This November, Molly Belle Wright will be seen playing Beth in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever – the screen adaptation of Barbara Robinson’s bestselling children’s book of the same name, and it’s been announced that she will play Cora in Deep Water alongside a cast including Sir Ben Kingsley and Aaron Eckhart. Further upcoming projects for Molly are indie film Omaha as co-lead character Ella, Black Box (Flight 298) as Chloe (which is a Duffer Brothers project), and she is set to work on an unannounced feature film based on a bestselling book, which Molly will film in the UK. Amongst Molly’s other screen work, she has played Juniper Hunt in Mistletoe Ranch, Young Meg (Milly Alcock) in episodes of Upright, Bella in Acorn series Darby and Joan, Lilly in Troppo and Young Emmy in Christmas on the Farm. Molly is passionate about charity work, and is the world’s youngest TED speaker and held her second high-profile public speaking event at El Festival de las Ideas on behalf of UNICEF, and has since been inspired to start Molly’s Wildlife Warriors, and she hopes to make enough money from acting to open a dog sanctuary. Answering our questions, Molly talks about her upcoming projects The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Deep Water, Omaha and Black Box (Flight 298), her further screen roles and her charity work.

You will be playing Beth in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, due for release this November, is there anything you can tell us about your time filming the project?

Firstly, thank you for inviting me to answer some questions, TresA! I love reading these interviews.

Playing Beth was so special. I got to spend some time in Manitoba, Canada during winter, so it was freezing but so perfect for filming a Christmas movie. I know most people say this (because it’s true!) but the very best thing about working on The Best Christmas Pageant Ever was spending time with the cast and crew. I got to work with an ensemble of children around my age, and they were hilariously funny, so brilliant and always up to something. I felt so good being around them every day, and we all enjoyed being guided by visionary filmmaker Dallas Jenkins who, along with his wife Amanda, had a 15-year-long dream of bringing this story to the big screen.

Mason Nelligan plays Ralph – he is from New Jersey, and I loved his accent. He’s an ice hockey player, and so funny and kind. Kynlee Heiman plays the magnificent and toothless Gladys, and everyone should watch out for her at the Olympics one day – she is an insanely good gymnast. All the children I met were so interesting, talented and kind and I wish I could list them all, but we would be here all day. Mainly, the cast is from the U.S. and Canada, and then there’s me from Manchester, England. Although, my nickname on set was “Kiwi Poo” because I’d brought everyone some bags of chocolate from New Zealand (named Kiwi Poo for fun) and that was that – I was called Kiwi Poo from that moment on, haha.

My mum also bought the cast playing the Herdmans (the naughty kids) some chewing gum which looked like a bag of coal as a joke, but Mason tried to chew it on set and his mouth went black and we thought it wouldn’t come off and it would ruin the next take. All was well, but my mum was so embarrassed and couldn’t stop saying sorry.

You’ll love the children in this movie. You’ll really, really love the Herdmans. They’re definitely not on the naughty list in real life.

Everybody was determined to do Barbara Robinson’s (the late author of the bestselling book the movie is based on) family proud, and so there was a beautiful, warm energy on set at all times. I loved it.

Was there anything that drew you to the film and how did you feel finding out you’d booked the role of Beth in the screen adaptation of the novel?

Aside from the draw of working with an ensemble cast of people my own age, the message of this film is what drew me to The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. We all know someone who might have a reputation at school for being “naughty” but it’s taking the time to understand them and why people behave the way they do. Compassion and kindness go a very long way. I wish everyone could have the understanding and love that Grace (played by the wonderful Judy Greer) has for the Herdmans.

I’ve also been watching The Gilmore Girls a lot lately, as Lauren Graham plays “present day” Beth – I was so starstruck to learn that Lauren and I will play the same character.

When I found out I got the role? I screamed! I had been listening to the audiobook and laughing out loud, followed by a lot of crying at the end. It’s the most beautiful feel-good story and I cannot wait for everyone to watch it.

It has been announced that you have filmed for Deep Water as Cora, what was it like on set of the film and working alongside Sir Ben Kingsley, Aaron Eckhart, and with the rest of the cast?

