IN CONVERSATION WITH MIKAELA HOOVER

interview by JANA LETONJA

Mikaela Hoover will star alongside David Corenswet and Rachel Brosnahan in James Gunn’s ‘Superman’, releasing in theaters on 11th July. Recently, she was also announced to appear in the second season of Netflix’s ‘One Piece’, which is slated to come out in 2026. Besides this, we will also be seeing Mikaela in the second season of Netflix’s Emmy-winning series ‘Beef’, also slated to return in 2026.

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skirt ENZA COSTA

You will be playing Cat Grant in James Gunn’s ‘Superman’, a role that’s already generating major buzz. How did you land the part, and what drew you to it?

James is a genius so I will always jump at the chance to work with him. He said he had a role in mind for me, and when he revealed it was Cat Grant, I was ecstatic. She’s ambitious, resourceful, and isn’t afraid to flirt her way into a good scoop. She’s such a fun character.

Cat is described as sexy, sharp, and hilarious. How did you balance those traits to bring her to life in such a male-dominated comic universe?

My job is to help bring James’ vision to life, so it really becomes about what the scene calls for. Whether it’s comic relief, a piece of exposition, or establishing a dynamic with Lois, I look at what the scene needs from me and try to ground the character in that. 

dress ARCINA ORI
earrings RING CONCIERGE

James Gunn is known for blending humour with heart. What was it like working with him on such a legacy project

James is an absolute master at blending humour with heart. I think he honed this skill on ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’, but ‘Superman’ takes it to another level. Working with James is so fun and fulfilling. He has a very clear vision, is so meticulous, and is also a sweetheart and the kindest human. So, as an actor, you feel safe and in great hands.

The ‘Superman’ trailer teases a fresh energy. How do you think this version sets itself apart from past iterations of the franchise?

I don’t want to speak for anyone else, but for me, the characters and emotion come through so clearly and powerfully in this ‘Superman’. It takes the refreshing goodness of the originals and puts it in a modern setting that feels so relevant to the times. I was very moved by the film.

We’ll be seeing you in the second season of Netflix’s ‘One Piece’. How did it feel getting the role in this series with such fierce and loyal fanbase?

It felt like such a huge honor. I love Chopper with all my heart, and want to do right by the fans and by Oda-san. The fans have been incredibly supportive and I cannot wait for them to see Chopper this season.

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blazer HELSA

Your casting as Chopper became the #1 trending topic globally when it was announced at Tudum. What was it like seeing that kind of fan response in real time?

It was incredibly heartwarming. Seeing how much joy Chopper’s personality and heart brings to so many people brought tears to my eyes. I loved seeing all the fan reaction videos and the comments. I cannot wait for people to see more.

From comic book chaos to emotional dramedy, you’ll be stepping into the next season of ‘Beef’ as well. The first season won major awards. Is there pressure going into Season 2 with such a high bar set?

I’m sure the pressure exists somewhere, but Sonny Lee, the showrunner, and the cast create such a fun, collaborative environment on set that I certainly didn’t feel it. Every day was an absolute blast. The creative energy from that group is very special.

Your role is being described as the comedic relief of the series. How do you tap into humour when the show’s themes are so emotionally complex?

Sonny really pushes us to just be ourselves in the moment. The writing is incredible, so I can trust that the words and the situation will express the beat as long as I play it truthfully.

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dress KHAITE

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dress RONNY KOBO

Three completely different worlds: DC Comics, anime, and dark comedy. How do you mentally shift gears between such distinct roles?

It feels less like mentally shifting and more like playing. Across the different worlds, the constant is to be authentic and bring some truth to the scene. I use that as my North Star, so the different environments just become varying playgrounds that I get to frolic in.

This is a career-defining year for you. What’s kept you grounded as your visibility skyrockets globally?

Honestly, my dog, Ava. She is the love of my life, and she does not care about any of this. She just wants me to throw her toy and give her love. Dogs remind us of what is actually important.

Tell us a bit about yourself outside of acting. What are the things you enjoy the most when you are not on a set?

I most enjoy spending time with the people I love with no phone, no technology, ideally out in nature. I grew up in Washington state, so going home is after a project is what I look forward to most.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent MIKAELA HOOVER
photography ASHLEY CHAPPELL at Ford Artists
styling JORDAN GROSS at The Only Agenc
makeupKRISTINE STUDDEN at Highlight Artists
hair GLEN COCO at The Prtnrs
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA