Naomie Ackie, one of Hollywood’s rising stars, recently shared a regret that has lingered with her since her youth. Despite her burgeoning success, Ackie has one unfulfilled dream that she still hopes to achieve: being part of the Harry Potter film series.
“I’m still desperate to be part of the franchise in some way! Growing up, I was such a huge Potter fan, and I was so jealous of all the kids who were cast in the movies. I really wanted to be Hermione (Granger), but obviously, that part was already taken and played beautifully by Emma Watson,” Ackie confessed. “When I was 15, I auditioned to play Lavender Brown and got to the second round… but unfortunately, it didn’t work out. Ah well, maybe they’ll let me audition for them once more,” she added wistfully.
Despite this childhood disappointment, Ackie has carved out her own significant path in the film industry. Born and raised in London, the actress didn’t let the Harry Potter setback deter her ambitions. She initially gained recognition with her powerful performance in the period drama “Lady Macbeth,” and her role as Jannah in “Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker” catapulted her into mainstream international fame.
Her television work has also been highly impactful, appearing in acclaimed series such as “The End of the F***ing World” and “Master of None,” both of which underscored her versatility and depth as an actress. Yet, it was her portrayal of Whitney Houston in the biopic “I Wanna Dance with Somebody” that garnered universal critical acclaim, further entrenching her reputation as one of the most promising talents in contemporary cinema.
Currently, Ackie is riding high, starring as the lead in Zoë Kravitz’s directorial debut “Blink Twice,” releasing this week, and gearing up for her role in Bong Joon-ho’s much-anticipated sci-fi thriller “Mickey 17.” These projects seem to be perfectly aligned with her trajectory of working with visionary directors and exploring diverse roles.
“Blink Twice” marks her second collaboration with a Black female filmmaker, following Kasi Lemmons who directed the Whitney Houston biopic. Ackie has previously spoken about the unique synergy that comes when working with directors who share her background.
“When you have something deeply in common in terms of identity with the person who is leading you through a story, you naturally know that there is nothing you can’t talk about,” Ackie elaborated. “There are no sensitive buttons when it comes to discussing those things, and it becomes a really open conversation. Luckily, I’ve dealt with many directors who don’t share the same identity as me, but still have been able to find that with me.
. But there is an ease I have found, and a joy more than anything, to work with people who know my experience and have lived my experience.”
“Blink Twice” initially bore the title “Pussy Island,” a name that sparked controversy and eventually faced opposition from various quarters, including the Motion Picture Association of America (MPAA). Director Zoë Kravitz noted the challenges posed by the original title and explained why the change was necessary.
“Interestingly enough, after researching it, women were offended by the word, and women seeing the title were saying, ‘I don’t want to see that movie,’ which is part of the reason I wanted to try and use the word, which is trying to reclaim the word, and not make it something that we’re so uncomfortable using,” Kravitz said.
Ackie appreciated the original title for its audaciousness but acknowledged the need for a change. “It was such a grabbing title and was there to catch people’s attention. It felt taboo, naughty and cheeky, and really hit home on what the story is. But at the same time, we had to concede to the point that for some people, that word isn’t necessarily freeing and it’s offensive. And we want as many people to feel connected to this piece of work,” she remarked.
Speaking about the film itself, Ackie expressed excitement over its narrative and its new title, reflecting on a poignant line from the trailer: “Blink twice if I’m in danger!” This line, she noted, encapsulates the thrilling and perilous journey her character undergoes on a seemingly idyllic but secretly treacherous private island.
2022 proved to be a particularly demanding year for Ackie, juggling multiple high-profile projects. “Phew! That was very hectic,” she grinned. “I remember my agent being like, ‘Okay, so at the end of this year, you’re gonna be absolutely exhausted’. But I was ready to roll with the punches; I’m very lucky as an actor, because they make it as easy as possible to transition from one space to another.”
Ackie remains exuberant about her role in Bong Joon-ho’s “Mickey 17,” which boasts an ensemble cast including Robert Pattinson, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo. Describing her experience, she said, “There are things in life that you don’t even think about hoping for, you know? Like, I never ever imagined I’d be in a Bong Joon-ho film. The first one I watched of his was ‘Parasite,’ and I blinked a year or two, and here I was, suddenly exchanging ideas with this man who is so incredibly kind and funny.”
Scheduled for release on January 31, 2025, “Mickey 17” is highly anticipated both by fans and critics. As Ackie continues her ascendancy in Hollywood, her increasing portfolio only suggests more groundbreaking roles and performances in the future.
Naomie Ackie might not have had the chance to cast spells at Hogwarts, but her real-life magic is in the stories she brings to life on screen, solidifying her place as a luminary in contemporary cinema.
