IN CONVERSATION WITH SCARLETT ESTEVEZ

interview by JANA LETONJA

Scarlett Estevez has been steadily growing up on screen, evolving from a scene-stealing child star into a dynamic young performer with impressive range across comedy, drama, and voice work. First capturing audiences as Megan in Daddy’s Home and later as the sharp and endearing Trixie in Lucifer, she quickly proved she could balance humor with emotional depth. Now, she enters an exciting new phase of her career with upcoming roles that signal a clear shift into more mature, leading territory, including the Netflix/Happy Madison feature Don’t Say Good Luck. With additional projects spanning film, television, and voiceover, and a growing presence in genre and coming-of-age storytelling, Scarlett is carving out a space that feels entirely her own.

all photography by JONNY MARLOW

You’ve grown up on screen. How does this current chapter of your career feel different from where you started?

I think this chapter feels a lot different because I have more awareness now of the work I want to be doing, and I hope the work I do is setting me up to reach that goal. I feel like now more than ever I want to work, learn, and be a part of things that really mean something. I think that has just come with age and time. I go on mini movie marathons with my mom, where she shows me some of her favorites. I am just constantly in awe of the work that's out there. I hope one day people can look at something I've done and feel that way. That's definitely a more recent feeling, like in the past couple of years, and I love it.

What drew you to Don’t Say Good Luck, and what can you share about your character?

I remember reading the full script because it was attached to the email when I got the audition. I was just sitting in my room alone, reading it, and I found myself feeling so many different emotions. I literally started crying just from reading it. I think because I was moved by the story even when I wasn’t actually a part of it yet, that really drew me to it, because I would love to be a part of something that takes people on that emotional journey. Funny enough, I actually auditioned for a different role originally, and after turning that in, they said they would like to see me read for Carolyn. She’s so awesome and very real. I loved that about her.

This role feels like a step into more mature territory. How does that feel at this step of your career?

Yes, totally. I feel so grateful for all the things I have worked on up to this point, and at the same time, I am ready to step into a new direction. I really want to challenge myself and work on things that will do that. I hope this movie will help shift me into that light.

Looking back at Lucifer, what did playing Trixie teach you about acting?

I feel like I learned so much from Trixie, but I think the main thing was probably work ethic. All the people that surrounded me on Lucifer, I look up to. They are all so talented and at the same time just really great people. That was something that I wanted to replicate. They made the environment so amazing that when it came time to start filming, it was so much easier to get what needed to get done and, of course, have fun while doing it.

Comedy has been such a big part of your career. What do you love most about it?

I feel like comedy, when done right, brings people together. When I’m with my friends, and we are looking for something to do, someone will always say, “Should we watch a movie?” I feel like there is so much going on in today’s world. Being part of something people can watch and laugh at is really nice.

What do you enjoy most about voice acting compared to on-screen roles?

Well, for one, I can work in my pajamas. Also, I have wanted to work on something in the action world for a bit now. I feel like there is always a solid amount of action in the animated projects I have worked on. So, it scratches that itch for the time being.

Do you feel like your taste in roles is changing as you grow as an artist?

I think as I've continued to grow up and mature, my taste in roles has too. Right now, I would really love to work on something in either horror or dystopian.

You’re part of a generation of young actors redefining Hollywood. Do you feel that shift?

Oh gosh, I really don't know. There are so many amazing and talented actors in my generation. I have definitely noticed a shift of more people my age working in big projects. I am really happy to see people I know working. It's such an interesting time in the industry now, so others' wins start to feel a little more like mine when challenging roles are being created for people my age, even if I'm not always the one getting the part.

How do you stay grounded while navigating the industry at a young age?

I do have an older sister and a younger brother. They never fail to humble me. I also have tried to go to regular school whenever I have not been working. I think it's really important to have different outlets to take my mind off of working. I really appreciate my parents prioritizing that for me when I was so young. I think it really helped shape the person I am today in a very positive way.

What inspires you creatively outside of acting?

I really love to paint, even though I am not very good at it. I also just got my first apartment, so decorating that all by myself has been so fun.

What do you hope audiences take away from your upcoming work?

I really hope that audiences take away something that sticks with them. I think that's the best thing, watching a film and having something you can't stop thinking about. I really hope it moves people.