Disney+ Achieves Another Hit Fantasy Film With “Secret Society of Second-Born Royals”
No secret here: the new Disney+ original film, Secret Society of Second-Born Royals, reigns supreme. The plot follows temperamental teenage princess Sam (Peyton Elizabeth Lee), who discovers she has powers and must join a confidential crew of fellow second-born superheroes. In a top secret training program led by stringent Professor James Morrow (Skylar Aston), Sam and her peers hone in on their abilities, only to discover a threat to the upcoming coronation ceremony looms. Spoiler alert: January (Isabella Blake-Thomas), the type-A trainee who can temporarily channel any of her friends’ supernatural capabilities, may not be as innocent as she seems. Below, Blake-Thomas shares her experience on set and what it was like to play the complex character.
What was the audition process like for Secret Society of Second Born Royals?
It was long and thorough. Disney looked globally to make sure they got the right performer for each role. I joined the audition process towards the end and went through three or four rounds with the casting team, producers and Disney executives. I got to (unknowingly) meet some of the cast to be at the chemistry read, so it was fun to see them when we got to Canada to film.
How does it feel to be a part of the Disney family?
A dream come true. Disney is so iconic, and the fact that they wanted me to join the family still blows my mind. Disney has a very special energy because there are so many generations that are a part of it. You think back to Julie Andrews, and it’s crazy to me that I have Disney in common with her now! It’s something I treasure.
How would you describe your character? Do you relate to her on any level?
January is bubbly, happy and a friend to everyone. I relate to her because she’s strong-minded and level-headed. She knows what she wants and goes after it. She loves making people smile and wants everyone to be happy. There’s a reason behind everything she does, and she only wants the best for the things and people she cares about.
What was your favorite part about being on set?
The friendships I had with the cast and crew. I got super close to everyone because we were together for so long. We bonded over everything from basketball and pizza to thrift shops and markets. I love that cast like my family, and I hope we get to make more movies together.
What was the most challenging part of playing your character?
Probably the stunts. It took a lot of training and practice to look like I knew what I was doing. I loved working on the stunts because they made me feel like I could accomplish anything. Seeing the final product on screen makes me proud of myself.
What was it like working with Pitch Perfect's Skylar Astin?
Skylar was a blast to work with. We would sing on set all the time, and getting to improvise with him was so much fun. We would burst into song and harmonize constantly during our breaks.
Any behind-the-scenes bloopers you can share?
Sometimes, on set, one of us would get the giggles right before a take started. We’d try so hard not to laugh during the shot, and then we’d cry with laughter off-camera afterwards. It was even funnier when someone would trip or walk into something. The scene where Faly [Rakotohavana, “Matteo”] slaps himself because he thinks he’s going to die made us all laugh so much because he kept hitting himself harder each time.
What do you hope the audience will take away from watching the movie?
I want people to see that it’s okay to be yourself. All the characters have interesting qualities that make them unique, and I think that’s what makes the movie so special. By the end of the film, everyone grows to love themselves and what makes them different.
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