We Had 16 Burning Questions For Anya Taylor-Joy, And Here’s What She Had To Say
Today, the highly-anticipated The Super Mario Bros. Movie drops in cinemas starring the one and only Anya Taylor-Joy.
Which actor is the most fun to be with on set?
Anya: Impossible question. I’m so lucky with the cast mates I’ve had, but Nick Hoult and I did have a very good time together on The Menu. We get along really well and we had a really good time on that movie. Again, I’m so lucky with the co-stars I’ve had that I tend to have a really good time on films, and I’ve had the opportunity to meet so many lovely people.
What’s the most bizarre thing you’ve ever read about yourself?
Anya: Oh, I guess that I come from a filmmaking family or something like that – it’s not true in the slightest. I didn’t know anybody associated with the film industry when I started out, which really stressed me out because all I wanted to do was be a part of it. Also, apparently I’m in like 17 different places at the same time. I’d like to learn how she does that! If she can give me that skill, I would love it.
Who’s someone that has made you starstruck?
Anya: I didn’t realise I was going to be doing the press day for this movie with Jack Black, so when I read that, the sound that came out of me was just this high pitch shriek that I was not expecting! We haven’t met each other because we all recorded our parts inpidually, so I was super starstruck when I saw the schedule for today. I very seldom get like that, but I was just running around earlier like, ‘oh my God, Tenacious D, this is amazing’.
That’s amazing! Did you happen to watch School Of Rock as a kid?
Anya: Yeah, at the school I went to when I first moved to London they would play School of Rock every Friday. At that time, I didn’t really speak much English, if any, so that and Harry Potter and Jumanji are like how I learned English!
What is something you wish you could change about the industry?
Anya: This isn’t an industry thing, it’s a world thing, but I wish everybody respected each other more and had more time and tolerance for everyone’s own experience. I think there’s a phrase, and I’ve forgotten it now, but it’s basically the term for understanding that everybody has a world as complex as their own. I wish people walked around with an understanding of that, and wanted to help each other out more.
Who’s the last celebrity you texted and what was the message?
Anya: Miles Teller and I are hanging out tonight, so I think it was like, ‘see you at six’, probably.
Who’s an unexpected person that has slid into your DMs?
Anya: I don’t go into my DMs and I’m really worried about it, actually! I remember about six months ago, a friend of mine went into my DMs for me and was like, ‘you’ve left all of these people hanging’. I just don’t go there because it’s a little bit frightening. So to anybody that’s ever sent me a DM, I’m not being rude, I just don’t go there! I’ve made that choice for myself.
I think that’s fair enough! Okay, tell us a life hack that everyone should know about.
Anya: If you struggle with meditation, try and stay silent on a rollercoaster. That will knock it straight into you! It’s bliss, genuinely. I really struggle to keep my mind still and stay still in general. But yeah, just get on a rollercoaster and make the choice to not scream.
It sounds a like funny image when you think about it.
Anya: Oh absolutely! Cos then the pictures come out and my friends are all screaming and I just look like Baby Yoda.
What are three songs on your desert island playlist?
Anya: “Stayin’ Alive” by The Bee Gees… Hmmm, what’s another one? “Jealous Guy” by Donny Hathaway, and then it’s got to be “Heroes” by David Bowie. Bowie’s gotta come, you know?
Of course, excellent choices. So what is your karaoke song?
Anya: If I’m feeling funny, I’ll do “Folsom Prison Blues” [by Johnny Cash] and (lowers voice) I’ll go right down there, which is pretty fun. Of course, I love “Tribute” by Tenacious D too, and I do all the voices. That’s always awesome.
I feel like you need to grab Jack Black and just go and do that now.
Anya: I’d die. Literally, I think part of the reason why my best friend and I decided we were friends in the space of an evening was because she started singing it once, and I leapt up from the dining room table and was like, ‘we got this, we’re gonna perform the hell out of this right now!’
Did you have a celebrity crush growing up?
Anya: Yes, I did. It was the cartoon version of Peter Pan, and it was devastating because it was NEVER going to happen. He’s drawn… He’s not a real person! It was heartbreaking. I’m actually amazed at how many people say, Maid Marian from Robin Hood. So many of my guy friends love her. I mean, I get it, she’s a foxy lady.
Who’s someone you’d love to work with who haven’t already?
Anya: Ugh, so many people! I’d love to make a movie in Spanish, so any Spanish-speaking directors. I’d love to do that.
And finally, what’s something you’re excited about in your life right now?
Anya: I’m really excited about the films I’ve got coming out, including the one I’m working on now, which is called The Gorge. I’m also excited to potentially take my first holiday in seven years this summer and actually like, have a summer. I haven’t done that since I was 18 years old! I don’t know how I’m going to cope with it, but I think it will be fun.