As a music artist, Calah Lane released her debut single Otherside along with a music video, and has recently released an acoustic version and a further music video, and for the Disney Jr animated series Firebuds, she recorded the singing voice of the character Jazzy Jones. Calah played the supporting lead role of Noodle in Wonka opposite Timothée Chalamet, and she attended the worldwide film premieres in London and California. For her portrayal of Noodle, Calah was nominated for numerous awards, including Best Young Actor/Actress at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards, and she is part of the Wonka soundtrack for Noodle/Willy Wonka’s duet For a Moment. Amongst Calah’s screen work, she had a guest role in Family Reunion in 2021 as Jersey, and she played 12 Year Old Laurel in an episode of Series 5 of This Is Us. Speaking with Calah, she told us about playing the supporting lead role of Noodle in Wonka, attending the worldwide film premieres in London and California, working on episodes of Family Reunion and This Is Us and releasing her debut single Otherside last year.
Can you tell us about your single Otherside and how did the song come about?
Otherside is an inspirational song about overcoming your fears and regrets and getting on the Otherside of your traumas and things that make you sad! The song means a lot to me, and I could even use some of the lyrics in my own life. When we made the song, the producers helped write it, and we all just sat in the recording studio, sang different versions, and kept tweaking it until we got it right. The process was so fun!
How did you feel recording and releasing your debut single and how was it filming the music video?
I was a little bit nervous about releasing it from the start, because I didn’t know if people would like it. But I am so thankful for the support from my fans and everyone else who listened to the song because they all seemed to have loved it! Filming the music video was so much fun! I loved having my mom and my sister in it also, because they made me feel so loved on set. So, putting them in the music video made the video even more special.
What has it been like seeing the listeners’ response to the song, and who do you think your music will appeal to?
It’s so rewarding! My fans seemed to have really enjoyed the song and I hope that people continue to listen to my song for years to come. I really believe that this song will appeal more to teenagers and most likely girls that are going through tough times and just need a quick pick me up.
You have recently released the acoustic version of Otherside, how different was this to work on to the original track?
When I was working on the acoustic version of my song, I really wanted it to sound different than the original song so people could have a different version of it. It was different because there was just a guitar playing in the background, so I wanted it to sound very clear and polished. But overall the acoustic version was very fun to create.
In the Disney Jr animated series Firebuds, you record the singing voice of character Jazzy Jones, what is this like to do?
I loved recording the singing voice for Jazzy Jones because I loved putting my personality into the songs that I sang for her. Jazzy is played by another actress also, so I was a little nervous because I had to sound just like her. But overall, it was a very exciting experience and I would love to do it again!
Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked the supporting lead role of Noodle in the feature film Wonka and how familiar were you with the Willy Wonka/Charlie and the Chocolate Factory franchise before auditioning?
So believe it or not, I actually thought for a while that the Johnny Depp version of the Wonka franchise was the original. I had no idea what the Gene Wilder version of Willy Wonka was. My mom and Nana had to show me the Gene Wilder version when we found out it was a Wonka franchise movie! But finding out that I received the role of Noodle in the movie was so exciting and felt like a dream! I remember jumping up and down on my bed after finding out and me and my mom screaming through the speakers of the phone when Paul King told me I was going to be Noodle!
How would you describe Noodle and what was she like to play?
I would describe Noodle as a smart, funny, and closed off girl who needed someone in her life to care about her the way she dreamed her mom would. She was lonely and guarded, but Willy was there to help her learn more about herself and give her the friendship she really needed. Noodle was very thrilling to play. I remember being on set with Timothée and all of the crew. It was just so beautiful! We all became a big family.
What are some of your stand-out memories from your time on set of Wonka and filming opposite Timothée Chalamet?
I remember standing outside of our trailers and teaching him the Thriller dance. That was so fun! I also remember him coming over to our house for Thanksgiving. He really enjoyed my grandmother’s oxtails. But overall, Timothée is a phenomenal actor, and will continue to create beautiful movies.
Did you have any favourite scenes to film, and how was it seeing the huge success to the release, which saw you be nominated for numerous awards including Best Young Actor/Actress at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards?
I really loved filming all of the scenes, but one of my favourite scenes to film was the scene where Timothée sings A World of Your Own. That song is such a wonderful song and the set was just beautiful. The teacups in that scene were made out of chocolate and I had chance to bite one. So good! And being nominated for the Critics Choice Awards was one of the best moments of my life! I remember screaming when I found out I was nominated. To be voted on by the Critics and know they really enjoyed my performance…. is so surreal!
How did you find the experience attending the worldwide film premieres and what was it like watching the completed film for the first time?
When I first saw the film, I couldn’t believe my eyes. It really felt like an actual dream I was in. My mom cried and my dad was so proud. I was so thrilled to be able to go to the premieres in London and California. I remember the venues and both premieres being so huge and seeing some incredible celebrities that attended such as: Tia Mowry, Kelly Rowland, and John Stamos. Going to those premieres were so beautiful because I got to see people watch the movie for the first time. I had already seen the movie at least five times before I went to the premiere, so just seeing everyone else’s reactions to the movie just made it even more special.
What was it like being part of the Wonka soundtrack and recording Noodle and Willy Wonka’s duet – For a Moment?
I remember listening to the Wonka soundtrack for the first time and absolutely loving it. I remember it adding so much magic to the movie. Being able to record the song For a Moment just added another beautiful score to the movie and I loved recording it with Timothée. Another of my favourite songs is A World of Your Own. With the sets being so colourful, and filming, while hearing the music simultaneously, with the cast, was so dreamlike. Everything was so perfect and well put together!
In 2021, you had a guest role in Family Reunion for Netflix as Jersey, what was your episode like to film?
It was so incredibly funny! We had to dress like the mini versions of our TV moms and that added another layer of funny. We laughed a lot and we even had a chance to do some fun improv.
How was it playing 12 Year Old Laurel in an episode of Series 5 of This Is Us?
Playing Laurel in This Is Us was challenging because I had to fulfill this role of a character that was already significant in the show. Although me and my older self in the episode didn’t film together, I was able to meet her and talk with her for a bit. She helped make me feel more confident. The show was very fun to film, and being able to become the character was really exciting. I also loved getting my first silk press on my hair!!
What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch, and how do you like to spend your time away from your career?
My favourite films are Titanic or My Girl. I am in love with romcoms and comedies. They are my favourite type of movies and shows. My favourite TV show has always been Stranger Things. I started watching it when I was 12, and I’ve loved it since.
Away from my career, I love to write, sing, and dance. They are my favourite hobbies to do outside of acting.
What do you enjoy most about working in the acting industry?
I love meeting new people, creating art with my work, and being able to get into different characters while running lines. I’ve always loved acting, and I’ve been doing it since I was four. It’s like walking to me. And my goal is to do it for years and years to come.
Have you been given any advice over your time as an actor so far that has stuck with you?
When I’m sitting with my mom and talking about my acting career or an audition, she always encourages me and supports me. She makes sure I keep my faith strong. I couldn’t have done anything that I’ve done without God and my mom. She has always given me motivation, and I will always thank her for it. So, my best advice would be to stay faithful and never give up.
What are you hoping this year brings for you, and do you have any acting projects or music releases coming up that you can tell us about?
I’m so excited to have released the music video to the acoustic version of my song, Otherside on YouTube! And I’m also singing on an amazing project for an organisation – Saving Our Daughters. It is written by Megan Piphus and features myself, some other amazing actors and the little Cinderellas of the Walt Disney School. So excited for everyone to hear and support the soundtrack!
My dream is for my next acting project to be an action movie, or a comedy film or series. I’d also love to make some more music, and make an album!
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