Thelma the Unicorn Stars Brittany Howard and Will Forte reveal what it was about this film that made them want to be a part of it and more.
Thelma (Brittany Howard) is a small-time pony who dreams of becoming a glamourous music star. In a pink and glitter-filled moment of fate, Thelma is transformed into a unicorn and instantly rises to global stardom. But this new life of fame comes at a cost.
We spoke with Thelma the Unicorn stars Brittany Howard and Will Forte (who voices Otis) about the messages of this movie. Brittany discusses why this was the perfect role for her first ever voice role, and her biggest challenges. Will reveals what makes Otis such a good friend to Thelma.
Brittany Howard & Will Forte on Thelma The Unicorn
What made you want to be a part of Thelma the Unicorn?
Brittany Howard: What made me want to do it was, Jared Hess, came up to me at one of my shows, and he said, I have this character with you in mind, I really would like if you would do it, and he passed me the book. And after the show, I read the book, and I found myself crying. I read the book and I was so moved by it. It was because of that emotion, I felt that I just knew I needed to take part in this project. Even if I didn’t know what I was doing. There’s a first time for everything. And I’m just so glad I did it.
Will Forte: Oh, it was very simple. When Jared reaches out about anything, I always know it’s going to be something that I’m going to love. So he sent me the script said that he and his wife had written it, sent it to me, and I raced through it and loved it. It was just the easiest decision of all time.
Will, I think everyone needs an Otis in their corner. What do you think it is about him that makes him such a good friend?
Will Forte: He’s understanding. He’s patient. He’s loyal. He is forgiving. He’s just a dear friend that everybody should have. It was a real pleasure getting to be his voice.
Can you talk about the importance of delivering the message of being yourself in Thelma the Unicorn?
Brittany Howard: It’s so important. From a very young age, especially women, we’re taught that there’s a certain way to look and a certain way to act. And if you get out of line, then something’s wrong with you. And that’s just so harmful. And also, you only live so long, so you’re going to spend the meat of your life not being yourself, and being this person that someone else expects you to be.
Will Forte: Well, I think that message, which has always been a valuable message, it is so relevant in these times with social media, and people are trying to portray this image that they’re not. It’s like, you don’t need to do that stuff. There is a special person inside everyone that you can access without trying so hard.
Brittany, there are a lot of great songs in Thelma the Unicorn. Do you have a favorite? Was one particularly challenging for you?
Brittany Howard: I had such a great time doing this music. A lot of it is a new style that I’m not really used to doing. So I enjoyed the challenge of figuring out how to get my voice to do certain things. A favorite of mine is Fire Inside. I love that song. It is so catchy. I’m excited for everybody to hear all the songs.
Think big was a pretty hard song for me, just because I had to move my mouth so fast. I’m a slow talker. I’m kind of a slow singer. And doing that was a new challenge. But then, the next thing you know, I’m doing a song where I’m rapping. I really figured it out, and I got it together in time.
Thelma the Unicorn hits Netflix on May 17th – get ready to have a blast and be inspired to be yourself!
NEXT: Thelma The Unicorn Directors Talk New Netlix Film
About Thelma the Unicorn
Thelma is a small-time pony who dreams of becoming a glamourous music star. In a pink and glitter-filled moment of fate, Thelma is transformed into a unicorn and instantly rises to global stardom. But this new life of fame comes at a cost. Thelma the Unicorn is a quirky, hilarious, and heartfelt ride from directors Jared Hess (Napoleon Dynamite) and Lynn Wang (Unikitty!).
Thelma the Unicorn comes to Netflix on May 17th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. She is also a Freelance Writer. Tessa has been in the Entertainment writing business for ten years and is a member of several Critics Associations including the Critics Choice Association and the Greater Western New York Film Critics Association.