Zainab Johnson discusses her character Aleesha’s arc in Upload season 3. Warning: Spoilers for the season are included in this interview.
Upload season 3 is now streaming in its entirety on Prime Video. This season Aleesha has grown a lot professionally, but it seems to be coming at a cost.
Mama’s Geeky chatted with Zainab Johnson about Aleesha’s arc in Upload season 3. She also reveals what she would like to see for the future of her character, should the show get fourth season. Zainab talks about what she has learned from Aleesha after playing her for several years as well.
Warning: Spoilers for the season are included in this interview.
Zainab Johnson Talks Upload Season 3
Mama’s Geeky: What do you think went through Aleesha’s head when she kissed Luke?
Zainab Johnson: I think that Aleesha was not really thinking when she kissed Luke. I think that she was so excited, and so appreciative of him in that moment, and felt really supportive, but also felt like they had succeeded together. And I think she just got wrapped up in the excitement. The thought came after the kiss. It was like, ah, and then it was like, Wait, did I just do that? And oh, god, did I just do that?
Mama’s Geeky: Aleesha has had quite the arc this season, but it seems like she’s finally getting the recognition she deserves for all her hard work. Have you learned anything from playing her for so long?
Zainab Johnson: Aleesha is getting some recognition. I feel like in season three, she’s had a chance to grow, at least professionally, a bit. And that’s really wonderful to watch. I don’t know if I’ve learned anything in that sense from Aleesha, except that I like that she lives out loud. She feels a very specific way, she decides to do something about it, and she does. And we see at the end of the season, that there may be some consequences for that. And so I’m not sure if I learned that from Aleesha because I feel like in that regard, we’re probably similar, but it’s a nice reminder to sometimes not think and just do.
Mama’s Geeky: What do you hope for the future of your character?
Zainab Johnson: I would really love if Aleesha was somehow, at least professionally, able to create this very AI-infused world, but in a fair way. I think that’s always the thing in life as we advance, right? With a lot of power comes a lot of responsibility. I think that if Aleesha can find a way to have Lakeview, have Freeyond, have all of these corporations provide this thing in the future without it being at the cost of anybody in some sort of socio-economic status. I think that if she was able to do that, that would be a win. And I think that in that way, her and Nora’s trajectory, as much as it seems like personally they may be drifting apart, their trajectory is very similar in that sense. So, I hope that she’s able to achieve great success in the world of upload, but without having to pay a hefty price.
Upload season 3 is streaming in its entirety on Prime Video.
NEXT: Upload’s Robbie Amell Talks Playing Two Nathans In Season 3
About Upload Season 3
Upload is a sci-fi comedy series from Emmy-winning writer Greg Daniels (The Office, Parks and Recreation, King of the Hill), set in a technologically advanced future where holographic phones, self-driving vehicles, AI assistance, and 3D food printers are the norm. And, forget about dying – instead, you’ll be “uploaded” to a virtual reality afterlife, and enjoy all the comforts of a world-class resort. Provided you can afford it.
In Upload Season Three, Nathan has been duplicated. While “download” Nathan is reuniting with Nora, a Horizen customer service rep realizes he is missing from Lakeview and restores a backup “upload” of him. Now more than ever, Nathan, Nora, Ingrid, Luke, Aleesha … and even A.I. Guy, struggle to find a balance in their careers, technology, and love between the real world and the virtual reality “after-life.”
Upload season 3 is streaming in its entirety on Prime Video.
