“Just to be yourself and you can be the change.”
Storm Reid plays lead character Meg Murry in “A Wrinkle in Time,” a science-fiction adventure film based on a young adult novel that features an all-star cast Oprah Winfrey, Mindy Kaling, Reese Witherspoon and Chris Pine. This phenomenal movie is directed by Ava DuVernay.
Reid’s Twitter bio reads: “I’m a girl that loves life, I love doing what I do, and I’m obsessed with fashion. I dream big and work hard! Actress~Fashionista~Future Film Maker”
At 14, Reid is doing just that. Reid isn’t new to this thing called acting. She’s been acting since the age of 3 and in 2013 she played Emily in the Oscar-nominated film 12 Years a Slave alongside Lupita Nyong’o. She also made guest appearances on shows like NCIS: Los Angeles and Chicago P.D. With the release of “A Wrinkle In Time” Reid will most definitely become a household name.
“I learned that I was capable of playing roles like this…being able to save the world as a little Black girl. A lot of young people have told me I’m the light for them is an amazing responsibility. I can be the light for people in this role.”
On her visit to Atlanta last week, Reid gave some insight into what it was like playing Meg Murray and the challenges she faced, what advice Oprah, Reese and Ava gave her, what she wants people to take away from the movie, her fashion sense and more.
Reid on preparing for the role of Meg Murray – “I had to step in her shoes and become her and put my creative input in her.” Having read “A Wrinkle In Time” in the sixth grade, Storm liked how peculiar Meg is. “Meg doesn’t see how beautiful and how smart she is but everybody does. She has to go on a trip around the universe to figure that out. She is so loving and she’s willing to risk her life for the things and people that she loves.”
Any challenges -“Fighting the challenges within myself because it was my first lead role. Nervous and intimidated when I got the role. Felt like I couldn’t do it and I wouldn’t be able to pull it off. Ava made her comfortable and they reassured that the role was meant for me.”
Lessons and advice from the cast – “It so much fun to work with them and be able to experience and work with them for six months. Oprah and Reese displayed constant graciousness. I learned to be humble and grounded and have passion for my craft.” Oprah offered up special advice, “I wasn’t going to change as a person and I know who I am but the people around me would change.”
“Do the work.”
How was it working with Ava – “She walks the walk that she talks. Her actions speak louder than words and she’s a great representation of that. She’s so hands on. She cares about the creative process and she cares about the people that surrounds her. Open my eyes to not just being an actor or a director or producer. You have to be hands on and represent and include within your cast and crew.”
The dynamics between Calvin and Meg in the film – “Young men should be able to feel vulnerable and be ok with that. Let a young woman, young female protagonist be able to take the lead. Kind of disheartening that young men always have to take the lead and be strong. Young women can take the lead as well. Meg showed that to Calvin and Calvin was very receptive of that.
Demands of representation are being met with actual results with “A Wrinkle In Time” and Black Panther. What are your hopes for this moment. – “Black Panther and A Wrinkle In Time are timeless and monumental especially when our world is so disconnected. I hope that our movie raises awareness that African Americans can be represented and represented in the right way. I hope we can keep adding more representation not only to the film industry but to the world.”
Her fashion sense – “My style is comfortable and unique. I stay on trend sometimes and express myself through my fashion. I love to wear bright colors.”
“A Wrinkle In Time” is out in theaters now and there is a lesson for all ages to learn. “I want people to feel inspired and I want the audience to know to be themselves and they are perfect the way they are.” Her career goals are not only includes continuing acting but to also be a future film maker. Storm has a bright future ahead of herself and it is without question she will be the warrior Meg Murray sets out to be.