I still cannot believe I am in a movie in which Sir Ben Kingsley and Aaron Eckhart star. We filmed Deep Water in Auckland, New Zealand (where I bought the Kiwi Poo chocolates) which was just absolutely beautiful. I love Cora. At the start of the movie, she is struggling with her dad being in a new relationship, but there is a huge disaster which sees her go from moody tween to scared child and I loved portraying that change.

I absolutely loved working with and learning from Aaron, and we spent a lot of time together out on a raft or broken piece of fuselage on a water tank. We had a lot of waiting around between takes and during one scene, I noticed that my marker had disappeared under water, and I whispered to Aaron “how am I going to hit that mark now?!” And he said, “I could do that easily” and marched up to my mark, hit it perfectly (of course) and delivered a monologue about a ham sandwich.

Later, Aaron proceeded to tell me about how Renny (Harlin, the director) had added in a moment where I have to punch a shark. Aaron was very convincing, so I fell for it and was confused but trying to get mentally prepared to punch an imaginary shark, when I looked to my right and Aaron was laughing his head off. I didn’t have to punch a shark. Thank goodness. I like sharks. Aaron is an excellent actor and I learned so much from him. I feel like his energy and professionalism really elevated my performance. It was a great experience and I got to do my own stunts, which were intense and absolutely awesome.

How was it being involved with the US indie feature film Omaha as co-lead character Ella?

Oh Omaha. Where do I even begin? This was one of the most special projects I have ever been involved in, and it will always have a place in my heart.

The story is based on something that happened not too long ago in Omaha, Nebraska, and the story that Robert Machoian cleverly crafted shows the relationship a broken father has with life and his children. It was an absolute honour to be directed by Cole Webley, to work alongside John Magaro and Wyatt Solis, and to be taught on set by one of the best in the business, Bettina Russo.

We travelled across Utah, Wyoming and Nebraska to film this movie and so I saw a lot of amazing landscapes and wildlife. I saw a moose over the road from our hotel in Wyoming. That hotel was something else. Google The Historic Elk Mountain – it’s so haunted, they leave a booklet on your bed about the ghosts and the rooms they have been seen in. Obviously, we arrived there late and obviously the ghosts had been seen in room 8! OUR ROOM! Thank goodness we only had two nights there, although I secretly loved it and would definitely go back.

I got to spend my 10th birthday on the set of Omaha and it was the best way to celebrate! All the crew dressed as characters from Harry Potter. The soundie dressed as Dobby and even had a sock in his pocket. We had emotional scenes to do that day so I had to try hard to block out the occasional Harry Potter character walking by!

This year, you were cast in the role of Chloe in Black Box (Flight 298), what was it like being directed by Steven Quale and bringing a Duffer Brothers project to life?

I cried when I got this role! It was my first ever audition in the Spotlight office in London. I had moved back to Manchester and was excited to learn more about the industry here in England. I loved the casting process and later meeting Steven Quale over Zoom. I felt very invested, and I had dreamed of being in a sci-fi movie, so I crossed everything to get this role!

We shot Black Box (Flight 298) in Bulgaria in May and June this year. I loved exploring the ancient city of Sofia, Bulgaria, although was very sad to see so many stray dogs on the streets. I always make bracelets and decided to sell some to the amazing cast and crew (who really supported my little bracelet shop!) to raise money for a charity called Street Hearts who are based in Bulgaria. They are simply incredible. I hope to one day volunteer there and help people to adopt their new furry best friend. Dogs are the best.

Back to the movie! As soon as I saw that this was a Duffer Brothers’ concept, my head fell off. I am a huge fan of Stranger Things. Stephen Susco (The Grudge) adapted a short film The Duffer Brothers wrote and turned it into this feature. It was my second movie involving being on a plane, and my very first time depicting zero gravity. I absolutely loved every moment of being on this set.

Working with Steven Quale was a treat. He was second unit director on Titanic (my brother’s favourite movie) and Avatar and he told us some really cool stories about those movies, and showed us some BTS. I think the people who designed the avatars will be helping with the design of the aliens on this movie. I feel so lucky to get to do this – just going over these questions and memories is making me smile. A lot.

What are you looking forward to for the release of all four films and who do you think will enjoy watching each?

I’m looking forward to seeing the smiles following The Best Christmas Pageant Ever. Who doesn’t love a Christmas film? This will definitely be a family favourite, maybe even a tradition, for years to come. Maybe my own little family will gather around to watch it if I ever become a mum. That would be surreal and amazing!

I know action and sci-fi fans will love Deep Water and Black Box (Flight 298). I’m looking forward to seeing the visual effects! I love how things come to life in post-production. It’s magic. I hope I’m old enough to attend the premieres of these two! Haha.

I think film fans will be in for a treat with Omaha. The cinematographer, Paul Meyers, is a magician. The picture he created not only matches the heart of the story, but is such a visual feast too. I love the colours Cole and Paul chose. I learned a lot on that film. Cole sent me homework before we shot. One of my challenges was to watch The Quiet Girl – a beautiful Irish movie featuring a nine-year-old girl, Cáit, played by Catherine Clinch. Cole wanted me to study how Catherine said a million things without ever speaking. I was blown away by Catherine’s eyes. That was the start of my journey and I’m so glad Cole shared so much of his knowledge with me. I just know people who appreciate the skill of putting a beautiful picture together will very much enjoy Cole’s work. I’m proud to be a part of Omaha.

How would you describe your character Juniper Hunt in Mistletoe Ranch and what are some of your favourite memories from filming?

I loved filming Mistletoe! We filmed in Queensland, Australia in the Gold Coast Hinterland, and it’s as beautiful as it sounds. Every day we had to travel through a place called Tamborine Mountain and they sold crystals and fudge up there. I miss that. Again, my favourite thing was the people I met. I keep in touch with Jordi Webber, who played my dad. He is one of the kindest people I know, and he actually came to help me out at Currumbin Wildlife Hospital, where I am a proud ambassador for wildlife.

What did you enjoy most about playing Young Meg (Milly Alcock) in episodes of Upright in 2022?

Milly Alcock is so cool. I think she is such a bold, energetic, fearless actor and I’m so excited to see her portray Supergirl. Playing Young Milly was a little more challenging, as I had to play much younger. I loved wearing a wig for this role and having my leg in a cast. One of the scenes depicts a car accident, and the amazing props and stunt team talked us through everything, even letting us feel the fake glass shards (made out of silicone) before the scene so we felt reassured. The artists behind the scenes in movies and TV shows are so clever and next-level creative – my mind is always blown when I see what has been created. The human mind is something else.

How was it being part of the Acorn series Darby and Joan as Bella and the Amazon Prime series Troppo as Lilly?

Darby and Joan was great as I got to hang out with Bryan Brown and Heather Mitchell. I only did a few days on that show, but I loved it.

Troppo was amazing. I love Dakota Fanning and so was excited to work with Radha Mitchell as I had seen some of her work with Dakota in Man on Fire. Radha was wonderful, as was Thomas Jane and the rest of the cast and crew. I was sad I couldn’t go back for Season 2, but I was already filming Omaha.

What do you remember most from filming as Young Emmy in Christmas on the Farm?

The best thing and the most stand-out about working on Christmas on the Farm was that I got to work with my friend Lynn Gilmartin. Lynnie had previously played a character accused of kidnapping me in my first movie, and our families became firm friends. When I found out Lynnie would play my mum in this movie, my heart was full. She is another incredibly kind and loving human, she is like family. Lynnie is also a proud ambassador of Currumbin Wildlife Hospital and, when I lived in Queensland, we shared some wonderful moments learning about and advocating for Australian wildlife. I miss that!

How did you get into acting and was it something you always wanted to do?

