Arienne Mandi; the newest addition to the highly-anticipated second installment of Netflix’s thriller-offering "THE NIGHT AGENT" has already earned herself worldwide appraisal through her impeccable embodiment of ‘Noor’- an extremely skilled, passionate, and cunning personality, who will go to any lengths to protect her family. 

The extremely talented Arienne Mandi joins ReVamp for our latest Exclusive Feature to talk all about her audition for the role, her first impression of Noor, her creative process including how she used Iranian music to get into the mindset of her character, why she thinks Noor stands out from the rest of the characters from within the project, and all things THE NIGHT AGENT.

Hi there Arienne. Thank you for joining us on ReVamp! How are you and how has the start of 2025 been for you? 

Hey!! I’m doing well, can’t complain, all things considered. Glad that the fires have settled down in my hometown of Los Angeles and praying for everyone that has been affected. 

Aside from that, it’s been a very blessed and eventful year thus far with the release of Season 2 of The Night Agent and also to US premiere of our film Tatami. 

Let’s start by talking about your recent involvement in ‘The Night Agent’ Season 2. First of all, huge congratulations on the role! Can you walk us through the initial audition process for your character? And what was it really that made you pursue this project? 

Thank you so much! Being involved in this project has been such a wonderful experience from the beginning. Shawn Ryan and all the writers, producers, cast and crew have been so great. The project was sent to me by my team at the end of the year 2023 and I immediately connected with my character 
“Noor.” Being that I am of Iranian descent, I was very excited to step into this role where I got to speak Farsi and step into the Night Agent universe. After sending in my first tape, I met with Shawn, Guy Ferland (one of our directors), Sade Namei (Farsi dialect coach) and Zoe Rotter (casting associate working alongside John Papsidera).

I had this feeling from the beginning that the role was mine and sure enough I got the call a couple days later that I had booked it and that we’d begin shooting in February of 2024. One of my best friends, Maria, just so happened to be present during the whole process of me getting the job and she actually captured all of it on video which was so cool. 

Do you remember your first impressions of your character ‘Noor Taheri’ when you were initially offered the script and did those impressions stay the same when you wrapped up the production?

I remember thinking that Noor is driven, determined, headstrong, and also in a very precarious situation at the start of the show. I’ve always been fascinated by seeing how people react when they’re faced with difficult situations and we get to see how Noor does exactly that as she tries to secure a new life for her and her family. I don’t think she ever expected she was capable of the things she did throughout the season. I’d say she definitely kept it together and prevailed even when she lost her brother. I’m grateful to all the writers for allowing me to portray such a resilient character. 

Were you a fan of the first installment prior to joining the project itself and what was your experience like finally getting to meet your fellow co-stars and crew from "The Night Agent"?

I had heard of the show’s popularity  and success prior to getting the audition and then I binged it before I was given the job. I started the first episode and couldn’t stop! The cliffhangers were unbearable! The show is truly so entertaining and suspenseful. Both Gabriel and Luciane are such talented and grounded individuals, it was really such a pleasure to work with them. Gabriel truly is the real life Night Agent, he’s so skilled and hardworking and truly cares about the process and authenticity. Luciane is incredibly talented as well and was always so kind and fun to work with especially in the wee hours of the morning during our night shoots. 

Noor is a character with a lot of layers to her; she is without a doubt a woman full of intellect that she always uses to her own benefit. So, in terms of portraying such an enigmatic character, did you have any specific acting ritual that helped get into the mindset of Noor? 

Part of my ritual when I take on any new role is music. I curate a playlist for each character that is specific to their journey. Specifically for Noor’s playlist I used a lot of traditional Iranian music, perhaps things she listened to growing up in Isfahan with her family. Also, throughout the show Noor maintains a certain pace about her, an intensity that I was able to capture in certain songs. I would play this playlist while I was working and that made it very easy for me to slip into her headspace every day.

As someone who has so passionately embodied the persona of Noor, I'm very curious to know, what according to you is the trait that makes her stand out from the rest of the characters from within the series? 

I think its love. Noor’s unwavering love for her family is what drives her through the season. We see the lengths that she goes to in order to protect her mom and brother as she tries to bring them to America. She finds herself at odds with everything around her and still manages to find the courage to keep going. 

For the people who are yet to be tuned into the second season, what can you tell us pertaining to your character’s arc as well as the general plotline of the show?

Noor Taheri is an aide to the ambassador of Iran in New York City and her story collides with Peter as he navigates through his latest mission. She finds herself in very precarious situations as she joins Peter’s search for truth while also trying to get her family out of Iran safely. 

It’s been merely a few days since the show has been launched and it's already charting on the trending section of Netflix. In terms of this widely beloved reception, are you personally enjoying the response that you’re currently garnering from your fans from all around the world?

There are really no words to express my gratitude to all the people who have tuned in to watch. There has been such an outpour of kindness from friends, family, and total strangers. I’m so moved to hear from Iranians and others who tell me how much they have connected to Noor’s story. It’s truly been such a blessing. 

What’s next for you, Arienne? Besides "The Night Agent", is there anything else you’re currently working on that you'd like to tell us and your fans about?

I’m actually about to commence shooting my next project later in February. It’s something new and different from any other role I’ve had in the past, so I’m really looking forward to bringing that to life. 

Ending Note:- (Thank you for joining us for this insightful interview, Arienne! I'm wishing you lots of luck on the success of this season as well as all your upcoming projects!)

Thank you! Thanks so much for having me 

Lastly, we would love to know if there is any message that you wish to convey to your fans currently reading this interview. 

I have immense gratitude and appreciation for all the support. Thank you to anyone who has watched our show or has supported me throughout the years. All the kind humans who approach me on the streets, y’all are awesome.

The Night Agent is streaming on Netflix.