IN CONVERSATION WITH ZOEY DEUTCH
interview by JANA LETONJA
Actress Zoey Deutch made her Broadway debut in Thornton Wilder’s beloved play 'Our Town', which opened in October 2024 for its first return to Broadway in over 20 years. Some of her most notable roles so far include 'Before I Fall', 'Flower', 'Rebel in he Rye', 'Dirty Grandpa', 'Set it Up', and 'Vampire Academy', amongst others. Upcoming, Zoey will star in Richard Linklater’s 'Nouvelle Vague', as well as in upcoming thriller film 'Anniversary', both set to be released in 2025.
shirt AKNVAS
blazer MIU MIU
Zoey, your career spans both film and theater. How do you approach choosing your roles? What factors do you consider when making these decisions?
I have no master plan or vision. And I mainly am chasing the part or project so the decisions often get made for me. But like most people, I’m inspired by something I’ve never done before. The curiosity and the intensity of the unknown is exciting. And scary.
You’ve worked on both lighthearted and deeply serious projects. How do you ensure that you stay connected to your own emotions and personal experiences when you’re playing such varied roles?
I have such deep gratitude for the opportunity to live a thousand lives through my work. I take inspiration from my own experiences and relationships of course, but I try my best to expand it further with the help of a trio of brilliant teachers that I’ve worked with for 10+ years. They help me massively with script analysis, Alexander technique, animal work, movement, dream work, dialect, etc., and I use those tools and them as resources for every single project. It’s the most important element of my process, working through the text and character with them.
Can you share what it has been like to make your Broadway debut in 'Our Town', and what was the most exciting aspect of your stage debut?
It has been a dream come true to do 144 shows as Emily Webb in ‘Our Town’ on Broadway. I think the most exciting aspect was the opportunity to try, and try again the next night. I loved and relished in that aspect of theatre and will miss it so much. There’s always more and you can always dig deeper and find something new. It’s so fun, and inspiring and maddening too.
top CHANEL
ear cuff PANCONESI
jacket and shorts AKNVAS
shirt COPERNI
tie SAINT LAURENT
shoes LARROUDÉ
glasses MIU MIU
full look CHANEL
ear cuff PANCONESI
full look CHANEL
ear cuff PANCONESI
In film, you most recently starred in 'Juror No. 2', a legal thriller film co-produced and directed by Clint Eastwood. How did you approach your role in this morally complex story, and what drew you to this particular project?
I mean, getting to work with the legendary Clint Eastwood? How lucky am I. He is so kind and brilliant, and all the things you’d hope in someone as iconic as him. I also had worked with Nick Hoult years ago and couldn’t love him more if I tried. Reuniting with him on this was really wonderful.
Over the years, your career has evolved from being known for teen roles to starring in more mature, complex projects. How do you see your growth as an actor, and what goals do you have for your future?
I think more about the growth of myself as an individual and I would love for that to be reflected in my work, but who knows. What I do know is I am so much more comfortable and happy in my skin. I am loving this new chapter of life and protecting myself and peace as best I can, and feel very inspired to stay the course.
You’ve also executive produced several projects, such as 'Something from Tiffany’s' and 'Buffaloed'. How does your experience as a producer differ from acting, and what are some of the challenges and rewards of producing?
I think I became so obsessed with every little detail and the whole project, not just the character that I was playing, that it was a step that made sense to take to start producing as well. It’s very rewarding, but requires discipline in separating the two so they don’t bleed into each other. I am still learning how to do that.
You’re set to star as Jean Seberg in Richard Linklater’s 'Nouvelle Vague'. What can you share with us about this film, and what fascinated you the most about portraying Jean?
Rick has been wanting to make this film for a while, and it was an absolute dream to get to be a part of his vision. I love him and his art, and it was heaven on earth to be on that set and experience the magic of this world.
bra and shorts AKNVAS
blazer BALENCIAGA
shoes MIU MIU
blazer and skirt MUGLER
tie SAINT LAURENT
shirt COPERNI
boots STUART WEITZMAN
ear cuffs PANCONESI
How do you stay grounded and maintain balance while juggling such a dynamic and demanding career?
My family and friends, and dog and meditating and therapy.
When you get some time off from work, what are your absolute favorite guilty pleasures?
Being lazy and doing absolutely nothing would be top tier guilty pleasure when not working. Otherwise, the other guilty pleasures like watching mind numbing reality TV and eating Doritos at 2 am, but those don’t go away while I work. They remain firmly intact and quite possibly even more active.
What can you share with us about your other upcoming projects for 2025 and beyond, both in film and theater?
I’m just so thrilled and grateful for the last year of creative inspiration. My cup is full. And I can’t wait to share the three films I’m so lucky to have been a part of, ‘The Threesome’, ‘Anniversary’ and ‘Nouvelle Vague’, with the world in the coming months.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent ZOEY DEUTCH
photography KOLBY KNIGHT
styling ANNA KATSANIS at WSM
makeup SHAYNA GOLD at The Wall Group using MAC Cosmetics
hair NAI'VASHA at The Wall Group using Kerastase
location THE 1896 STUDIOS & STAGES
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN