Photo Credit: Aiva Genys @aivagenys on Instagram

What was your reaction when you found out you had booked a role in the movie Weapons?

I seriously couldn’t believe it! I mean, I know from being around that nothing’s ever 100% for sure. So, when it finally happened, I was kind of careful about getting too excited. I don’t think it really hit me until I actually walked on set and realized, whoa—I booked Matthew and I’m going to be playing Josh Brolin’s kid!

What was it like on set? Was it scary filming a horror movie?

It feels really different being on the other side of the camera. The things that look scary when you watch a movie actually aren’t that scary when you’re filming them. There are so many people working around you, and the scenes are never shot in order. Sometimes one scene you see on screen might take days to film with lots of different camera angles. Honestly, the coolest part is watching all those little pieces come together to make the final movie! It is a surprise even for the actors!

Do you enjoy scary movies? Any favorites?

Weapons was actually my first real horror movie that I was allowed to watch! Since I just turned 12, I wasn’t allowed to watch horror movies yet. My mom would only show me the parts I was in, but not the whole thing. I really enjoy working on horror films but watching them is something I’m still getting used to. That said, I totally believe the Jurassic Park movies count as horror, and I’m a huge fan of those!

Now that schools are starting up again, what is the plan? How do you balance schoolwork with acting?

My family believes that school is really important, so I always make sure to keep up with my schoolwork. I’m in an online program, which makes it easier because as long as I have Wi-Fi, I can learn anywhere! Most sets also require four hours of school each workday, so I usually have plenty of time to stay on track. And if I ever fall behind, I work hard to catch up on the weekends.

How did you get started acting?

When I was little, I had really big emotions—so big that it worried my parents sometimes. They even asked my pediatrician what to do, and he suggested I try theater to help me learn about my feelings and how to channel them. At first, I didn’t really like theater. But then I discovered on-camera acting, and that totally changed everything. I was hooked right away! It ended up being such a great way to understand my emotions and turn them into something positive.

Your first project was working with Steven Spielberg. What was that experience like? Do you remember any of it?

I was really young—just 5 years old—so my memories are a little fuzzy. But I do remember how huge the set was! I thought it was so cool how they made the storm with the big thunder and lightning machines, and I loved the giant hoses that created the rain. I think being on such a massive set, like Amazing Stories, is what made me fall in love with acting and want to be on set as much as possible.

What was your favorite project to work on and why?

Hands down, Lost Man Found! Mostly because I got to go to Tokyo, Japan! It was the first project where I really had to do more than just be the ‘cute little kid.’ Playing Sean meant digging deep and showing a wide range of emotions, which was such a cool challenge for me. And on top of that, I had the most amazing time exploring Tokyo. I really hope I get to go back one day!

What would your dream role be?

My dream role would be in an action movie where I get to do my own stunts—kind of like Tom Cruise! Actually… stay tuned, because there might just be an action movie in my future… wink wink.

You’ve spent most of your young life acting. Is there anything else you would like to explore?

Well, I really hope I get to be a storm chaser someday! I’ve always been obsessed with storms—especially tornadoes. I watch documentaries all the time and study storms whenever I can. Who knows… maybe one day I’ll even have my very own storm-chasing show! How cool would that be?!

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I actually do a ton in my free time! Most of the time, you’ll find me sliding around in the Georgia red clay at our local little league baseball field. I also train for American Ninja Warrior! On top of that, I’m learning to play the piano, and I love beating my sister in a fierce game of chess—it’s super competitive!