McKenna Roberts: Stepping Into Action and Owning Her Power

McKenna Roberts has been captivating audiences for years with her dynamic performances and undeniable talent. From Euphoria to Skyscraper, and now starring as Alice in Back in Action, she continues to take on bold, complex roles that showcase her range as an actress. In this exclusive interview, McKenna opens up about preparing for her latest role, working alongside Hollywood icons, and the lessons she’s learned along the way.

Can you share your experience portraying Alice in “Back in Action”? How did you prepare for this role?

Playing Alice was such an exciting challenge! She’s really different from me, so I had to spend a lot of time understanding her personality and what drives her. I worked on making her feel real, both emotionally and physically, and I think that effort really paid off.

What was it like working alongside Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz? Did they offer any memorable advice or mentorship during filming?

It was so amazing. Jamie and Cameron are such legends, and getting to be on set with them was a dream. They were both so fun and supportive, and I learned a ton just by watching them work. I feel so lucky to have had that experience.

“Back in Action” blends action and comedy. How did you approach balancing these elements in your performance?

It was all about making sure Alice still felt strong and grounded, even in the funnier moments. The action scenes actually made the emotions feel even more real because the stakes were always so high, which made it easier to find the balance.

The film involves high-stakes espionage and intricate family dynamics. How did you navigate these complex themes in your portrayal of Alice?

I just tried to put myself in Alice’s shoes and think about how she’d handle all the craziness around her. A lot of it came down to understanding her background and relationships, which really helped me connect to her emotions in those moments.

You’ve previously appeared in projects like “Euphoria” and “Skyscraper.” How did these experiences influence your approach to your role in “Back in Action”?

Every project teaches me something new. “Euphoria” showed me how important it is to fully commit to a character, and “Skyscraper” gave me experience with action scenes. Both of those really helped me feel more confident stepping into Alice’s world.

At a young age, you’ve built an impressive resume. What challenges have you faced in the industry, and how have you overcome them?

Being a young actor can is definitely challenging in this industry. Having a good supportive team has always helped me. There have been times when I’ve doubted myself, but I’ve learned to just keep going, stay focused, and not take rejection personally.

Can you discuss any particularly challenging or rewarding scenes you filmed for “Back in Action”?

The scene when Leo and I got thrown in the water was actually quite challenging to film. There was a lot of layers that went into the scene that we had to make sure to portray, while also making sure the look of us struggling was there.

How do you manage balancing your acting career with other aspects of your life, such as education and personal interests?

School is always a priority for me and I try to make time for things that keep me grounded. I love hanging out with my friends and family, running track, and shopping just normal teenage stuff that helps me stay balanced.

Are there any genres or types of roles you’re eager to explore in the future?

I’d love to do more action, but I also really want to take on roles that push me emotionally. I think playing strong, complex characters with deep stories would be amazing.

Who are some actors or filmmakers you aspire to work with, and why?

I’d love to work with Florence Pugh, Matthew McConaughey, Denzel Washington and even Greta Gerwig again. They all create such interesting, meaningful work, and I think I could learn so much from them.

How do you prepare for emotionally demanding scenes, and what techniques help you stay grounded during intense moments?

I spend a lot of time thinking about my character’s backstory and what she’s going through. Staying in the moment and really feeling what she’s feeling helps me stay connected to the scene.

What message or takeaway do you hope audiences gain from watching “Back in Action”?

I hope people have fun watching it! It’s a mix of action, comedy, and family drama, so I think there’s something for everyone. I also hope they connect with Alice’s journey and see the strength in her character.