In the film The School for Good and Evil, Sofia Wylie and Sophia Anne Caruso play best friends put to the test when they’re whisked away to a magical school for future fairytale heroes and villains. Based on Soman Chainani’s fantasy book series, the movie ratchets up the tension as the duo find themselves on opposing sides of an epic battle to protect the balance between good and evil. But in real life, the actors became fast friends while shooting the Netflix flick, Wylie’s latest project, having also starred in High School Musical: The Musical, the series Andi Mac, and Disney’s danceathon Shook. A model, dancer and singer too, it seems there’s nothing this shining talent can’t do. Here she tells us about female bonds, fan-girling and wish fishes.

You’re playing the role of Agatha in Netflix's The School for Good and Evil. She seems to have many layers. Do you relate to her in real life at all, and do you pick certain roles because you identify with or feel more passionate about the character?

I really enjoy playing characters that have enough depth to truly feel human to me. I think any multi-dimensional character can be relatable in some way. While Agatha’s interests/demeanor is different from mine, I think our thoughts and hearts are similar. I can relate to the struggles that come from feeling different or like you don’t belong. I find the chapter or season of my life frequently mirrors my characters if we are close to age as well!

Which school would you put yourself in, in real life?

I would definitely put myself in the School for Good! I’ve always loved princesses and fairytales. I am very routined and particular, which definitely fits in with the organisation within the School for Good!

The film explores themes of friendship, the question of fate and the complexities of good vs evil. Agatha even says it in the movie, 'You're not evil, you're just human.' How do you think it speaks to the way that the world is right now?

I think it is unfair to place people in boxes. We are ever-changing beings with complexities that cannot be defined in one word! When we realise that the world isn’t so black-and-white, it definitely becomes much easier to have empathy for others.

The movie is a great example of how Sophie, Agatha, Professor Dovey and Lady Lesso are these strong, independent women. Their stories are about them, and not identified by their relationships to men, which is so important in how women are portrayed in film today, don’t you think?

Yes, I completely agree! In past fairytale narratives, it is so common to see a prince saving a princess. However, the School for Good and Evil showcases the power and strength that comes from female friendships. Friendships can be so underrated and represented, especially in film and television. But a bond between two girls/women is like no other!

How did the chemistry between yourself and Sophia develop over the course of filming, and had you both made a point to get to know each other before even landing on set?

Sophia Anne and I didn’t know each other before auditioning for the movie, but once we started pre-production, we met up a couple of times to go over the script and get to know each other. When you’re filming a movie, there is a natural bond that grows between you and your co-stars. Because Sophia Anne and I were together all the time on set, I think we just naturally grew a bond similar to our characters.

What was it like to work alongside Michelle Yeoh, Charlize Theron, and Kerry Washington too. Were you fan-girling?

I was totally fan-girling! I’ve been watching them since I was a little girl, so being able to work beside them felt like a true fairytale. I learned so much just through different observation each day on set!

What do you feel like you’ve learned from them, collectively?

How to treat yourself AND others with the utmost respect. They all carried themselves with so much confidence in their abilities and what they were bringing to each scene. This confidence was never confused with cockiness though. Even though they are all so accomplished, they always showed so much respect and kindness to everyone else on set. Whether it was your first day on a set, or thousandth, they did not treat you any differently!

Full look **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**

What did you all do for fun in Belfast when you weren’t shooting?

Our hotel was right outside of Belfast, so whenever I had time, I would go into the city with my parents! We would walk around the botanical gardens, grab food or shop. I was still in high school at the time, so A LOT of my free time was taken up by school. To be completely honest, I think my favourite thing on my off time was SLEEP!

What do you think of the costumes in the movie by designer Renée Ehrlich Kalfus?

The costumes are one of my favourite elements of the movie. Renée was so incredibly collaborative and receptive. She allowed me to have such a large say in my wardrobe. Whether that had to do with comfortability or just simply my own preference, she was always open to hearing my thoughts. Her eye is so sharp, and she just knows how to make things look good! We are all so blessed to have worked with her!

Can you tell me about any specific memorable scenes or anecdotes from filming that really encapsulate the project to you?

Without giving away any spoilers, I think one of the last scenes Sophie and Agatha have in the School Masters Tower is a really powerful one. At this point in the movie, they’ve been through so much together and individually. But at the end of the day, their love and friendship are the most important thing to both of them. If people only take one thing away from this movie, I hope that it’s the importance of the people you love rather than success, power, or beauty.

Who is your favourite fantasy fairytale goodie or villain – and do you have a fairytale book that you loved as a child, that still resonates with you today?

I always have and always will love Ariel from The Little Mermaid. I wanted to be a mermaid soooo badly when I was a little girl, and I’d be lying if I said I still wasn’t dying to be one. The music is also so incredible in that movie!

Aside from acting, you’ve also been a backup dancer for Justin Bieber in the past, and I read that you love K-pop too! Do you listen to stuff and dance like nobody’s watching on your days off at home?!

Of course! Dancing was my first passion, and it will forever hold such a special place in my heart. Even though I am focusing on acting right now, I feel so lucky to be able to incorporate dancing and singing into some of the projects I do. I hope that I’ll always dance like no one’s watching, because the freedom of movement to music is like no other.

What kind of doors are opening up for you now, and what do you have planned for the future?

Working within film is something I’ve always wanted to do! This is the second film I’ve ever done, and I hope that I can do many more in the future. I want to keep testing and challenging myself as an actress, so I am open to what’s to come!

“I’ve noticed how important representation has been to me growing up, and how important it has been for other young girls and boys to see someone like them on screen.”

We must also talk about your production company, AIFOS Entertainment, which aims to spotlight female voices and storylines. You’ve optioned various Young Adult novels and screenplays. Can you tell me about any of them, and what you’re most excited to see?

I’m really excited to see projects that are made by the same people who wanna watch them. I’ve noticed how important representation has been to me growing up, and how important it has been for other young girls and boys to see someone like them on screen. I think a lot of people underestimate how impactful the stories we see and hear through the media can be. Shining a beautiful and bright light on people who have been in the dark for too long is something I feel very passionate about. I’m so happy that I get to have the opportunity to give a voice to those who haven’t been heard and I have so many wonderful stories coming… but I’ll leave it at that. No spoilers just yet!

Finally, let’s return to The School for Good and Evil. In the movie, in her first lesson, Agatha learns that wish fishes can show what your soul really desires. What would the fishes see when they look into your soul right now?

Oh I love this question! I think it would show me, my parents, my sister and our two dogs at the beach eating tacos and Acai! There’s nothing more that I want than for my family and I to always be together!

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Interview by Kate Lawson

Photography by Jenn Kang

Fashion by Sharon Chitrit

Casting by ImageMachine cs

Hair by Vernon François

Make-Up by Robert Bryan