IN CONVERSATION WITH GENNEYA WALTON
interview by JANA LETONJA
Genneya Walton appears in Marvel’s Daredevil: Born Again, with Season 2 premiering on Disney+ on 24th March, marking a major moment in her evolving career. Known for her versatility across film and television, she has built an impressive résumé that includes roles in Netflix’s #BlackAF, Never Have I Ever, and Project Mc², as well as the Storm Reid–produced feature Darby and the Dead. Beyond acting, Walton’s background as a trained dancer, performing alongside Janet Jackson and on stages like the Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, brings a unique physical presence to her performances. As she steps into the Marvel universe and continues to build momentum across film and television, Genneya Walton represents a new generation of artists blending talent, movement, and cultural relevance.
Joining the Marvel universe with Daredevil: Born Again is a major milestone. What was your first reaction when you got the role?
I was in utter disbelief. My team called to share the news, and it was about 2 am where I was, so I was delirious. I kept asking if they were being serious. It was such an unconventional audition process, too, that I truly didn’t believe one tape would change my life that quickly. I called my parents and sister, crying, and stayed up a few more hours to sit with the reality and feel all of the feelings. Truly one of the best days of my life.
What can you share about your character and her place within the world of the show?
BB Urich is the voice of the everyday people in a city full of heroes, vigilantes, and villains. As a young journalist continuing the path of her deceased uncle, she is there to speak truth to power. She shines light on the corruption in the city and is determined to seek justice for her uncle and those who have fallen victim to Mayor Fisk/Kingpin's wrath, with the help of some other brave and brilliant souls along the way, of course. Though her methods may make you question her morality at times, she is always moving with the intention of seeking the greater good for all.
Marvel projects often come with passionate fanbases. Did that add a sense of pressure or excitement when stepping into the series?
Quite honestly, a little bit of both. Daredevil fans are incredible, and it was so fun to dive into the world with them as I started my research before filming. Being the niece of Ben Urich, a role so deeply loved and beautifully played by Vondie Curtis-Hall in the original series, I knew I had some big shoes to fill. But my excitement for the opportunity to take on such a fun and different role than I have ever done before was overwhelmingly present. It’s really incredible to see and experience the love that people have for Marvel and Daredevil.
What was the experience like filming such a physically and emotionally intense show?
Despite the material being quite dark and intense, it still remained such a fun shoot day to day. I really got to learn from some of the best on how to settle into a scene before action was called, and how not to carry the scene with me longer than needed. The cast and crew are so lovely to be around that the moment a scene ended, jokes were being made, creative ideas were shared, and any necessary check-ins were given. If Michael Gandolfini was around, it would be a day full of laughter, guaranteed, I must say.
You’ve worked across comedy, drama, and genre projects. What kind of roles excite you the most right now?
Thrillers. Action. Horror. Something that gets the blood pumping and heart racing.
You started training as a dancer at a very young age. How did dance shape your confidence as a performer?
Dance was my first love, and the training did so much for me as both a performer and a human being, and for that I am very grateful. In terms of confidence, there was very little room for the lack of it. Even when “failing,” it was instilled in me to continue on with all I've got. Fake it till you make it, leave everything on the dance floor, and finish strong. Maintaining such commitment to something you’re doing is empowering. It is also so important to remember that if you are in the room, you are just as deserving to be in there as anyone else. Be sure of yourself and the preparation you’ve done. All the time, blood, sweat, and tears you have put in can lead you to an opportunity you’ve once dreamed of. These are all great reminders for me whenever imposter syndrome comes knocking. I carry so much of what I learned during those years with me into this space.
Performing alongside Janet Jackson must have been unforgettable. What do you remember most about that experience?
The rehearsals. In part because I was dancing with all of my dear friends, and also because Janet’s Rhythm Nation choreography is so precise. We had such limited time to rehearse that any small mistake meant correcting it immediately and doing it a million more times. No complaints, though, rehearsals were probably my favourite part of my dance journey. You would think I’d say being on stage was the most unforgettable, but I swear I practically blacked out when it happened because of all the adrenaline in my body.
Do you find that movement and rhythm help you connect to characters in a different way than traditional acting methods?
Most definitely. You learn a lot about acting through dance. It’s storytelling entirely through movement. You can interpret a lot about a person through how they carry themselves, whether that be in their posture, the way or speed, etc. Even how much space they feel comfortable taking up when standing or sitting. Applying my dance training has been a helpful tool in building the characters I play by figuring out how they move through the world and in specific circumstances.
Outside of acting and dance, what creative passions inspire you?
I very much enjoy writing, singing and fashion, though I keep these very close and personal to me for the time being. They each serve as other outlets for me to express how I’m feeling or the type of person I am at any particular point in time.
Is there a dream role or genre you’d love to explore in the future?
I would love to do action films. I love learning new skills, and the process of training for weeks or months prior to shooting excites me. I have a few years of stunt training under my belt already, just in case.
Looking ahead, what excites you most about the next chapter of your journey?
Reflecting on my last few chapters, I have been so fortunate in the opportunities life has granted me thus far that I think I’m just excited to see what else this life has to offer. Things I once dreamed of, and others that I could have never imagined, have come into fruition, and that is a thrilling realisation. Working on Daredevil has taught me so much throughout the years I’ve been a part of it, and I look forward to carrying those lessons into my next projects. I’ve also recently been introduced to new, inspiring individuals who have opened up my eyes to an abundant level of fun and play that has already greatly influenced the way I’m choosing to move through my life and career. I hope that this wave that I’m on carries me to different paths and opportunities that allow me to grow further as an artist and human. Whatever that may mean for me, I’m feeling very ready to take it on.
TEAM CREDITS
talent GENNEYA WALTON
photography TATIANA KATKOVA
styling MARISSA PELLY
hair TAKISHA STURDIVANT-DREW
makeup ROSE GRACE
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA
