Hannah John-Kamen is a English actor. After training at the National Youth Theatre in London and graduating from the Central School of Speech and Drama, she began working primarily in television and stage, appearing in shows like “Game of Thrones” and “Black Mirror.” From 2015-2019, she had a starring role in Syfy’s “Killjoys,” but her major break came when she was cast as F’Nale Zandor in Steven Spielberg’s “Ready Player One.” Since, she’s played Ava Starr in “Ant Man and the Wasp” and “the stranger” in Netflix’s thriller of the same name that premiered earlier this year. Her most recent project is “Brave New World,” a Peacock Original (NBC’s new streaming service), based on Aldous Huxley’s ground-breaking dystopian novel from the early 1930s. She plays Wilhelmina Watson, a hedonistic artist and mastermind of “Feelies” in the dystopian world of New London.
Q: First, I want to note that this interview is taking place during a global pandemic and a moment of social unrest. How are you doing?
A: I am doing very well, thank you. It’s definitely been a tough time for everyone, but it’s also a time to be creative and innovative. I am trying out new things, like teaching myself how to skateboard. I don’t think I have fallen over so much in my life, but I got there in the end. I have been quarantining in London, and slowly but surely, life is getting back to a new normal. It’s been amazing seeing how everyone has got together to support the NHS.
Q: What kind of role did your upbringing and your family play on your journey to becoming an actor?
A: I honestly can’t remember not wanting to create and become a performer. I couldn’t stop, even when I was a kid playing with my barbies and coming up with the most dramatic epic stories and characters with Barbie and Ken. I would also put on performances and extravaganzas with my friends after school when I was young. They would come round for dinner and charge our parents for tickets to watch. I just think it’s a feeling I get when I [perform] that makes me feel exhilarated. Getting to play such incredible roles, that not only inspire me but inspire others, is an honor. Delving into different worlds, different rules, different costumes brings me back to that child rummaging through the dressing-up box and feeling free. My parents are the most encouraging and supportive people in my life. They completely ground me, and the guidance that has come from them has been vital in my growth in this career. I am blessed to have two superheroes by my side.
Q: What projects do you see as the most impactful for your career? Was there a moment that was a turning point?
A: Every role I have played has impacted me in some way or another, but the moment in my life where I was like, Wooooow, is meeting Steven Spielberg. I am still pinching myself that I have worked with the legend himself. I remember I was in the waiting room ready to meet him, and I ended up going to the bathroom, calling my dad and telling him I was meeting Steven Spielberg. My dad said very calmly, “Okay, just remember you’re a John-Kamen. Keep your feet on the ground and breathe.” So I did and had the most wonderful time in the meeting. When [Spielberg] told me I got the role, I think that’s when I lost my cool. But I honestly think working and being guided by Steven Spielberg was an inspiring turning point for me and my career.
Q: You play Wilhemina Watson in Brave New World. What initially drew you to the script and project?
A: For Brave New World, what drew me to the role of Helm is that it’s a role I haven’t played before. The concept of Brave New World was ahead of its time, and I think it’s a “what-if” situation which makes the audience question what they would choose in this dystopian life. Helm is a hedonistic artist with tragic flaws in her role and position. In this world, she is always an observer and a composer. She’s never the person who gets to experience the experiences she creates, so her journey is really an interesting one and a beautiful one, so that’s a lovely challenge for me. Also, she is a lot of fun and that especially shows through her friendship with Bernard, which is an honest, earnest and sacred friendship, because they can totally be themselves.
Q: While your character doesn’t appear in the novel itself, she seems to be a conglomeration of existing characters. How much did you rely on the original material for inspiration?
A: This isn’t the first time I have been involved in a project that has been adapted from a book. I personally believe that the script, the sets, the actors, the director, and the moment is new and live. The beauty of lifting the words from the page and bringing it to life is so it can be a completely new character that is yours. So I’m not usually dependent on the book, but it depends on the material and story.
Q: Do you see this story as a cautionary tale?
A: With dystopian genres, even with Sci-fi genres, it’s definitely a peep into the future, but I find that different worlds, genres, politics, feudal power and corruption are always a current theme. The idea of medicating yourself and having a pill to cure all, or make you feel better, is also a reflection or a symbolism of what’s happening with withdrawing from humanity and seeking perfection from another source. Aldous Huxley was completely ahead of his time, and it’s pretty incredible how its similar issues but a different time.
Q: What kind of change do you want to continue to see moving forward? With the recently renewed focus on the Black Lives Matter movement, do you see any meaningful change happening?
A: As a biracial woman in this climate, I think it’s obviously important to recognize that change needs to happen. I think it is slowly and effectively, but during this pandemic and the awareness Black Lives Matter has created, it’s made one look at one’s self and reflect on the changes we can make as individuals to improve the current situation and keep respecting, growing, listening, learning and being heard.
Q: Once the pandemic has subsided, what are you looking forward to most?
A: Every role I take on, I like to be versatile, and I am trying to make sure that I can do as much as I can. I have exciting projects coming up, which I am excited to announce. The first thing I am looking forward to is getting back on set. I have seriously missed that.
Quick Q’s
Q: If you’re not on set, where can we find you?
A: Usually hanging with the crew, but now I have a new puppy, so chilling with him around my trailer.
Q: Last great TV show binge?
A: The Sinner.
Q: Guilty pleasure?
A: Dancing to old boyband songs in my kitchen, making up dances.
Q: Role model?
A: My parents.
Q: Last movie that made you cry?
A: The Joker.
Q: Dream co-star?
A: Tony Curtis. He was my first crush.
Q: Best advice you’ve ever received?
A: If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.
Photography LIAM BUNDY
Creative Director DEBORAH FERGUSON
Interview SYDNEY NASH
Fashion KATE SINCLAIR
Makeup ALEX BABSKY @ The Visionairies Agency
Hair STEFAN BERTIN @ The Wall Group
Set design TINA LIVERAS
Photography Assistant ARYANNE JONES
Fashion assistant SANDRA BELL
Web Layout ALLIE KING
Thank you INDEPENDENT PR!
A Social distancing shoot Produced in London, England
New Peacock series Brave New World