Abby James Witherspoon
12th August 2022
Editor-in-chief: Owen James Vincent
Interview & Digital Editor: Pankhuri Bhutani
Photographer: Raul Romo
Fashion Stylist: Ton Aguilar
Hair/Makeup Artist: Carolina Yasukawa
Logo Design: Emily Curtis
Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Abby James Witherspoon is currently under the spotlight for Jerry Bruckheimer and Paramount+’s latest offering ‘Secret Headquarters’ opposite the talented Owen Wilson and Michael Peña. The movie which has already garnered an immensely positive amount of support on its trailer is set to be released on the 12th of August of this year. In addition to this highly anticipated role, Abby James will also soon be seen starring alongside Mel Gibson, Lorraine Bracco, and Nora Zehener in “Boys of Summer”.
We recently had an insightful chat with our latest cover star- the wonderful Abby James Witherspoon discussing her role in the movie, her experience with her castmates, what she has planned for the rest of this year, and what her fans can expect from her regarding her upcoming projects!
Hi there Abby James. So lovely to have you over at ReVamp! How is 2022 treating you so far?
Hi!! Thanks for having me! 2022 has been such a great year so far. I turned 16, got my driver’s license, and finished my sophomore year. This summer I’ve traveled to LA, Croatia, Canada, and New York! I’ve also spent a lot of time with friends which has been so fun!
I obviously have to start by talking about your upcoming role in “Secret Headquarters”. Huge congratulations on the project! What was it initially that drew you closer to this project?
Omg yes! I’m so excited for everyone to see Secret Headquarters. I got my first audition for SHQ in March of 2021. I had just moved into a hotel in Georgia to work on a movie and filmed myself tape the night before I started work. A month later I found out the directors wanted to do a zoom directors session with me! The second I got on the zoom I loved Rel and Henry. They had such a fun way of directing. So along with that and the incredible script, I was hooked.
Is there anything, in particular, you can tell us about your role within the movie as well as the general plotline?
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say I hope everyone loves Lizzie. I had such a fun time playing a strong female role who is always true to herself. The movie is about a group of kids who end up figuring out one of their dads is a superhero. It’s an exciting and action-packed movie that everyone will love!!
How was your experience like working with the phenomenal Owen Wilson, Michael Peña, Walker Scobell, Momona Tamada, and all the talented people affiliated with the project? Any memorable behind-the-scenes you’d like to share with the readers?
I loved each and every person in this cast. Owen was so nice and I loved getting to learn from him. Michael Peña was one of the funniest people I have ever met. Each take we filmed he would do something completely different than before, that was equally if not more fun. It was so hard to not laugh.
I got super close with Walker, Momona, Keith, and Kezii! We had a blast hanging out on set making tik-toks, dancing, and running around. One of our cast members Michael Anthony got us all scooters towards the end of filming. Walker and I snuck off and started assembling them! It was a really funny memory!
Besides “Secret Headquarters”, you will soon also be seen starring opposite the sensational Mel Gibson Lorraine Bracco, and Nora Zehener in “Boys of Summer”. What can you tell us about this specific endeavor?
Boys of Summer is completely different from SHQ! We filmed in North Carolina last winter. It is a thriller and is a little scary. When I read the script I knew I really wanted to book the role of Sammy a smart witty girl. I have been so lucky to work with such talented actors at the beginning of my career. I hope to have more I can share soon!
Where do you garner your major acting inspirations from when it comes to your professional journey?
I just found an assignment from the 2nd grade where I said I wanted to be an actress when I was older! I think it is all I have ever wanted to do. My aunt is an actress and I was able to spend time on her sets as a child. I would get on set and go straight to video village to take a seat in front of a monitor and watch the filming. They would redo the same scene for hours — my family would be ready to leave and they would have to drag me out I never wanted to leave. I just knew I wanted to be on set for my own jobs one day.
If given an opportunity, who would you absolutely love to collaborate and work with in the future? Any specific genres of projects you’re currently looking forward to indulging in your future years?
Wow, there are just so many amazing people to choose from, I really don’t think I can pick! It is a very exciting time to be in TV and Film with all of the new platforms for people to watch content. It gives so many people a voice to share their stories. I would love to be in a coming-of-age project!
What can your fans expect from you in these upcoming years? What are the top 3 things on your bucket list that you really want to achieve by the end of this year?
I hope to continue to audition and book jobs! Of course, I plan to keep learning and growing as an actress. I really hope to create a lifelong journey in the film. As for this year, the 3 things I hope will happen are —
1. A family vacation
2. Book a new job and
3. I am a cheerleader and I hope the football team goes to the state, cheering at a championship game would be so much fun!
(Thank you for your time!) Lastly, I’d like to ask you if there’s any message you’d wish to convey to your fans reading this interview currently?
Thank you! I want everyone to know you should always follow your dreams and stay true to yourself. If you put your mind to it, you can do it. Never give up!