Sophia Lillis – Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase

By: Lisa Steinberg

Q) Why is it important, now more than ever, to break the mold with the iconic character of Nancy Drew and show a whole new side to her?

A) I think each generation kind of has memorabilia of Nancy Drew, like the books. But this generation doesn’t really have a film for the younger audience. I think that this Nancy Drew can be kind of a role model of kids and show them a new version of her – a person they can look up to and watch themselves become. I think Nancy Drew has been a good character that will inspire kids.

Q) Even her outfits are more modern and relatable!

A) I don’t think a lot of kids now wear pencil skirts and drive everywhere. The new generation of girls act different and are different. So, it’s good to have more of a different Nancy Drew.

Q) Nancy has unwavering loyalty to her friends and even has made a new friend in Helen. I’ve always admired that quality in her along with her constant pursuit for justice. What do these qualities teach or show young audiences about that moral compass that we often don’t see?

A) I think that Nancy has this thing about her. She keeps her friends really close. She knows who she wants in her life. Her relationship with Helen (Laura Wiggins shows that even though she looks like a popular girl who doesn’t really have any troubles yet may just have this horrible personality that she’s human just like the rest of us. Anyone can be Nancy Drew. I think that’s what the message is of the movie.

Q) What are some of your favorite attributes of Nancy?

A) I really like Nancy. I think everyone enjoys her because she’s so independent. She does things on a whim and because she loves doing it. I think that’s kind of her main drive. She doesn’t do things because others tell her to do them. She does it because she loves doing it. I think that’s a really good characteristic and a good mindset to have in your life. I kind of look at it at that way about acting. I love acting and not because I was forced into it. I think it’s a good lifestyle to have.

Q) When you were first reading the script what stood out to you about the writing as well?

A) I thought it was so different. I think the way she is written and her way of being is so free. It was so nonchalant the way she lives her life. It was really fun to see in this children’s book come to the big screen. She was just this really funny person and the way it was written had me laughing out loud. The books were surprisingly humorous and I think she’s a surprisingly funny and quirky person. I hope that I showed that in the movie. I think that’s what I thought was really gripping and one of the main things about Nancy Drew.

Q) I’m hoping for more movies now that she has some new friends. Her friendships tend to teach her a lot as well. This movie is about embracing the mean girl.

A) That was actually one of the reasons also why I really wanted to have this role. It’s actually very common when you get scripts that these characters are the classic mean girl, but there is nothing else about her. There is no other part about her – the reasons why she’s acting this way. Maybe she’s mad at her parents for no reason. That’s not realistic. I’ve never really met someone who was actually like that. I think that Nancy Drew kind of shows that she loves her dad and her friends. She acts the way a normal girl would and I think that’s very rare.

Q) With her dad, there is always an “I love you” or “I love you more.” It was great to see this wasn’t your typical teenage angst.

A) Yes!

Q) What do you hope fans take away from watching this movie?

A) I really hope that kids love it. I remember growing up watching these children films, family friendly films, and they stick with you. I loved Little Vampire and movies like that inspired me to become an actor. It was kind of my gateway into acting and I really hope that children are inspired by this movie. I hope they follow their dreams the way Nancy Drew does.