Letitia Wright has been in some of the biggest films of all time, playing a superhero for Marvel Studios. But her role in the new movie, “The Silent Twins,” directed by celebrated Polish auteur Agnieszka Smoczynska (“Lure“), might have been one of the most intense productions she has experienced in her career thus far. And in this episode of The Playlist Podcast, I had the opportunity to talk to Wright about her role in “The Silent Twins,” as well as one of the most anticipated films of the year, “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”
Obviously, most people recognize Wright from her role in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, where she played the young, wisecracking scientist, Shuri, in “Black Panther,” “Avengers: Infinity War,” and “Avengers: Endgame.” However, her role in “The Silent Twins” is a very different affair. In the film, she stars opposite Tamara Lawrence, as the twins, June and Jennifer Gibbons, who only communicate with each other and are thought to be silent with the outside world. The incredible true story shows how these young women strive for artistic success and some semblance of an everyday life while everyone else sees them as severely mentally ill.
In the interview, we talk about the intense prep work that Wright went through with her co-star Lawrence, as they had not only to perform roles that run the gamut of emotions but do it alongside each other.
“We had to come on set as a pair,” explained Wright. “We had to really just get comfortable with each other. We had to, in a way, invade each other’s spaces so that we could be authentic to the story. We did a lot of scene work together. We spent a year of research together before bringing it to the screen.”
She added, “It was nice to share the load of the experience, especially the emotional load that it took for us to make this film.”
We also talk about Wright’s career as she starts to add producing credits to her filmography. And, of course, I had to ask a few questions about “Black Panther” and the upcoming sequel, “Wakanda Forever.” Particularly, we touch on her emotions as she filmed the sequel, which she describes as “a heartfelt, adventurous movie,” without Chadwick Boseman.
“It was hard for me to imagine being on set without my brother. It was something I was battling for months,” she said. “The confidence that Ryan [Coogler] felt that he heard Chadwick just give him that gentle push forward, to continue. And the way that Ryan would express that it was bigger than all of us, and Chad would have wanted us to continue. That really encouraged me. I have so much confidence. I love Ryan.”
Wright added, “I can’t wait for you guys to see the film and how we honored Chad in a beautiful way.”
“The Silent Twins” is in theaters now. You can hear our full discussion below:
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