The True Adventures of Wolfboy tells the story of Paul, a young man who lives an isolated life with his father in upstate New York. He finds making friends impossible due to a rare condition he has known as congenital hypertrichosis - an affliction that causes an abnormal amount of hair growth all over his face and body. On his 13th birthday, Paul receives a mysterious gift that compels him to run away and seek out the mother he has never known. You can read our spoiler-free review by clicking here.
The movie - which is out NOW on Digital - was written by Olivia Dufault, and boasts an incredible all-star cast made up of names like Jaeden Martell, Sophie Giannamore, Chris Messina, and John Turturro.
We recently had the opportunity to talk to Sophie about her role as Aristiana in the movie, and make no mistake about it, she delivers a breakout performance which promises to put her on the map in a big way. The actress is also known for her roles in TV shows like The Good Doctor and The L Word: Generation Q, and it surely won't be too much longer before she lands a major blockbuster.
In this interview, we delve into The True Adventures of Wolfboy, her thoughts on being a young trans actress in Hollywood, and whether she has any interest in joining a superhero movie franchise. Needless to say, we want to extend a huge thank you to Sophie for taking the time to speak with us!
Your first scene in the movie is really unique; can you take us through what that day was like on set?
There was a ton of excitement and energy in that yard in Buffalo. It was almost surreal the way the sheets were blowing on the clothesline, and the bubbles were reflecting light. The guys on set were fanning the bubbles on me. I felt very fab. I was a bit nervous as well, because Martin made everyone aware this was one of the most important scenes of the film. But I was confident because I worked really hard with the set choreographer, Laura Sheehy who I absolutely adored working with. We had a blast together on and off set!
How did you feel about having to sing in the movie and be the focal point of those big scenes?
Oh full disclosure on that, I’m lip syncing the song by Goldfrapp. I grew up totally enamoured by drag queens so it was super cool for me at 13 to live out my fantasy of that whole scene. Although in real life I’m actually pretty shy, I can’t lie, I kind of loved being the focal point of those scenes. I grew up in a very competitive musical theatre setting, and always loved to perform whether I was the lead or just in the chorus. So it was kind of a dream come true.
What was it like for you to see Jaeden Martell after he'd gone through his makeup transformation when he showed up on set?
Oh bless Jaeden’s heart. He and his mom had to get up at 5 am everyday, while my mom and I got to sleep in and mosey into hair and makeup at 9 am. Seeing his furry face in real life was insane! It looked so real. And kissing him with the mask on was a super interesting experience. I called Jaeden the night before and told him that it was going to be my first kiss, so he better not screw it up!
Can you talk about the dynamic you both had when you weren't shooting? Was that important to portraying Paul and Aristiana's relationship in the film?
Jaeden definitely guided me through the ropes of making a film. This was my first film, so I relied on him a lot on and off set. Anyone who has had the privilege of working with Jaeden will tell you he's a very kind and down to earth kid. Kimberly Steward, the producer, rented what we called "the Big House" where the producers and Laura, the choreographer, stayed. Kimberly hosted lots of fun parties and Sunday dinners there. So Jaeden and I had lots of time to hang out off set which definitely helped the relationship that is portrayed on screen.
You get some really cool costumes to wear too, which I'm guessing must have been a lot of fun?
It was super fun because Olivia Dufault (the writer of the film) whom I absolutely love and adore, accompanied me to wardrobe and we got to enjoy some creative license. We protested a lot of Martin’s fashion choices. We actually liked a different bathing suit for the pool scene, but we lost that battle. I got to pick the mermaid gown that I wore in the dive bar scene which I was really thrilled about.
How important was it to you that Aristiana be a character who is comfortable with who she is and isn't as conflicted as Paul despite the similarities to what they're going through?
It’s super important to me, because I don’t think Paul would have seen as much growth without Aristiana’s confidence. I think that was really a gift from Aristiana to Paul. It was also so nice to see a trans character that is very sure of herself. Her ease with herself is what allows her to guide and help Paul with his journey.
When Paul hits the road and starts to almost lose control and make some bad decisions, what is it about Aristiana you both think keeps him from maybe going too far?
Aristiana has a certain sensibility about her. She is wise beyond her years. She kind of reins in Paul and Rose with her quiet protest.
Are superhero movies something that interest you, and if so, are there any specific characters you'd be interested in playing?
I’m not going to lie, I’m more of a Sex and the City kind of girl, but Catwoman is so iconic. I would never turn down that role!
Supergirl prominently features a trans character, but what are your thoughts about the diversity and representation in the superhero genre? Do you think there's still more work to do?
I am obviously thrilled that these big budget films and franchises are including trans characters… but there’s always more work to do. I would love to see more intersections in the stories that are being told and less emphasis on the medical side of transitioning. The goal for trans characters to be seen as fully fleshed out characters and human beings.
Both you and the movie's writer are arguably breaking ground in Hollywood, but what are your hopes for how trans people are portrayed in film and on television in future?
I’ve been loving shows like Euphoria and Pose and the L Word, because they are telling much more authentic stories. I think we need to see more diversity and intersection of stories and just more trans representation in general. Shows like Pose set a great example for how to tell authentic trans stories; which is to hire trans people to write those stories. I think for trans girls now to be able to look at a screen and see themselves reflected back at them is completely new and so special. So yes, there is more work to do, but the stories today in Hollywood are so much more authentic to an actual trans experience.
Where can our readers find you on social media, and what can you tell us about your future projects?
For iconic quarantined stunts and looks, you can follow me on Instagram @sophiagiannamore and Sophia Giannamore at YouTube.com. I am thrilled to be returning for Season 2 of The L Word: Generation Q as Jordi. I’ve also been offered the lead in a coming of age suspense/horror film, which has been delayed due to Covid, but hopefully will be resuming pre-production soon. I’ve also remained very close to B Kelley, who directed me in the short film The Real Thing. We are discussing several projects as well.