At just 15 years old, actor Chloe Coleman’s list of co-stars already includes Hollywood legends and A-listers.
Appearing in blockbuster productions such as “Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves,” “Avatar: The Way of Water,” “65” and “Gunpowder Milkshake,” Coleman has shared the big screen with Adam Driver, Chris Pine, Michelle Rodriguez, Hugh Grant, Michelle Yeoh and Paul Giamatti to name a few. Her first role was in the HBO series “Big Little Lies,” acting alongside Laura Dern, Nicole Kidman and Meryl Streep.
In the new “My Spy The Eternal City,” the sequel to the 2020 action-comedy “My Spy,” Coleman stars alongside Dave Bautista, Kristen Schaal, Ken Jong and Craig Robinson. The Prime Video movie sees special agent JJ (Bautista) and his adopted daughter Sophie (Coleman) head to Rome for a school trip, only to be sucked into a plot to destroy Vatican City.
Coleman recently sat down with Variety to discuss growing up in the movie business, her love of action films and wanting to join the MCU.
How did you first know you wanted to work in movies?
My mom used to be a producer and my dad is a camera operator, so I would always be on set with them when I was younger. Even though I was young, I was like, “This environment is so cool.” I was very used to it, and it allowed me to open up and get comfortable talking to people. At a certain point, my parents helped me get involved. They were like, “Do you want to try acting?” And I was like, “Yeah, sure.”
You’re a young actress and haven’t been in the industry for that long, but you’ve already worked on huge productions. Have you had an “I made it moment” yet?
I treat all the characters I’ve gotten to play as parts of my learning experience in growing and working in film. But I think one of my favorite experiences was working with Adam Driver. I played his daughter in a movie called “65.” He’s just so real. He was also very complimentary, which meant a lot to me. I remember we were doing reshoots, and he was like, “I saw a cut of the film. I just wanted to say you did such a good job.” That meant the world coming from him because I really do look up to him.
Chloe Coleman
Lilly K
You’ve appeared in several action and action-comedy films, sometimes with some very adult violence and humor.
I love action. The first “My Spy” movie was my first experience with action and comedy. The blessing from the sequel is that I tried my best to do all my stunts. We flew out a month in advance to Cape Town to train. We spent one to three hours a day training and going through the choreography. I was kickboxing, I was doing Wushu and it was so fun. I think I’m drawn to action because it’s cool and I feel confident and empowered. I also did scuba diving for “My Spy The Eternal City.” I learned how to ride a moped too, which is really awesome because I’m not even driving cars yet.
Dave Bautista is a veteran of the action genre. What was it like getting to collaborate on stunts together?
The happiest place ever. The coolest thing about how I’ve gotten to know Dave is that I knew him when I was nine turning 10. I’ve grown with him over the years and I am now 15. That’s crazy to me to have someone so special in my life for that long because. Even though I work with him, he is like a father figure outside of work. From day one, I knew I was gonna love him. He’s epic. He’s like a best friend.
Who made you laugh the most while shooting “Eternal City?”
Craig Robinson. He’s so funny and so nice. I remember all of us were having dinner at the Nobu in Cape Town, and we were leaving through this hotel. And there’s this piano in the lobby, and Craig is like, “Hey, I’m gonna sit down and play a couple of songs.” We had people joining in and singing. It went on for like an hour.
Was there anyone you worked with who gave you an important piece of advice?
I’ve gotten different types of advice for both work and life. One of my favorite experiences was working with Chris Pine [in “Dungeons and Dragons”]. I remember we were filming this really emotional scene and it was my coverage. And you know, I have to be emotional, it’s like a big thing. And he asked me, “Can I do anything for you as an actor?” I was so floored because he was treating me like an adult even though I was a kid. Emily Blunt, I had a conversation with her one day and she told me to make sure to always work with the best and to protect myself, and if I ever need anything I could reach out.
What kinds of roles are you hoping to land in the future?
I’ve always wanted to do a Marvel movie. I love action, sci-fi, superpowers and all that.
This interview has been edited and condensed.
