EXCLUSIVE | 'Naomi' star Camila Moreno says working with Ava DuVernay is a 'blessing'
The CW's newest superhero show 'Naomi' has been one of the highly-anticipated shows of the year. So, it comes in as no shock that millions of viewers tuned in to watch the premiere episode. The series revolves around a young girl named Naomi (Kaci Walfall), who gets to know that she has ties to superheroes. However, she's just a high-school student and going through a lot of situations that a normal high-school student would go through.
However, things turn upside down for the character when she gets to know the truth about her identity. The series has been created by Ava DuVernay, who is known for making projects such as 'Selma', '13th' and 'When They See Us', and is based on the comic book series written by Brian Michael Bendis and David F. Walker. Meanwhile, it was illustrated by Jamal Campbell. Apart from Naomi, fans have been really excited about Lourdes, a character played by the Latina actress Camila Moreno.
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Ava is known for casting amazing actors in her projects and she has once again hit a bullseye with 'Naomi'. Moreno's character has garnered universal acclaim and everyone is liking her purple hair as well. So, MEAWW caught up with Moreno and opened up about working with Ava. She also discussed her character and how excited she got when she was told to color her hair purple.
Q) Ava DuVernay is associated with the series as a creator and she is a visionary. How was it working with her? And what kind of conversations she used to have with you? Isn't she awesome?
Camila: She’s so awesome and working with her is definitely a true honor. I really admire her work and she’s the kind of person who is very hands-on with every single thing and every single aspect of the production. I was starstruck when I first met her and working with her has been a blessing. It’s been wonderful to work with someone that’s so involved. Also, she is very kind as a human being.
Q) Your character, Lourdes, is an amazing character. She is not afraid to be herself and not afraid of anything. What was the most exciting part of playing Lourdes?
Camila: The most exciting part of playing Lourdes is how she never shies away to show her true self to the world. No matter what, she is not afraid of being herself and I think, that alone, is wonderful to live in that reality. As humans, we have a lot of insecurities as well even the most secure people have insecurities. I love being able to embody someone who obviously does have insecurities but they are very different from the ones I have in real life. It’s very liberating to live in that space. And honestly, I’ve been learning a lot.
Q) Social media is flooded with your photos and people are absolutely loving the purple hair. Not everyone can carry such a hairstyle on themselves, but you carried it perfectly. Did you ever feel uncomfortable with the color? or you knew that it would definitely be cool and become viral.
Camila: Oh my god!!! I was immediately excited when I heard that I was going to have purple hair and obviously, you get a little nervous when you are trying new looks but I trusted the process, trusted the hairstylists, and the vision of the show. So, the response has been wonderful and I really love wearing that hair.
Q) Do you feel you have some similarities with Lourdes?
Camila: I believe, we are very different, but there are certain things that are common between us. Lourdes is a great friend and I am not the perfect friend but I definitely try to be a good friend to my people and I am proud to be able to say that.
Q) So, the next set of questions are fun and will tell fans a lot more than they know:
Favorite Book?
- ‘Conversations with Friends’ by Sally Rooney
Favorite Movie?
- ‘The Terminal’ and I grew up loving ‘Across the Universe’. I am sorry I need to get better at these (laughs).
Favorite Musician?
- I am Puerto Rican, so I listen to a lot of Hispanic music. So, one of the singers I really love is a Cuban singer named Silvio Rodriguez.
Favorite Cuisine?
- I love Pizza and I really love a nice plate of rice and beans.
If you weren’t an actor, which profession you would have chosen?
- I believe, I would have been an architect.
Q) What do you want viewers to take from the show? and also, your character?
Camila: I would love to see people realizing how everyone has doubts and difficulties in their lives. It’s a common part of life. Also, people should not believe everything that others think, that’s really important. As far as my character is concerned, I hope people understand that they don’t have to be afraid to be themselves.
Q) Any future projects that we should be excited about?
Camila: Yes, I am working on some projects but I am not allowed to talk about them right now. But, you can catch me on ‘Naomi’ on The CW (laughs).
Q) Will Superman appear on the show?
Camila: That’s for you to find out.