

Beyond the “Minecraft” video game, Myers has always been captivated by magical worlds since her childhood years in Orlando, Florida. Given that she was brought up by two legal professionals, Myers received homeschooling along with her siblings – an older sister and two younger ones – as their mother preferred a more hands-on method of education.

As a home-educated kid myself, I can’t help but express my profound appreciation for her – she sacrificed her career as a lawyer to teach us at home, only to return to the workforce later. I truly believe this experience made a significant difference in my life. Homeschooling granted me an extraordinary level of freedom that I cherished deeply.

She found it sometimes difficult to establish a feeling of camaraderie, yet through additional school activities such as participating in local plays and dance groups, she managed to make friends. Furthermore, she could always count on her siblings for support.

When she turned five, Myers embarked on her acting journey by tagging along with her elder sibling to auditions for advertisements and various ventures in Orlando. Her motivation was simply to imitate whatever her older sister was engaged in at that moment.

Despite her sister opting for a legal career, following in their parents’ footsteps, Myers never harbored the same professional inclination. Instead, she expresses that academics aren’t her strong suit. “If not acting,” she says, “I adore animals and would have enjoyed being a zookeeper or working at an animal sanctuary.

Her love for fantasy genres was sparked by cherished series such as “Star Wars” and “The Lord of the Rings.” She often delved into behind-the-scenes videos, specifically the diaries from the “Lord of the Rings” trilogy directed by Peter Jackson, to learn more about the movie creation.

Myers shares that he became deeply captivated by these films, often finding himself engrossed in them on YouTube. He recalls feeling an intense desire, thinking, ‘I truly yearn to be involved in this, to contribute to it.’

During the filming of “A Minecraft Movie,” she often spent her leisure time traversing the stunning vistas of New Zealand, which served as the backdrop for J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth in Peter Jackson’s “Lord of the Rings” films. She expresses, “I spent most of my free time trying to complete all the hikes they did. It’s been a dream of mine for years.” “I visited Hobbiton,” she adds. “I undertook the Mordor trek, or the Tongariro Alpine Crossing. That was undoubtedly one of the toughest hikes I’ve ever encountered. However, it was incredibly thrilling to see where they filmed scenes, or what influenced visuals in the movies.

As a dedicated movie reviewer, I found myself captivated by the journey of an aspiring actress, whose unwavering support came from none other than her devoted mother. This remarkable woman recorded all her self-tape auditions and accompanied her to almost every gig. Laughingly, she admits that it took her father a while to fully embrace this passion.

Over time, I found myself facing repeated rejections and silence from casting directors, along with the uncertain rhythm of landing roles. This relentless grind eventually took its toll on me. At age 12, I chose to step away from acting for a while.

This is quite a challenging stage of life, largely due to puberty and the rapid growth and changes it brings,” she clarifies, further noting, “However, being a teenager had its perks; I got to spend so much time with my friends. I’m really grateful for that break, as it allowed me to live through experiences that were crucial for me.

After shifting her attention towards competitive dancing, reminiscent of the TV show “Dance Moms,” Myers explored numerous dance styles, particularly enjoying contemporary and jazz. She attributes her dance background to her success in the physically challenging aspects of acting. As she puts it, many scenes involve choreography and quick learning, similar to stunt work. Additionally, she believes that dancing has also honed her ability as an actor to be deeply aware of her own body.

At the age of 16, her family relocated to Atlanta, which is known as the Southern equivalent of Hollywood. Fascinated by the bustling entertainment industry where blockbusters like “Spider-Man: Homecoming” and “Avengers: Infinity War,” along with series such as “Stranger Things” and “The Walking Dead,” were produced, she found herself drawn back to acting.

In various television appearances and the 2021 Lifetime film “Girl in the Basement”, Myers found some recognition, yet her significant breakthrough came when she played Enid Sinclair on “Wednesday”. In this series, her cheerful, vibrant werewolf character contrasted sharply with Jenna Ortega’s somber and eerie Wednesday Addams, making a genuine connection between the two characters difficult. Nevertheless, forging a bond between these young talents was far from complex.

In conversation with EbMaster, Ortega shares that Emma and he share a compatible professional perspective and grasp of our roles, making every shoot seamless. He finds his job significantly easier with her. During Season 1, they immediately found their stride, navigating the chaotic Wednesdays effortlessly, and shooting was flawless. They also connected over awkward skin-tight cat costumes and taking afternoon naps on set in our tent during long workdays. We simply understand each other well. Emma quickly became like a sister to me.

