LANA CONDOR ON MAKING HER FEATURE FILM DEBUT IN ‘X-MEN: APOCALYPSE’
Lana Condor is making her feature film debut in X-Men: Apocalypse.
Sophie Turner, Kodi Smit-Mcphee, Alexandra Shipp, and Tye Sheridan are just a few of the young and talented headlining names included in the X-Men: Apocalypse cast. But despite their ages, the actors previously listed have already made respectable names for themselves in the entertainment industry.
But what about Lana Condor? The fresh-faced actress landed the role of Jubilee while still in high school. Impressive, right? Jubilee, her character, is a teenage mutant “with the ability to spew off fireworks,” according to Variety. Again I say… impressive.
But despite snagging the gig of a lifetime playing a Marvel hero, Lana’s a new-comer in Hollywood, and fans seem to have a lot of questions about who she really is. Read Lana’s Q+A below to find out.
You don’t often see women of color in American action films and Asian women seem to be even more underrepresented. What’s it like for you to be one of the first Asian women to star in an American action movie?
This whole process has been incredibly surreal and amazing. I am so fortunate and grateful for such an awesome opportunity so early on in my career. It’s even more amazing that I get to represent Asians in film, as well. To me, film and television imitates life. So it only makes sense to have a rich diverse group of characters. The X-Men franchise has always been a place where they strive for diversity. I think it stems from the fact that Mutants are outsiders themselves. They are treated differently because of the way they look, how they were born, the very thing none of us have control over. They bind together, to become a united force. It’s awesome that I get to represent Asians in this melting pot. The industry is definitely making progress, and I’m thrilled to play even the smallest part in its progression.
You’ve said you really want to stick to thrillers and action movies but if you could have ever played a classic rom com character, which one would it be? And why?
[Laughing] I did say that, but it’s really more like I’d love to do anything that I feel passionate about. I feel so passionately about Jubilee and had so much fun with her, and I’m chasing that same feeling with the other projects I see. I love rom coms. I could binge for hours on good rom coms! I think I’d be Anne Hathaway in Devil Wears Prada, which is my favorite movie, before she became a paris fashion week guru. Or J. Lo in Maid in Manhattan.
How weird was it going to high school while you were also auditioning for X-Men?
Great question. Hm… I wouldn’t necessarily call it weird, just different. I was leaving school early a lot, and telling the front office I had appointments. When they finally found out I had actually been leaving school because I was auditioning, they were actually really happy because they thought I was really sick! But I was really good at keeping school and auditioning separate. And focusing on each one individually as to not slack off on either. But it was exciting, [Laughing] I felt like I had a cool secret!
What trend are you most looking forward to for spring/summer?
During fashion week, I was obsessed with checking out the latest style and fashion trends. I think the one thing I was most pleased to see was that bags from Les Petit Joueurs with punny logos and phrases on them. I love to laugh and make others laugh, so seeing such statement bags with little Pac-Men on them or funny words are a must have for me! I also look forward to over-sized jackets with little shorts or skirts. Comfy yet chic.
Did training for X-Men change your body at all? What was that like?
I built up a little muscle, but mostly just maintained my current physique. I had been coming off of a pretty serious dance schedule and also had been doing a lot of hot yoga, so I was pretty healthy as it was.
Did you listen to any specific music to get pumped up for your role in X-Men?
Yes! I made an 80s playlist which included songs like “Come On Eileen.” I also listened to a lot of Broods and Mumford and Sons. Their latest album is heaven to my ears. And then, okay this is slightly embarrassing, but I played Katy Perry’s “Firework” to get me pumped, because you know… “Firework”… Jubilee…
What products do you swear by for your skin?
Taking care of my skin is so important to me! I really try to eat a lot of greens and stay away from sugar, since it affects your gut which is directly related to how your skin looks. I swear by First Aid Beauty 5 in 1 Face Cream with SPF 30. It’s really buttery and light and has a perfect little layer of sun protectant. I’m also obsessed with Sisley Botanical D-TOX Detoxifying Night Creme.
What are your summer makeup must haves?
Sunscreen. Sunscreen. Sunscreen! I also must have some sort of lip balm to protect my lips from getting burnt, so I currently am loving a balm from 5YINA BEAUTÉ, it’s a modern and holistic skincare line inspired by the philosophy of Chinese medicine. It’s their All Seasons Beauty Balm, it soothes and heals and is infused with rose and other bioactives such as Solomon’s seal. You can also use it for dry skin on your face, for you cuticles, even for the ends of your hair.
How does your personal style differ from Jubilee in X-Men?
Considering that Jubilee’s style is 80s on 80s on 80s… a lot! But I will say, Jubilee wears what she wants, what makes her happy, and what she’s most comfortable in… which I’m very in to. For everyday wear, I’m most comfortable in athletic clothing. You can’t really go wrong.
What’s your biggest beauty indulgence?
A face peel my dermatologist does. I swear it makes my skin feel reborn!
Any style tips for your character Jubilee?
[Laughing] Nah girl, you keep doing you!
What is your go-to nail color?
A kind of baby pink, nude color. It’s easy for everyday since it goes with a lot.
What makeup product do you think is the most underrated and why?
Your fingers. Now that there are all these fancy brushes, sponges – and don’t get me wrong they’re amazing – people don’t use their fingers much. But I find that sometimes the heat of your finger tips warms the product and make it pop and blend into your skin nicely.
Photos by Prince + Jacob
