In the hugely successful release of last year’s horror film The Nun II, Katelyn Rose Downey plays Sophie alongside Anna Popplewell as her on-screen mother Kate, Taissa Farmiga as Sister Irene and Storm Reid as Sister Debra. Katelyn plays the regular character Caitlin Mohan in the TV series Clean Sweep, and she attended the world premiere in Los Angeles of The Princess, having played Violet in the film, opposite Joey King as her on-screen sister, who played The Princess. With her love of dance, Katelyn started dancing at three years old, and she got into acting during the COVID lockdown when she took acting lessons online in Ireland. Catching up with Katelyn, she told us about playing Sophie in the horror film The Nun II, her regular role of Caitlin Mohan in Clean Sweep and filming as Violet in The Princess for her first on-screen character.

Can you tell us about your character Sophie in last year’s horror film The Nun II and what was she like to play?

Sophie, in a lot of ways, is very like me, so playing her felt pretty familiar. I liked how she was quiet and shy in the beginning. As the story unfolds, she needs to be brave and strong for her mom and her only friend, Maurice. It was super fun to explore the different dynamics of her character. It is always something I look for in a character; what part of myself can I bring to this character, in order to make my performance more authentic. This was easy with Sophie, as I saw so much of myself in her. It was a true privilege to play Sophie in such a big franchise.

How did you find the experience on set of a horror film and was there anything that drew you to the project?

Working on the set of a horror film was, surprisingly, anything but scary. Our wonderful director, Michael Chaves, made every day on set so enjoyable and fun.

Sophie’s character definitely drew me to this project. It was also a huge privilege to have the opportunity to work with the creative team behind The Conjuring Universe, they are truly masters of their craft. I hope I have the opportunity to work with them again someday.

What was it like working alongside Anna Popplewell as your on-screen mother Kate, and the rest of the cast?

Anna is caring, kind, and unbelievably talented. She was a mother figure to me both on and off screen, she was always looking out for me. Over the course of the several months we spent in France, we built a really great relationship. I can say the same about Taissa Farmiga and Storm Reid. I admire them a lot, it was incredibly inspiring to work alongside them. We were lucky, we had a really great team.

How was it reading the script for the first time and did you have a favourite scene to film?

I love reading scripts and thinking about how it will play out on screen. Akela Cooper wrote an unbelievable screenplay. It was empowering to read a story with so many strong and prominent female characters.

I have a few favourite scenes, but the scenes I enjoyed most were definitely those the whole main cast filmed together. They were always the most fun.

Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked the role of Sophie and how was it seeing the huge success to the release of The Nun II?

I remember it like it was yesterday. It was a long audition process. After submitting self-tapes, we had a number of Zoom meetings over the course of a few weeks, and finally I flew to London to meet the casting team, director and producers. I received an official offer a few weeks later. I was so happy I burst into tears, I couldn’t believe it. I’m so very grateful for them taking a chance on a young Irish girl, as I know so many talented young actors must have auditioned for the role.

The people that worked on this project, both in front of and behind the camera are incredible. Everyone worked so hard to make this movie a success and I’m so thrilled for them that it has been.

You play regular character Caitlin Mohan in the TV series Clean Sweep, how would you describe Caitlin and what was the show like to be part of?

I was asked to play Caitlin Mohan just after I booked The Nun II. I was delighted that everything worked out and I was able to do both projects.

Caitlin’s character goes through a lot in this series, she doesn’t quite know who she is yet and is trying to fit in. I was able to relate to a lot of what Caitlin was going through, so it was fun to get lost in her world and bring her to life on screen. It was amazing to work alongside Charlene McKenna and the rest of the cast.

What did you enjoy most about playing Violet in The Princess and filming with your on-screen sister Joey King (who played The Princess)?

Violet will always hold a special place in my heart. She was my first on-screen character and I loved bringing her character to life.

Joey was great to work with. We lived in Bulgaria while filming and some of my favourite memories of my time there are of hanging out and playing Mario Kart with her. She also started her career when she was very young and starred in the first The Conjuring movie, so to be following in her footsteps is really amazing.

How was it getting into character as Violet and being directed by Le-Van Kiet?

Violet wants to be just like her big sister The Princess (Joey King). Joey made this incredibly easy for me as I admire her so much, both on and off screen.

Le-Van Kiet is the coolest. He made my first feature film one of the best experiences of my life. The experience of filming this movie will always stay with me.

What was it like attending the world premiere in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles was incredible, I can’t wait to go back soon. It was brilliant to see the whole cast and creative team again, and to celebrate the movie. It was my first time at a red carpet event so it was a little daunting at first but I really enjoyed it.

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

I have always loved storytelling. I have been dancing since I was three years old, and so expressing my emotions and telling stories through dance comes second nature to me now. I started taking online acting classes during the COVID-19 lockdown in Ireland and haven’t looked back since.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?


Some of my favourite movies are The Parent Trap, The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas, The Dark Knight, and Inside Out. 

I absolutely loved The Last of Us, I can’t wait for Season 2.

How do you like to spend your time away from acting?

I love dancing, I go to the studio every day so it is like my second home. I also love to spend time with my friends and family.

Have you been given any advice over your acting career so far that has stuck with you?

I think the best piece of advice I have received is to know that with this career, you are embarking on a journey and it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is different. So as your journey unfolds, it is important to never lose sight of who you are, what you believe in, and why you started to begin with.

What are you hoping 2024 brings for you and do you have any upcoming projects that you can tell us about?

I hope this year is filled with lots of new experiences and opportunities for me to grow, both as an actor, and in my personal life.

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