As a die-hard film lover, I must say that the chemistry between Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday and Jamie Lee Curtis’s character is simply outstanding. The way she blends humor and drama in her performance is truly remarkable. It’s this emotional depth that makes them such an unforgettable duo on screen. It’s almost like watching two top-notch tennis players who, not only play wonderfully together but also share a genuine friendship off the court, constantly pushing each other to deliver their best performances.

Throughout the first season of “Wednesday,” Myers dedicated herself to daily stunt training whenever she wasn’t filming, including a “werewolf-themed training program” to get ready for her part. During this time, she mastered aerial flips, kip-ups, and even learned to crawl on all fours.

Emma consistently takes on any challenge. In the first season alone, she performed an astonishing 15 rolls from a dumbwaiter, which, as a parent, left me thinking ‘This is dangerous! Actors shouldn’t be doing this.’ However, Emma’s background in dance and her physical prowess, along with a touch of Lucille Ball-like humor, make the physical comedy she delivers truly exceptional and distinctive.” – Miles Millar, co-showrunner of “Wednesday” recalls.

During the sensation of “Wednesday” Season 1, people often inquired if Myers considered herself an extrovert akin to Enid, but instead she consistently expressed being an introvert, and this self-perception persists for her even to this day.

As an introvert, it’s essential for this job to adapt and exhibit extroverted behaviors when required. Remarkably, I’ve grown much more at ease with this transition,” she notes.

Following completion of work on “A Minecraft Movie” in New Zealand, Myers immediately jet-setted to Ireland to shoot Season 2 of “Wednesday”. She shared that she didn’t attend the wrap party for “Minecraft” because she had an early flight the next day. Instead, she swiftly departed. This was her initial time reprising a role, which both thrilled and made her apprehensive for Myers.

She admits she felt a bit apprehensive about returning, as she looked back on Season 1 scenes and wondered if she could recapture that magic after such a long time. However, as soon as the table read began, it all felt familiar again, as though no time had passed. I think, because I’ve spent so much time with Enid, playing her feels natural now.

Well, it’s only natural to switch things up a bit, seeing as how [Enid] has undergone some changes this summer. She’s blossomed and found new confidence in her own skin.”

Or, if you prefer a more conversational tone:

“You know, it’s not a bad idea to mix things up when someone’s changed, like [Enid] has over the summer. She’s grown and found herself, and that’s pretty cool to see.

Ortega shares similar views about Myers’ character Enid, stating that she seems “tougher” this time. Additionally, Ortega comments, “It’s intriguing how Wednesday might not openly acknowledge it if pressed, but she genuinely has a companion.

Filming “Wednesday” Season 2 brought about a reunion for Myers with director Burton, who has taken charge of multiple episodes and holds an executive producer position in the series. Despite this being a new collaboration, Myers felt no intimidation due to their previous partnership some years ago.

Myers reflects that during Season 1, there was a general apprehension towards Tim Burton due to his legendary status, with people thinking, ‘Be careful not to upset him, just do well.’ However, as the season progressed, they found out that he was incredibly laid-back and friendly. He’s quite open to suggestions and enjoys rehearsing and adapting scenes based on our practice sessions.

Burton remarks about Myers, “She consistently leaves me in awe.” He discovered during this season that she’s an exceptional dancer. What’s surprising is her understated personality, yet she continually amazed me with her wit and ability to be both funny and musically versatile. I appreciate people who can blend comedy with emotion, and Myers has all those qualities.

In the second season, some actors from the first aren’t present anymore, with Percy Hynes White being one of them. In 2023, he was involved in sexual assault allegations, and as a result, his character Xavier Thorpe, who was set to have a larger romantic role for Wednesday, is not part of this season.

As a movie enthusiast, I find myself reassured that the plot stays focused, rather than causing concern about missing characters. This season in particular is heavily character-centric, with so many captivating events unfolding. It seems perfectly logical to have the characters we do and to follow our unique storyline. I believe fans will admire it.

Landing the fourth position on the call sheet for your debut regular role in a show like “Wednesday” is an impressive accomplishment, but it’s exceptionally uncommon to then transition from that role into becoming the leading actor.

About two years after the release of “Wednesday,” Myers took on another role in “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.” In this British mystery series, Myers plays Pippa “Pip” Fitz-Amobi, a sharp and empathetic true-crime aficionado who embarks on a mission to reveal the truth behind the death of a well-liked high school student.

