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Things are looking up for Zoey Luna

Things are looking up for Zoey Luna

 

Photographer: Brandon Walden

What drew you to the role of Julian Cashel in the upcoming film Hauntology?

What drew me to Julian was the idea of getting to finally look like what you’ve always

dreamed of and having to accept that certain people can’t be in the evolved chapter of your

life. We all wish we could have the dream body, perfect partner, and stack of bricks to call

home. However, I think playing Julian was an opportunity for me to symbolically accept that

you can’t make something, or someone, fit into your life if it’s at the cost of your well-being

even if having that part would grant the illusion of fulfillment.

Hauntology is an anthology, following 2 siblings who share spine chilling tales about

their hometown. Did you have a favorite story that resonated with you personally?

I think all of the segments were fantastic. I loved Sam Robinson in her segment, she’s an

absolute legend. The siblings – played by Jaidyn Triplett and Samantha Russell - were so

present and really stole the show. At last, I must say “Witchcraft becomes her” really

resonates with me on so many levels, beyond even the trans aspect of it. I just cannot be

more grateful to watch something that I can so personally relate to and have the honor to

say I acted in.

What challenges did you face while preparing for your role?

The universe always likes to prep me for the roles I play. The universe helped me this time

by preparing me a year in advance from filming the role by pushing me to go through my

own physical transformation due to issues with mobility and depression. I started

exercising, released so much weight, and gained tons of endorphins by the time I got

casted. Not only that but the universe also blessed me with a mildly threatening stalker

situation a few weeks before filming the segment.

Were there any particular scenes or moments in the script that you found especially

challenging or rewarding to film?

I think the most rewarding scene I got to film was running in terror from Julian’s front door to

the couch. I’ve always wanted to play a damsel in distress. So much so that I had pitched

SLAY to Rob Jarosinski, our lovely producer, a day before we filmed that scene. When we

were done filming the shot he said “I just know you’re going to have so much fun screaming

on set when we make Slay happen.” He was right.

Did you draw inspiration from any real-life relationships or experiences to shape your

character’s journey?

The universe gave me so much material to draw from, so yes! 1000% yes.

What do you hope audiences will take away from the film?

I really hope audiences take whatever resonates with them and implements it into their lives

to create positive change. At the very least I hope they have a good time with the film.

 

Photographer: Brandon Walden

Aside from Hauntology, you also star in the upcoming film Slay. Is there

anything you can tell us about this project?

Absolutely! I’ve been working on SLAY since the moment I was born. I created Slay

to be an adaptation of my teen years set amongst a horror backdrop. For years my

story has been under control, this is my way to set the story straight and honor the

complexity of it all. I made this for the girl I was when I needed to contextualize

what I had been going through so that my pain meant something beyond over kept

baggage.

What lesson did you learn from filming Hauntology that you carried over to

your role in Slay?

I learned that screaming in horror movies is what I was born to do.

If your character from Hauntology and your character from Slay were in the

same horror film, who would die first and who would be the “final girl”?

Julian and Chloe both love to scream, I don’t think they’d be quiet enough to make

it to the end honestly.