I absolutely love stories. I love watching them, telling them, creating them with my action figures and stop motions or making them up and writing them down. I always have, and always will. I was about five years old when I saw my mum coaching actors at home. It was past my bedtime, and I wasn’t supposed to stay up, but I sneaked into some of my mum’s classes, which she held in a makeshift studio called The Playroom (my toys were in there). At first I was told to leave and go to bed (lol), but over time I was allowed to watch some performances and join in a bit. My curiosity grew, and I loved being around creative people. They were kind and funny, weird, wonderful, giving, energetic, encouraging. I loved how freely actors expressed themselves and brought stories to life in front of my eyes. When I finally got to do that myself, to be a character and feel the freedom of losing myself in a scene, I felt like someone in one of my books for real and it was purely magic. My mum tells me I had some good natural instincts (probably because of the lives I’d led through reading) and so when she heard about an acting workshop for children, she signed me up. It was only a day workshop held by actor Joey Vieira at a Casting Director’s offices in Brisbane, Australia (we lived there for six years). The casting director was Ben Parkinson, and he was casting a movie called Kidnapped at the time. Joey reached out to my mum after the class and asked how my American accent was. After an audition, callback and director’s session I was able to secure the role and went off to film in Far North Queensland, which was breathtakingly beautiful and I just remember feeling so lucky. That’s how it all started and everything just went from there really.

We understand you are the world’s youngest TED speaker and held your second high-profile public speaking event at El Festival de las Ideas in Puebla, Mexico on behalf of UNICEF, how did you find the experience speaking at both events?

The TED Talk was the project which followed Kidnapped. My TED experience was probably a little different to what most TED speakers will describe. I was lucky enough to work in a collaboration with a charity called The Minderoo Foundation (who had put out a nationwide casting call for a child between five and eight, I think) and the most incredible film director called Michael Gracey (you’ll probably know him because he directed The Greatest Showman!). The team at Minderoo were made up of the most brilliant people – it was my first insight into how kind people with amazing ideas were able to achieve a massive global impact. They wrote the talk and then I got to learn all about the research and put my own spin on it from my perspective as a child. The talk was about early education. Michael then helped me to understand how to present in front of an audience.

The whole experience was mind-blowing as I not only got to work with Michael, but he showed me some BTS from The Greatest Showman and how it was put together, which ignited the biggest spark in me. I also got to speak at the Sydney Opera House, which was exciting. I had never been to Sydney before and I loved it very much. After the talk, I was inspired and motivated to create my own charitable group, which I named Molly’s Wildlife Warriors. That’s a long story, but I cannot thank Minderoo enough for helping me to understand how to action ideas and the impact we can have. I know that my journey with animals is only just getting started, and I love every moment. My main goal is to make enough money from acting to open a dog sanctuary.

My talk for El Festival de las Ideas can probably be described as a prequel to the TED Talk. This took place last year in 2023 in Puebla, Mexico. I wrote this alongside education expert Kirsty Walters from Fred Longworth High School, and it was overseen and added to by The Minderoo Foundation (just to make sure we were having the best impact possible). This talk really focused on reading and the power of books and stories. My favourite quote from the speech is when I list all the protagonists metaphorically on stage with me (Matilda and Hermione, etc.) and lessons they taught me which had led to my bravery and composure on that TED stage. I was sad to learn just how many children don’t have access to books and as such, lack basic literacy skills. I would love to help change that in the future somehow.

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

I love Jaws so much. It is such an iconic movie and it really stands the test of time. I watched it expecting it to be quite cheesy, but I just thought it was so cool; the story, acting and especially the cinematography. I feel like directors of photography still try to replicate the Jaws style today. It’s classic. I also love Forrest Gump. What a story! I love the uncanny moments with celebrities of that era, like Elvis and The President. It is a special movie with a special message. TV show-wise, I was obsessed with Stranger Things last year and binge-watched it and my nanna bought absolutely all of the merch available for my birthday. I love the thrilling sense of adventure, the individuality and chemistry of the cast, the soundtrack is epic, and so are the costumes.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I read a lot. I also love music, and I’m currently listening to Chappell Roan. I love spending time with my dog, Billy, and spend a lot of time asking people if I can pet their dogs. I go to classes to learn guitar, piano and gymnastics. I love living back home in England because spending time with family is my most favourite thing to do.

Do you have any additional projects coming up that you can tell us about and what are you hoping the next year brings for you?

I am over the moon to say that I do have projects coming up. I start filming one in October, and would you believe it, it’s the first character I have portrayed who has an English accent. I think it films in or near London and I absolutely love London so I can’t wait. It is an incredibly well-written, fun and exciting feature film, based on a bestselling book, and I get to work with some acting legends who I admire a lot! I don’t know how much I’m supposed to say, so I might come back to you on this one…

Thank you so much. I have loved answering these questions.