With the upcoming sequel of Ti West's X film series, MaXXXine coming this month. Zachary Mooren talks to us about working opposite the talented star, Mia Goth, his role in Cat Person and so much more.

Without giving too much away tell us about your role in Maxxxine.

All I can say is I play a Buster Keaton impersonator and the sequence is insane. Unfortunately, I'm sworn to secrecy and am afraid Ti West and A24 will hunt me down if I say anything else at this point. 

This film, we think, marks the final film in the trilogy that Ti West has done with Mia Goth, what was your experience like working on it and had you seen the previous two?

It was an amazing experience. Maxxxine is the type of movie that would have inspired me to get into filmmaking when I was growing up. Also, I think Mia Goth is one of the best actors in film and to get to work opposite her, especially in this role, has been very impactful on my work going forward. I hadn't seen the previous films before I signed onto this one and I'm glad I didn't - it would have intimidated me. 

You were also in Cat Person (now streaming) which made a big splash at Sundance last year. Can you tell us more about your role in that and your experience shooting that film.

Cat Person is based off of a very popular short story from the New Yorker. I play Nicholas Braun's friend who works at a trendy NYC bar and reveals to him that he is unknowingly dating an underage girl (played by the brilliant Emilia Jones). The movie is riveting - everyone in the cast is a knockout and what our director Susana Fogel did with that script was truly inspiring.   

We also caught your short CatCalls on FB, it was pretty brilliant. What led you do write it and to write it that way specifically, in that rhyming, poetic way. You wrote and directed and starred in that one, any plans to do more of that? Maybe feature length this time? If so, who would your top five co-stars be.

Yes, CatCalls was just me getting started. I am currently in production on my short film Capricorn and have plans to direct my first feature film next year. Dream cast for my feature film would be Nicholas Cage, Helena Bonham Carter, Donald Glover, Jenna Ortega, and Barry Keoghan. If Jenna Ortega is busy then I would try and snag Ayo Edebiri because she's rad.  

What are your plans for summer 2024, after you have caught Maxxxine in the cinema of course.

Summer plans are traveling to Upstate New York to nature bathe and escape the smog of LA. Not sure if I have plans on seeing Maxxxine again after the premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre. That was my first time in that theater, let alone for a movie that I worked on and am very proud of. Plus, once you see the film, you'll get why I don't want to see it again. At least for a bit - ouch. 

Favorite book? Favorite movie? Favorite Song?

I feel like this question is unfair and will change several times by the end of the day but... Favorite book is "Love Begins in Winter" by Simon Van Booy. Favorite movie is a toss up between Buffalo 66 and Edward Siscorhands. Favorite song is also a toss up between Prophecy of the Dragon or Eternal Tao by The Voidz. 

Back to Maxxxine, the three films have taken place in various decades, this one is in the 80’s. What decade would you want to go back and explore?

The 70's for sure. The music, movies, cars, and fashion. Nothing beats the 70's.