She shares that she identifies strongly with the character Pip, stating, “That’s what makes portraying her particularly challenging.” She explains that it’s difficult to represent someone who resembles oneself closely, as opposed to playing a role that is significantly different. In the latter case, one can embrace the distinctness and not feel too insecure about it.

In preparing for my role in “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” Season 1, I dedicated just two weeks to honing a convincing British accent under the guidance of a dialect coach. This was no small feat, as I was determined not to follow in the footsteps of many American actors who have stumbled with this accent in the past.

My main concern was avoiding the common misconception that Americans struggle with British accents. Given my limited time of two weeks, it wasn’t perfect, but there’s not much I could do about it,” Myers explains. She emphasized the importance of her cast and crew correcting her pronunciation and tone when necessary, saying “I won’t be offended if I make a mistake. Please correct me if I say something incorrectly.

After the renewal of the murder-mystery series for another season, she’s noticeably more confident due to extensive dialect coaching to refine her British accent. She finds it intriguing that her coach assigns exercises typically designed for English learners mastering British English. At first, she thought it was peculiar, but now she realizes how challenging it can be.

Among the standout projects of Myers are adaptations: “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder,” derived from Holly Jackson’s highly successful young adult mystery book series that garnered significant attention on TikTok’s BookTok community; “Wednesday,” a reimagining of the eerie Addams Family character’s daughter; and now, a film based on the popular video game “Minecraft.

Myers acknowledges that there’s a heightened, perhaps exceptional, level of expectation when maneuvering through the demands of well-established fan communities.

When discussing his roles, Myers notes that ‘Good Girls’ is a book-to-TV adaptation, which means it has specific expectations since the characters and story are already established in literature. However, he finds more creative liberty in projects like ‘Wednesday’ and ‘Minecraft,’ as these involve new characters for him to portray. He emphasizes that adapting ‘Good Girls’ required careful consideration to ensure his interpretation of the character and story remained authentic and relatable to readers with varying interpretations.

However, she doesn’t perceive these pressures as something negative. In her own words, “I certainly consider it when we’re planning, as if you say, ‘Oh, forget about it — I’ll do whatever I want,’ then you won’t make many people happy. And the aim is to make as many people satisfied with your work as possible.” She added, “But I don’t let it worry me in terms of ‘Oh no, will I get it right? Will you dislike me?’ Instead, I try not to overthink and instead channel that pressure into productivity.

Embracing this perspective transcends merely managing pressure during performances. I see countless avenues opening up before me, from acting roles to opportunities behind the camera. There are numerous doors that have been unlocked due to this, and I am incredibly thankful for each one.

She has a strong passion for delving into various literary genres, particularly romance, musicals (with “Phantom of the Opera” being her top choice), sci-fi novels like “Red Rising” by Pierce Brown, and she even dabbles in fantasy. Unfazed by fan opinions, she hopes to be part of the cast for new adaptations of “The Chronicles of Narnia” and “Pirates of the Caribbean.

Currently, she’s grateful for the consistent work assignments she’s received. Following a month-long promotional blitz for “A Minecraft Movie,” she’ll start filming “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder” Season 2 in April, reprising her British role as Pip to unravel another mystery. Later this year, “Wednesday” Season 2 is scheduled, and viewers will get another peek into the adventures of Enid and Wednesday at Nevermore.

Going further, Myers chooses to stay silent about her future endeavors, hinting cryptically, “I do have ideas up my sleeve, but I’m not sure if I can reveal them yet,” she playfully suggests, flashing a grin reminiscent of Enid. Moreover, much like many young adults exploring their paths in life, Myers seems to prefer taking things one step at a time rather than making long-term plans.

She admits that the uncertain future seems bizarre to her, yet there’s a strange sense of reassurance in not having any definite plans laid out.

No matter where her career takes her next, Myers can’t help but notice that she was once a passionate fan of several groups, and it feels strange to be the focus of a fandom herself now.

She used to attend ‘Star Wars’ gatherings and watch every Marvel film on its premiere day. She was deeply invested in many things, she admits. It’s astonishing, she says, to experience the same level of passion returned – a reflection of what she had poured into her work. And she is profoundly thankful for everyone who has stood by her and her endeavors. It’s almost unbelievable when you devote so much time and energy to something as a child, only to find others doing the same for what you create – it’s truly mind-blowing.

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2025-04-03 18:21