IN CONVERSATION WITH FRANCESCA NOEL

interview by JANA LETONJA

Francesca Noel stars in ‘Goosebumps: The Vanishing’, which has remained in the Top 5 on Disney+ since its premiere on 10th January. Francesca is a classically trained guitarist, pianist, flute player, and singer from Berklee College of Music and Bard College and is now working on developing her first feature. 

‘Goosebumps’ has a nostalgic fan base while appealing to new audiences. What do you hope viewers, especially younger ones, take away from your portrayal of Alex?

Alex is a really tough character with a lot of heart. I hope girls who look like me, and her, can see themselves as more than their circumstances. I hope they can see themselves as strong and as the hero. I didn’t have that growing up, so playing her showed me the depth of my resilience. I hope she can give that to someone else too.

Alex Diaz is such a complex character with layers of mystery and vulnerability. How did you prepare for this role, especially as someone who is both misunderstood and pivotal to the unfolding storyline?

Being a brown Latina who was born in Brooklyn and raised in upstate New York, I already had a lot of depth walking into it. I knew that Alex was misunderstood and had probably never been given a voice in her life, judging by her backstory. It was difficult to go into that space and remain in control of my own emotions. Ultimately, I think it was a good thing. She is messy and very vulnerable, but being there in Brooklyn and working with real police officers and a real cop car provided an authentic emotional response that someone in that situation would likely have. I’m really lucky that I got to be the body she existed in. Even though I needed therapy for it, I really let myself live in her shoes and combining that with the way she was written, we were able to capture a really special and authentic character for the screen.

You share the screen with legends like David Schwimmer and Ana Ortiz. What was it like working with them, and what did you learn from the experience?

I was honored to work with them both. David is a legend, and ‘Friends’ was such a huge part of the zeitgeist of the early 2000s. Ana, for me, was extra extra special. In addition to playing my mom, she gave me some really great life advice. I admire her so much for having gone through this industry as a Latina, being successful, having a strong head on her shoulders and an excellent set of morals. That was a treat to see.

The series dives into intergenerational mysteries and friendships. What do you think sets this chapter of ‘Goosebumps’ apart from the earlier adaptations?

This season of ‘Goosebumps’ features so much reality. The characters are people you could meet on the streets of New York. I think that’s a hallmark of ‘Goosebumps’, real kids going through extraordinary circumstances and conquering real fears and real pain. I was so inspired by the bravery of the stories these kids could tell. Who knew that anxiety, the Blob, could mess up your whole social life and destroy half of New York in the process? That’s what I love about ‘Goosebumps’. It’s so real, and the fantasy only serves to augment genuine issues we all could have.

Refinery29 named you an “Unforgettable Breakout Star” after Sundance 2021. How did that recognition shape your career or inspire your choices as an artist?

I think any accolade is secondary to the work that we do. It’s always nice to be recognized, but we become actors and storytellers because exploring emotions, changing minds, and pushing forward new narratives is our goal. I’ll always welcome a “Good job, kid”, but that’s not necessarily the reason why I got into it. My drive is always to push Latina voices and give young brown girls like me the chance to see themselves as an integral part of a larger world. We can be the center of our own stories.

You’re also a classically trained musician, which is so impressive. Do you find that your background in music influences your approach to acting or storytelling?

Music and acting are different for me. Music is much more therapeutic, where acting is like play. I hope that makes sense.

With your experience as a guitarist, pianist, flute player, and singer, do you see yourself blending music and film in future projects?

I am so ready to be the next musical Disney princess animated claymation sparkle frog space forest spirit character. 

You’re currently developing your first feature film. Can you tell us a little about the story or themes you’re exploring with it?

Always brown girls. Brown girls doing cool things. Brown girls as the star, maybe multiple, maybe the whole entire film. Maybe a period piece. Maybe a dramedy. Maybe a musical. We’ll see.

What kind of stories are you drawn to as both an actor and a filmmaker? Are there genres or narratives you’d love to tackle next?

Anything difficult is my go-to. I like to challenge myself. I never like taking on roles that are the same as the ones I’ve done before. I always want to try something different. I guess we’re all restless here, but I really do just like to have fun.

Besides your first feature, what’s next for you in 2025, both on-screen and off?

Let’s put it out into the universe that I get fitted for a supersuit, or an excellent dress this year. And I’d like to get my prescriptions filled without a hassle, also to park at Trader Joe’s without hitting my car on a pole. That really sounds great.

CREDITS:

photography NICK SPARKMAN