IN CONVERSATION WITH HELEN J SHEN

interview by JANA LETONJA

For Fresh off her Tony Award-winning breakout performance in Maybe Happy Ending, Helen J Shen is stepping into an entirely new spotlight. After captivating audiences as a tender, robotic “Helperbot” on stage, she now makes her feature film debut in the highly anticipated The Devil Wears Prada 2, starring alongside Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. Embodying the vibrant, shape-shifting “chameleon” energy of a new Runway era, Helen represents a generation redefining ambition, identity, and presence in a hyper-digital fashion landscape. From Broadway acclaim to big-screen fashion drama, this marks a bold and transformative new chapter.

Moving from stage to screen, what excited you most about joining The Devil Wears Prada 2?

The Devil Wears Prada world is one that I've loved my whole life. I've been inspired and intimidated by Miranda Priestly's monologues and charmed by Nigel's quips. Andy's quirks were so endearing, and Anne's performance was equal parts hilarious and heart wrenching. I was most excited to join the world and play a character that marched to the beat of her own drum. When working on screen, even the smallest eyebrow twitch can be impactful and have a comedic punch. I was just excited to be doing something new, something completely out of my comfort zone. 

How does it feel making your feature film debut alongside icons like Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway?

I was pinching myself everyday that I got the opportunity to not only be a fly on the wall while these titans worked, but to work alongside them. They embodied kindness, generosity, and professionalism, so I wanted to follow in their footsteps. 

What can you share about your character and how they fit into this new Runway world?

My character, Jin, felt about Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs exactly how I feel about Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway: deliciously intimidated by the moment, and completely bowled over with adoration. Strange quirks become hidden superpowers, and I think that's a good lesson for anybody. What makes you different is what makes you singular.

The sequel explores a digital-first fashion era. How does that shift reflect the industry today?

There's a real question about what matters to people. I think nothing replaces the human element in fashion and design. The question then becomes how to share the artistic world with people in an accessible way and in a fast-paced world that's always hungry for the next story.

How do you prepare differently for film compared to live theater?

Film kind of feels more like a sprint than the marathon that is a long run doing live theater. In theater, you have to make sure that your body and voice can sustain a performance for weeks, maybe months, maybe years on end. Once I had my script for this film, I wanted to prepare as much as I could, so then I could let it go and be super present when cameras started rolling. I wanted to soak in every moment of being in the Runway offices. 

Fashion plays a central role in the Prada universe. How does style intersect with your own self-expression?

It's so much more than a fire outfit to me. As an artist, I love supporting designers' artistry and craft. So much work and craftsmanship goes into telling a story through fashion. When you find a style that speaks to who you want to be in the world, you can embody a confidence and assuredness that is super empowering. When I put on an outfit that feels like me unapologetically, I actually walk a little taller. 

As someone who uses she/they pronouns, how important is visibility and fluidity in the roles you take on?

Gender and gender expression to me is super fluid and changes person to person, and moment to moment sometimes. I feel extremely proud that my expression of my gender can be an inspiration to others who might not feel like a certain label fits, or that there's a "supposed to look like", or "supposed to feel like". I pursue euphoria and freedom of expression in hopes that it could inspire unapologetic courage in others as well.

What does ambition look like to you at this stage of your career?

The best experiences I've had have been when I felt daunted about something, but did it anyway. Right now, I'm having an amazing time doing things that scare me, trusting that I can learn something from every experience.

If Broadway was your breakout, how do you envision your film career unfolding from here?

Some of my favorite film actors of all time have theater backgrounds. My favorite film actors are multi-hyphenates and explore their storytelling through many lenses. They let the story dictate the form. I want to explore where the overlap of on-camera work and stage acting is, and see how my artistry can grow across many different mediums. Art is art.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography NICOLE NITEKA
photo editing KORRIN DERING