'THE CRAFT: LEGACY' ACTRESS LOVIE SIMONE ON PLAYING TABBY AND HAVING ACTUAL TELEPORTATION POWERS
American actress LOVIE SIMONE plays Tabby in Blumhouse’s THE CRAFT: LEGACY, the continuation of the 1996 original teen cult franchise THE CRAFT. The film follows the story of a teenage girl who just moved in with her stepdad and siblings while facing the challenges of adjusting to a brand new high school. Amidst the usual school pressures and puberty, three mysterious girls revealed themselves as hopeful witches and welcomed her into their coven.
PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA
Earrings: NATIA x LAKO, Ring: ZAZIE, Dress: LADO BOKUCHAVA, Boots: JAGGAR
SIMONE started acting at a young age and she keeps rising ever since. In 2016, she starred in the Oprah Winfrey Network drama series “Greenleaf” as Zora Greenleaf. In 2018, she starred opposite Jennifer Hudson in the drama film “All Rise” that premiered at Sundance Film Festival. The following year, she appeared in 2 Sundance films- “Share” and “Selah and the Spades” where she played the lead role of Selah Summers.
STYLING: ROBIAT BALOGUN, HAIR & MAKE-UP: JULIA JOVONE
Earrings: NATIA x LAKO, Ring: ZAZIE, Dress: LADO BOKUCHAVA, Boots: JAGGAR
In this exclusive interview, the rising star opened up about her role as Tabby, her acting career so far, her experiences in filming the Craft: Legacy, acting, and more.
How would you describe Tabby’s evolution throughout the film?
Rather than an evolution I would say the viewer is more so introduced to her. One gets to witness all the pieces that make Tabby who she is.
How would you describe this version of THE CRAFT: Legacy?
This version of the Craft Legacy puts a microscopic lens on what it means to be a young woman coming into her power.
What’s unique about this one?
What makes this Craft unique is its ability to be its own story while staying true to world of the original Craft.
Earrings: NATIA x LAKO, Ring: ZAZIE, Dress: LADO BOKUCHAVA, Boots: JAGGAR
Were you able to see the original film prior to filming?
Yes, I watched the Craft before auditioning.
What’s the best part about playing Tabby?
One of the best parts about playing Tabby was embodying a character that resembled me.
LEFT: Earrings: 8 OTHER REASONS, Necklaces: CHANELL ONE & ELLIE VAIL, Ring: Ellie Vail, Bracelet: CHANELL ONE, Top/Pants: MARMAR HALIM
RIGHT: Earrings: NATIA x LAKO, Ring: ZAZIE, Dress: LADO BOKUCHAVA, Boots: JAGGAR
What are the challenges and the highs that you experienced during filming?
There weren’t many challenges while filming because of the great preparation. I loved rehearsing with my castmates in a space that allowed us to grow our chemistry organically.
What’s the most memorable moment for you throughout the whole process of making the film?
The most memorable moment was getting a chance to have full moon and new moon rituals like a real coven!
LEFT: Earrings: 8 OTHER REASONS, Necklaces: CHANELL ONE & ELLIE VAIL, Ring: Ellie Vail, Bracelet: CHANELL ONE, Top/Pants: MARMAR HALIM
RIGHT: Earrings: NINO SEPO, Coat & Dress: DALOOD, Boots: CHINESE LAUNDRY, Purse: BLUMERA
Everyone’s process is different and each has their unique approach to things. Can you walk us through your creative process whenever you film a scene?
Whenever I am offered a role, I create a playlist that goes with the character’s essence. Listening to this playlist makes it easier for me to tap into the character before each scene.
How did acting acting start for you? Was it something that you’ve always wanted when you were young?
I started acting when I was 9 years old. Acting has always been a passion of mine. There was no other choice.
You have an impressive list of acting credits under your belt. Out of all the roles that you’ve played, is there any role/character that resonated with you the most and why?
Tabby resonates with me the most because she was the most chill.
Who and what inspires you?
My highest self inspires me.
Earrings: ELLIE VAIL, Coat: B JAMES
What scares you?
The effects of fear.
If you could have an actual power, what would it be and why?
I would want to be able to teleport because when I’m ready to go, I’m ready to go!
Aside from acting, what else keeps you busy?
Reading and discovering new parks.
LEFT: Earrings: NATIA x LAKO, Ring: ZAZIE, Dress: LADO BOKUCHAVA, Boots: JAGGAR
RIGHT: Earrings: NINO SEPO, Coat & Dress: DALOOD, Boots: CHINESE LAUNDRY
What’s a valuable lesson that you’ve learned that you always carry with you?
To always choose kindness because you never know what people are going through.
If you were a book, what book would you be and why?
I would be “Freshwater” by Akwaeke Emezi because of this quote: “With each step, I am less afraid. I am the brothersister who remained. I am a village full of faces and a compound full of bones, translucent thousands. Why should I be afraid? I am the source of the spring. All fresh water comes out of my mouth.” Akwaeke Emezi
