IN CONVERSATION WITH KAROLINA WYDRA

interview by JANA LETONJA

Karolina Wydra has emerged as one of television’s most compelling new forces with her breakout role in Vince Gilligan’s Apple TV+ phenomenon ‘Pluribus’. As the series shatters records as Apple TV+’s biggest drama launch ever and garners early awards buzz, Karolina’s return to acting after a five-year hiatus has become one of the most inspiring stories behind one of TV’s most talked-about shows.

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What was your first reaction when you read the ‘Pluribus’ script and encountered the concept of “the joining”?

I had no idea what the show was about when I auditioned for ‘Pluribus’. I received the first two scripts before my official studio/network test and devoured them in one sitting. The idea was so original and different than anything I had ever read before. I’ve never seen a character like Zosia on television. Vince is a visionary story teller. There's so much humor layered in the scripts. It takes you on this wild ride to the most unexpected of places. 

I find "the joining" incredibly fascinating. Part of me wishes the world we live in had some of the elements ‘The Others’ live by. Unconditional love, no racism, no crime, no suffering, minus of course, the collective mind and no individuality. 

Zosia exists within a collective that suppresses individuality. What initially drew you to this role?

It’s been a dream of mine to work with Vince Gilligan. So, he is the reason. Beyond that, I’ve never played a character this content and serene. There are many layers to Zosia that I found intriguing. She’s a representation of billions of people in one person. Her ability to fluently speak every language and perform every task at the highest level fascinated me. 

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What physical or vocal choices helped you communicate Zosia’s internal life beneath the hive-mind calm?

To create Zosia, I had to come at the role in a way that I’ve never done before. I usually create a backstory for my characters, but with her, I didn’t because we meet the new version of Zosia, post virus. Doing dream work is my favorite way of tapping into the subconscious of a character, to create their inner life. I worked with Goli Samii on all of my dreams to make her come to life. John Markland helped me create her physical world. She doesn’t experience nerves or negativity. I had to be very present and calm in my body. We also went deep into the analysis of the hive mind and what that means. Zosia isn’t a robot, she’s a person who’s serene, happy, and unflappable. She’s the ultimate unconditional love. 

Daily meditation was a big part of that process as well. It put me in a state of peace and connectedness to the world, and naturally made my voice become much softer. We rehearsed a lot for the things that needed me to have specific muscle memory, such as operating the plane or the excavator. It needed to look as if I had done it a million times, it had to live in my body. Script analysis is also one of the most important parts of my preparation.  

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‘Pluribus’ explores forced optimism, conformity, and emotional suppression. What do you think the show says about modern society?

What’s wonderful about our show is that it starts a lot of conversations for people about the society we’re living in today. Vince is so brilliant. He created something that resonates so deeply for people for different reasons. It begins conversations about humanity, AI, loneliness, and conformity. That’s what great art does, it takes you on a personal journey that awakens whatever is going on for you or around you. I love that our show makes people reflect and talk about all the things it stirs up in them.  

Why do you think audiences are responding so strongly to Zosia in particular?

I am so grateful that people are responding to her. Zosia is a representation of unconditional love. She’s non-reactionary, kind, and generous with Carol no matter how she’s behaving. I think those are the qualities that people are drawn to. Also their dynamic has a bit of a Laurel and Hardy quality to it. 

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Before ‘Pluribus’, you stepped away from acting for five years. What ultimately brought you back?

It was very important for me to be a stay-at-home mom for the first couple of years after I gave birth to my first son. A year later, I decided to have another child so that took me away for much longer. Once I felt ready, I wasn’t sure how I would get back into acting, since I didn’t have representation. Thank God for our casting directors Sharon Bialy, Sherry Thomas, and Russell Scott. If it wasn’t for them, I would have never had the opportunity to audition for the show. I am forever grateful to them for remembering me from years prior. 

How has returning to acting with this level of recognition changed your relationship with the craft?

Returning to acting has been an incredible gift. I am truly grateful to be a part of this show. Vince, Rhea, and the rest of the crew inspired me daily to bring my A-game. They are the best of the best. I hope that my work makes people feel the way I feel when I watch great actors. I recently saw Laurie Metcalf in ‘Little Bear Ridge Road’ and bawled my eyes out during and after the play. Her performance touched me so profoundly. I love acting and have tremendous respect for the craft.

The show is already generating awards buzz. How are you processing this moment in your career?

It’s a beautiful honor to see people responding to the show the way they have. You hope that it will be appreciated and recognized, but you never know how it’s going to be received. It has definitely exceeded my expectations. I'm very thankful for all that is happening with the show and for my girl, Rhea Seehorn. She is truly magnificent in this and deserves to win every award she's up for. As does Vince. He’s the greatest showrunner of all time. 

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What kinds of roles are you now excited to pursue after playing Zosia?

To be honest, it’s all about reading a script and connecting with the role. My ideal part is when I fall in love with a character and feel the need to play them, even if they are extremely flawed. 

Looking back at your work on ‘House’, ‘True Blood’, and ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’, how do you feel you’ve evolved as an actor?

I think I have grown a lot as a person since I played those roles. I learn something new about myself with each role I play. I’m always observing my scene partners and learn from them. They inspire me. 

My children have been my greatest teachers. I’m not sure I could have been able to play Zosia or understand the depth of her if I wasn’t a mother. My understanding of what it means to love someone unconditionally wasn’t fully felt until I had children. Now my heart lives outside my body. 

What keeps you grounded and creatively inspired?

My husband and my boys keep me grounded. My girlfriends. Meditation. Going to museums and the theater for live performances and great films. Seeing art keeps me inspired. And solo time in nature is my greatest medicine of all.

TEAM CREDITS:
talent KAROLINA WYDRA
photography and direction ERICA HERNANDEZ
styling JORDAN JOHNSON at the Wall Group
makeup KINDRA MANN at TMG LA
hair MARCUS FRANCIS at TMG LA
cinematography, editing and sound design BRYAN ALLEN LAMB
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA
location SUNBEAM LA