Grace VanderWaal, Elijah Richardson, and Tyrel Jackson Williams star in Hollywood Stargirl. In this exclusive interview they discuss working with acting legends.
Hollywood Stargirl is a follow-up to the Disney+ Original Film Stargirl and it gives fans a more mature look at the main character. Grace VanderWaal reprises her role as the quirky, confident, and completely unafraid to be herself Stargirl, but brings something new to the character. Elijah Richardson and Tyrel Jackson Williams join the cast as Evan and Terrell, respectively, two brothers who are making a movie — and want Stargirl to be in it.
Mama’s Geeky sat down with Grace, Elijah, and Tyrel to discuss this wonderful film, as well as working with acting legends like Judy Greer, Judd Hirsch, and Uma Thurman.
Grace VanderWaal On A More Mature Stargirl
When asked about where Stargirl is at in this movie, Grace agrees that her character is more mature, but also more selfish — but in a good way. “In this movie Stargirl’s definitely prioritizing what she needs a lot more. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that. I love her for that.”
VanderWaal expresses that Stargirl is going through the challenges of being able to communicate your wants and needs to the adults in your life, and figuring it out for yourself. This is a process, but a beautiful one. One that fans will surely appreciate.
The Cast On Working With Acting Legends
Filming during these times can be difficult. There are many challenges to overcome. Sometimes the cast is unable to spend time together off set, but this cast was lucky enough to. Especially because the cast consists of Judy Greer, Judd Hirsch, and Uma Thurman — all of whom are undeniably acting legends.
When asked about working with them, VanderWaal says she was grateful to be able to spend a lot of time with most of the cast. She acknowledges those three are actors and actresses that she loves. “I could not believe that I was in the same project as them. It was very nerve-wracking. It was surreal.”
Elijah Richardson adds that it was wonderful to get the share the screen with all of them, but with Grace VanderWaal and Tyrel Jackson Williams, as well. “It was a wonderful experience.”
Williams chimes in that it was “so beautiful” and that thinking back on it makes him happy and warm inside.
Full Hollywood Stargirl Interview
Check out the full interview with the stars of the film — Grace VanderWaal, Elijah Richardson, and Tyrel Jackson Williams — as we discuss working with legends, working with a rat, and this beautiful film.
NEXT: Stargirl Proves The Importance Of Being True To Yourself
About Hollywood Stargirl
Disney’s “Hollywood Stargirl” is a sequel to the 2020 Disney+ film about free spirit Stargirl Caraway (Grace VanderWaal), a silver-voiced teenager whose simple acts of kindness work magic in the lives of others. The upcoming film follows Stargirl’s journey out of Mica, Arizona and into a bigger world of music, dreams and possibilities.
When her mother Ana (Judy Greer) is hired as the costume designer on a movie, they relocate to L.A., where Stargirl quickly becomes involved with an eclectic assortment of characters. They include aspiring filmmaking brothers Evan (Elijah Richardson) and Terrell (Tyrel Jackson Williams); Mr. Mitchell (Judd Hirsch), one of Stargirl’s neighbors; and Roxanne Martel (Uma Thurman), a musician Stargirl admires and encounters on her journey.
Returning as Stargirl, VanderWaal performs the original song “Figure It Out” she wrote for the film. Julia Hart returns to direct. Hart & Jordan Horowitz wrote the original script, based on the original character from Jerry Spinelli’s best-selling book Stargirl. Ellen Goldsmith-Vein, p.g.a. (“The Maze Runner” trilogy), Lee Stollman, p.g.a.(“All Together Now”) and Jordan Horowitz, p.g.a. (“La La Land”) are the producers, with Kristin Hahn, Nathan Kelly and Jerry Spinelli serving as executive producers.
Hollywood Stargirl comes exclusively to Disney+ on June 3rd.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.