IN CONVERSATION WITH SAMANTHA LORRAINE

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actress Samantha Lorraine will be seen starring as the title character in Paramount +’s live action film ‘Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado’, which premiered on 2nd July. The film marks the 25th anniversary of the franchise and this will be the first time since 2019 that the adventurous Latina, Dora, will be seen in the live-action world. Additionally, Lorraine is set to star in the indie film ‘Night Comes’, directed by Jay Hernandez.

 You’re stepping into an iconic role with ‘Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado’. What was your first reaction when you learned you’d be playing Dora? 

My excitement levels were off the charts. I grew up watching ‘Dora’ so getting the opportunity to play her is truly a dream of a lifetime. When our director, Alberto Belli, told me to buy bug spray because I was going to Colombia to be Dora, I jumped for joy and ran a lap in my room. One of the best moments ever.

This is Dora’s first live-action appearance since 2019, and the franchise is celebrating its 25th anniversary. How does it feel to carry that legacy forward? 

It’s the Great Dora Fiesta. It’s so exciting, I truly cannot believe the honor I have to be a part of the ‘Dora’ franchise. There’s an obvious pressure to it, but with that came so much freedom to interpret her as my own, with positivity, curiosity, and kindness.

You grew up watching Dora as a young Latina yourself. How did that representation influence you as a child, and now as an actress? 

Representation is so important, especially now for the Latin community, so to have the privilege to represent such a crucial part of my culture is a huge honor. Also, getting to see the different generations in my family enjoy the movie for different reasons makes me so overjoyed. I get to show off my Hispanic heritage and honor my abuelos for the hard work and sacrifices they made so I can stand here today.  

The ‘Dora’ franchise has had a massive cultural impact. How do you hope this new film connects with today’s generation of viewers? 

‘Dora’ is such a pivotal show in most people's lives, so I really hope that ‘Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado’ just encourages people to be kind, empathetic, curious, and brave in different scenarios. This movie is so much fun and has a whole lot of heart, and the entire cast and crew put a lot of work into it.  

You’ll also be starring in Jay Hernandez’s horror thriller ‘Night Comes’. What can you share with us about this indie film? 

‘Night Comes’ is a drastic change from ‘Dora’ because I went straight from shooting a family fun adventure film to a thriller indie eerie flick. One of my favorite genres to watch is horror, so getting to live out my fantasy of being in one has definitely been fulfilled. My character, Samantha, is such an interesting character study on how in a very dark world, hope can still persevere.  

How do you approach switching between very different genres like family adventure and survival horror? 

Even though the genres are substantially different, there’s a lot that can be connected to the acting foundations. When it comes to stunts and physical training, it's super important for you to have the adrenaline high up. Whether you're getting chased through the jungle or trying to survive a “horror” world, the stakes are still high and the blood is pumping.  

From PBS’s ‘Kid Stew’ to ‘The Walking Dead: World Beyond’, you’ve had an impressive rise in a short time. What’s been the biggest lesson from this journey so far? 

Oh wow, ‘Kid Stew’ is a deep cut. In all honesty though, I feel really grateful that I’ve come to realize anything that’s meant to be for me, will be. Hopefully I have a long life and career ahead of me so I’m not in any rush to reach for things that aren’t meant to be mine.   

As a young actress navigating both major studios and indie projects, how do you decide what roles to pursue? 

I’m very driven by character motivations, so if I read a character that may be morally complex, that's what's most interesting to me. I do acting for the art of it, so I don’t really notice whether it's a major studio or indie project, because if the script and crew is good, then it's just good, so sign me up.

What are you most excited about in this next chapter of your career? 

I’m excited to keep taking it day by day, and also meet new people, read more scripts. Just excited for life to go the way it's supposed to go for me and go with the flow. I definitely do have an “acting bucket list,” but I’m manifesting those things so I’ll keep it private for now. I’ll only say I really want to work with a director that rhymes with H-obert B-eggers.  

How do you stay grounded as your profile grows? Any mentors, routines, or family support that help keep you centered? 
My family is absolutely my rock. My parents, Jessica and Ricky, are my #1 support system and I wouldn't be here were it not for them. I’m extremely grateful to have that “typical” Hispanic family where it's a big, loyal, and supportive bunch.

CREDITS

photography EMILY ASSIRAN

hair JOHN RUIDANT

makeup J. PATRICK