Rowan Blanchard Dazed Spring 16

At just 24 years old, Rowan Blanchard has already carved out a significant presence in Hollywood, a journey that began in her early childhood. Her career commenced at the tender age of nine with a role in "Spy Kids: All the Time in the World," followed by a prominent part in Disney’s "Girl Meets World" during her adolescence. Blanchard reflects on her early immersion in the industry, stating, "I started acting when I was five, so it’s the only thing I know and quite literally all I remember." Her formative influences included an admiration for classic comedic performances, such as Lucille Ball’s in "I Love Lucy," and the timeless elegance of Audrey Hepburn.

However, Blanchard’s trajectory is notable for its successful evolution beyond the typical child star archetype. She has emerged as a prominent figure and a style icon for Generation Z, influencing a new generation of fans who may not have experienced her earlier work. Beyond her evolving artistic choices, Blanchard is navigating the complexities of the entertainment industry on her own terms, demonstrating a commitment to political engagement while actively seeking diverse and challenging roles. Her recent foray into the dystopian world of "The Handmaid’s Tale" universe, as Shunammite in the sequel series "The Testaments," based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, exemplifies this drive. In this role, she portrays a young woman coming of age within the oppressive fundamentalist regime of Gilead, sharing the screen with actors like Chase Infiniti, a former Dazed cover star.

The interview delves into the increasing parallels drawn between Gilead and contemporary American society, prompting a discussion with Blanchard about her unconventional career path, her deliberate disengagement from excessive internet use, her vocal advocacy for Palestine, and her perspective on the role of entertainment in addressing societal issues.

A Metamorphosis in the Spotlight: Navigating a Multifaceted Career

Blanchard describes her transition from child actor to an artist defining her own career path as an "interesting" process, marked by an extended period of professional engagement. She humorously notes a professional shift: "What I don’t love is that, when you’re a kid, you can only work nine and a half hours, but as an adult, you can do 14 to 16-hour days. I miss when I turned into a pumpkin at a certain time, but it’s nice to step into myself and have an experience on set that’s different." This sentiment highlights a personal evolution, moving from the structured limitations of child labor laws to the broader demands and creative freedoms of adult professional acting.

Influences and Aspirations in Acting

When asked about her professional inspirations, Blanchard expresses a profound admiration for actors who have demonstrated artistic depth and career longevity. While hesitant to directly compare herself, she cites Isabelle Adjani in "Possession" and Isabelle Huppert in "The Piano Teacher" as benchmarks for compelling, challenging material she aspires to. "I pray to God someone gives me a crazy script like that," she admits. More recently, Blanchard has been observing Kristen Stewart, noting her entrepreneurial spirit, exemplified by her purchase of a Los Angeles theatre. Blanchard sees Stewart as a dynamic actress who, like herself, began as a child star but has cultivated a diverse career, moving from major franchises like "Twilight" to independent filmmaking. "It feels like there’s so much more for her to give, and I’m excited for the rest of her life," Blanchard remarks, underscoring a shared appreciation for artistic evolution and enduring creative potential.

Charting an Unpredictable Course

Blanchard embraces the idea of an "unexpected" career trajectory, stating, "I think so, yeah." Her ambition is to explore a wide spectrum of roles, moving beyond her early associations. "Coming from being on Disney as a child, I just want to have the opportunity to be in all different types of projects. I want to play more crazy girls, because it’s fun." This desire for variety suggests a strategic approach to her career, aiming to continually challenge herself and engage audiences with fresh performances.

Style as Self-Expression: From Glamour to Comfort

Blanchard’s influence extends significantly to personal style, where she is recognized as a Gen Z fashion icon. Her appreciation for fashion is deeply rooted in her childhood fascination with vintage aesthetics. "I’ve just always loved clothes," she explains. "When I was a little girl, I loved old movie stars. I loved glamour. I loved dressing up. I love bitches who dress up." The positive reception of her sartorial choices is something she cherishes, viewing it as a fun and authentic extension of her personality.

The Evolution of Wardrobe Choices

While acknowledging her skill in thrifting, Blanchard notes a recent shift in her purchasing habits. "I haven’t bought clothes in so long, but I am good at thrifting when I do it." As she has matured, her focus has moved towards pieces that evoke a sense of personal well-being. "As I’ve grown up, it’s become more important to me to buy things that genuinely make me feel good." This contrasts with her teenage years, where theatricality was paramount. Now, her preference leans towards "a comforting sweater, a nice pair of pants, or a nice dress. I just want romantic, simple things now." This evolution in her style reflects a growing emphasis on comfort, practicality, and a refined aesthetic.

Digital Footprints and Activist Voices

Blanchard’s long-standing presence online has shaped her relationship with the internet, which has undergone a significant transformation. "I grew up on the internet, but I will say now I try not to be on the internet as much." She has implemented strategies to limit her online consumption, utilizing app timers for platforms like Instagram and having previously deleted accounts on Twitter and Tumblr. Her absence from TikTok further underscores this intentional detachment. Blanchard explains that during her homeschooling years, the internet served as a crucial avenue for social connection and learning.

The Imperative of Speaking Out

Blanchard is a vocal proponent of activism, particularly concerning issues like Palestinian rights. Her stance on celebrity activism is dynamic, but she emphasizes the personal necessity of affirming her beliefs in the current socio-political climate. "The state of things and the acceleration of things in the last three years has been so extreme and volatile that it feels impossible for me not to affirm my beliefs." She recounts her activism regarding Palestine dating back to 2018, noting the repercussions: "I have been talking about Palestine online since 2018, and I didn’t know it was not something I could talk about. Then I talked about it and got calls, and there are a lot of people who have rejected me, but I also just have a heart that beats." Blanchard believes that remaining silent is a concerning position to adopt. "I think that not having an opinion is really concerning." Despite acknowledging the challenging nature of the entertainment industry, she prioritizes her integrity and the peace of mind that comes from aligning her actions with her values. "I know I now work in Hollywood, and it’s an extremely fucked industry, but I really value my integrity, and I can sleep at night knowing my heart is in the right place. I just want people to know where I stand, and that’s a big part of my life."

Inhabiting Gilead: A Study in Repression and Innocence

Blanchard’s role as Shunammite in "The Testaments" plunges her into a politically charged narrative, requiring a deep immersion into a restrictive society. The preparation for this character involved a conscious effort to disconnect from her own frame of reference. "It was fun, honestly, to keep remembering that my character doesn’t know any better. That was a good challenge as an actress, just to completely separate and remember that I don’t have any sort of antiquated opinion because I have no outside reference. There’s no Tumblr. There are no books. You can’t read. So it’s a very clear mind, and I just had to keep reminding myself that." This process highlights the actor’s craft in embodying a character whose worldview is fundamentally shaped by extreme limitations.

The Nuances of Teenage Rebellion

Playing a teenager in the context of Gilead offered Blanchard an opportunity to explore the complexities of adolescent development under duress. "It was fun to have that kind of problematic teenage brain where you don’t understand why things happen, and you don’t understand what all the fluctuating emotions in your body are, and your hormones. I’d love to play another teenager." This reflects a fascination with the often irrational and emotionally charged nature of adolescence.

Character Contrast and Societal Hierarchies

Blanchard notes that Shunammite’s "bratty" nature, which she perceives as a departure from her own personality, presented an intriguing acting challenge. While not personally bratty, she identifies with a "dry and sarcastic" demeanor that she sensed in the character. However, Shunammite’s embrace of societal status and wealth within Gilead stands in stark contrast to Blanchard’s personal beliefs. "Gilead’s so hierarchical in that way, and it’s just the opposite of what I believe in." She found it "funny to be someone who cares about being ‘better’ than other people, and it was an exciting story to be part of for me because of the challenge of being in a completely different universe and having a lot of innocence." This exploration of a character driven by societal ambition within an oppressive system underscores the thematic richness of the series.

The Weight of Fiction and the Reality of Societal Ills

The parallels frequently drawn between the fictional world of Gilead and contemporary American society are a subject of ongoing public discourse. Blanchard offers a pragmatic perspective on the role of fictional narratives in addressing real-world issues. "Personally, I don’t expect any TV show or movie to hold the weight and gravitas of the incredibly fucked state of things right now." She emphasizes that while viewers may draw their own conclusions, the responsibility for societal change extends beyond entertainment. "If people find their own conclusions, that’s great, but no show really can. Go outside, go to a protest, read a book, donate your money. Talk to your friends. What’s your friend group like? What do they look like?"

Historical Context and Enduring Relevance

Blanchard situates the relevance of "The Handmaid’s Tale" within its historical context, noting its initial impact during a period of significant political upheaval. "When The Handmaid’s Tale came out, it was such a specific moment in time. Trump had just been elected, and it was very surreal." However, she argues for a more enduring perspective on America’s societal challenges. "But America has been fucked up since America got started. There has never been an America without it resting on the oppression of so many different people, so it’s inevitably going to be relevant." This statement underscores a critical analysis of American history, suggesting that themes of oppression and inequality are deeply embedded and therefore perpetually resonant.