IN CONVERSATION WITH AYA CASH

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress Aya Cash is starring in the much anticipated HBO comedy series ‘The Franchise’, which premiered on 6th October. She will also be leading ‘The Boys’ spinoff prequel, ‘Vought Rising’.

Aya, you’ll be starring in ‘The Franchise’. What can you tell us about the show and what attracted you to your role?

It's behind the scenes of a Superhero franchise film and the insanity that happens off camera. I was attracted to playing Anita because it was the job I got. I am such a huge fan of ‘Veep’ and ‘Succession’, and the Sam Mendes canon, I just thought I would go wherever they would have me. 

How was it working with creators like Sam Mendes and Armando Iannucci, known for their distinctive styles in film and comedy? What was that collaborative process like for you?

It's so fun to see these two styles married. Sam is structure and beauty, and Armando is wit and rhythm. They come together in this beautifully composed show filled with the chaos of hard comedy led by Jon Brown.

Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about your character, and how did you approach bringing her to life? 

I have been on sets for almost 20 years now, so there's just a lot of lived experience. I also had the benefit of our own producers and mining their experiences. Actors can sometimes be insulated from things, but I have shadowed directors enough and have enough friends on the other side to see behind the actor protection curtain.

You’ll also be starring in ‘Vought Rising’, the prequel spinoff of ‘The Boys’, reprising your role. How has your character evolved from the original series, and what excites you most about this prequel? 

I love that we are going to see how the monster was created. We are starting pre-Stormfront and I am excited to dive into that part of her. That's about all I can say.

What’s it like stepping back into the universe of ‘The Boys’ after playing Stormfront? Has your approach to this world of superheroes and satire changed since your first time around?

I just approach every job with fresh eyes, but I certainly have experience with the ridiculousness of the Superhero sausage. There's a layer of magic put on in post by the amazing VFX artist. Sometimes you feel so silly on the day hopping on one foot, and then you see it and you're shooting off into the sky. I love this genre though. I think the best satire comes from a real understanding and care, otherwise you wouldn't be paying attention. It's the details that make something soar.

You’ve played such a wide range of characters, from Gretchen in ‘You’re the Worst’ to the villainous Stormfront in ‘The Boys’. How do you prepare for such drastically different roles, and do you have a favorite character you’ve portrayed so far?

I approach all roles the same, with what is on the page. But Gretchen, I feel so lucky to have played her and to be the face of what was a beautifully written character. To be able to do so much with her over 5 years was the gift of my life. 

Your role as Stormfront was particularly notable because of how provocative and challenging the character was. How did you mentally prepare for that role, especially given the character’s controversial nature? 

They say don't judge your characters, but that's not totally true. She's a horrible creature, so I did and do judge her. But we all have gross parts of ourselves. It's about digging into them even if they aren't related to the content of her gross parts. I don't have to believe what she believes to relate to a desire for control or power.

As you continue to take on more roles and challenges, how do you see your career evolving? Are there any genres or types of characters you haven’t yet tackled but are eager to explore? 

I don't have specific milestones. I feel profoundly lucky to have a career at all. It doesn't feel that long ago that I was a waitress. I had been craving a period piece and now I get to do that in a totally unexpected way with ‘Vought Rising’. I would say I miss doing more plays, it was such a huge part of my life for so many years and I truly love being on stage. 

You’ve portrayed many strong and complex female characters. How important is it for you to choose roles that represent multidimensional women, and how do you feel about the current state of female representation in Hollywood? 

That's such a big question. I don't know that I have a good quick answer. I have stumbled into great roles mostly by accident. I would have taken much less. And now I am in a very privileged position to be a little choosy because I have money. As to the current state of Hollywood, I feel like things have gotten much better. I work more now than I ever did in my 20s, which feels like a step forward. But is that representative of Hollywood? I don't know. Anecdotal evidence won't hold up in court.

You’ve received award nominations for your performances in ‘You’re the Worst’. How do you handle the balance between critical acclaim and staying grounded in your craft? 

I love this question because it feels so wildly out of my experience I don't know what to say. Maybe I have to make myself the underdog to keep going, but I have never felt like I have made it.  And yet, I also know I have made it further than many. I guess I know that I am just walking on quicksand. I can be pulled under at any point.

TEAM CREDITS:
photography GRIFF LIPSON
styling MARGARET GALVIN
makeup GITA BASS
featuring TOM CANTY JEWELLERY