interview by JANA LETONJA

Madison Iseman is gearing up for an exciting summer with two major projects premiering on 15th August, USA Network’s ‘The Rainmaker’ and the supernatural horror film ‘Witchboard’. Madison is best known for starring in Prime Video’s ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ series and FX’s ‘American Horror Stories’. She has also starred in ‘Jumanji’ franchise, ‘ Knights of the Zodiac’, and ‘Nocturne’.

You have two major projects premiering today, ‘The Rainmaker’ and ‘Witchboard’. How does it feel to have such diverse roles coming out back-to-back?

It’s very exciting. The greatest thing about it all is how different both projects are from each other. As an actor, I always enjoy dipping my toes into something new. I never want to be tied down to one genre. They’re projects that were artistically challenging in very different ways, so it feels very serendipitous to have them out in the world on the same day.

dress GIVENCHY
shoes JIMMY CHOO
sunglasses ARNETTE
tights stylist’s own

In ‘The Rainmaker’, you play Sarah Plankmore in a legal thriller based on a beloved novel. What drew you to this role and story?

At the time this role came across my desk, I was in a very strange place in my life. I was feeling a bit artistically stuck, I didn’t really know where I fit or what I wanted to jump into next. I was too old for the roles I’ve been used to playing, and too young for things that really excited me. And I’ve been drawn to stories recently of women pushing boundaries and testing limits.

‘The Rainmaker’ is a popular title, I was very familiar of John Grisham’s masterpiece already. The Sarah I get to play is very different from the Sarah that John introduced us to. She’s barely in the novel to begin with, so I was really able to play with where I wanted to take her because I wasn’t tied down to the source material. I read the first few episodes and knew Sarah and her story was something I had to dive into. Her arc throughout the first season is such a treat. I’m also always up for a challenge, and I knew this would be one of my most challenging roles to date. We weren’t going to be doing night shoots, covered in fake blood, or working ridiculous hours, but I was going to have to learn all this legal jargon. And the scariest part, act as if I knew exactly what I was saying.

‘Witchboard’ is a remake of a cult classic supernatural horror film. How did you prepare to take on a role in such a well-known horror franchise?

The horror genre has always been a favourite of mine, she’s like an old friend that I’ve know my whole life that I always find my way back to. There’s always preparation involved as far as getting into the role, but also a sense of familiarity.

After my first conversations with Chuck Russell, our director, it became clear that we were borrowing key moments from the original ‘Witchboard’, but making something completely different at the same time. There’s a sense of pressure when you’re continuing something that people have loved for so long, but I do think people will love where we decided to take the story. It’s a completely new fresh take and Chuck is the master behind it all.

What can you tease about both projects?

Whether you’re a John Grisham fan or you’ve never heard of ‘The Rainmaker’, it truly is such a phenomenal show start to finish. We have legends like John Slattery, Lana Parrilla, and PJ Byrne coming back to bless your screens, and a new face and dear friend Milo Callaghan taking on the role of the infamous Rudy Baylor. All their performances are truly remarkable. What I love so much about the show is that the audience is along for the ride as our characters walk through a trial with, what feels like, a million twists and turns. If you love a legal drama, plus a little romance and a little murder, you’re going to love this.

As for ‘Witchboard’, if you love a shiny, popcorn, scary movie, it may be your favourite movie of the year. It’s such a fun ride beginning to end. If you’re like me and love cats, there’s cats quite literally all over this movie. It’s sexy, it’s scary, and also, who doesn’t want to listen to Jamie Campbell Bower deliver exposition for two hours straight?

bodysuit and leggings WARDROBE NYC
underwear I AM GIA
shoes SCHUTZ
jewellery MISHO

You’re known for your roles in horror series like ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’ and ‘American Horror Stories’. What is it about the horror genre that appeals to you?

I love having the freedom to play. It’s my favourite part about the job. The horror genre allows every situation to have high stakes, but also live in a world of ridiculousness whether you’re running from demons, or being possessed by a haunted pendulum board. I take work very seriously, but I also try to find the moments where I can still have fun. Horror always provides that for me.

What’s your process like when preparing for emotionally intense or suspenseful scenes, especially in horror?

I find the most important part is just always understanding your backstory and having a strong foundation. Most of the hard work for me is done off set, my homework. When I show up on the day, I like to be able to live in the work I’ve done prior building my characters. That way it’s just there and available for me on the day, and all I have to do is be present with my scene partner.

full look DOLCE & GABBANA
shoes CASADEI

Looking back on your journey so far, what has been a standout moment or lesson that shaped who you are as an actor?

Honestly, the entire six months of filming ‘The Rainmaker’. As artists, I think we tend to always search for the projects that change who we are as human beings, and when you get to experience that, it’s the greatest treat in the world. I started filming ‘The Rainmaker’ at a time where life was very confusing, everything seemed a bit heavy, I’d lost a lot of self-confidence. The job as a whole just seemed a bit too big for me. But I worked hard, I researched, I spoke for hours with lawyers, watched anything I could get my hands on, and for about six months straight, kept my head down and just worked. Myself and my flat in Ireland.

I’ll never forget the first day I stepped into the well in the middle of the courtroom. My legs wouldn’t stop shaking. But we still had a job to do. Towards the end of filming, we were in that courtroom for two weeks straight, and by the end, I walked out a completely different person. Sarah gave me the greatest gift I could’ve asked for.

What are some goals or dreams you have for your career in the next years?

I want to continue to find roles that inspire me. I obviously have big dream goals, but I also believe we are all exactly where we need to be and as long as we work hard and focus on being a good human, the world will take you right where you’re supposed to be.

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shoes SCHUTZ

How do you hope to grow your legacy as an actress? Is there a particular impact or message you want your work to convey?

I hope to inspire other young women to always get uncomfortable and do the impossible. Life is short, take risks, follow your heart or your dreams. But most importantly, always choose kindness.

What are your biggest passions outside of acting?

I love to read. I’ve always been into escapism, which is probably how I ended up in this line of work. Reading, writing, traveling, finding inspiration in art and my surroundings. In the last few years, my yoga practice has become such a huge part of my life. I’m excited to see where that continues to take me.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent MADISON ISEMAN
photography DYLAN PERLOT
styling KATIE BOFSHEVER AT A-FRAME AGENCY
makeup LOREN CANBY at A-Frame Agency using Koh Gen Do
hair RENA CALHOUN at A-Frame Agency using Oribe
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA
location HYPE STUDIOS LA

IN CONVERSATION WITH MADISON ISEMAN

IN CONVERSATION WITH ANA SOPHIA HEGER