In the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film The Fantastic Four: First Steps, Isla McRae played a Yancy Street Kid, and filmed her scenes mostly with Natasha Lyonne. It has been announced that Isla will be in the cast of the sci-fi adventure film Project Hail Mary, set for a 2026 release, and she worked closely with Ryan Gosling, who stars as Dr. Ryland Grace, and she was directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller, and she will be starting work shortly on an unannounced project. Isla played Young Stefanie in the Hallmark film The Christmas Quest – the younger version of Lacey Chabert’s character, and she has worked on a number of commercials including the upcoming Christmas Lidl advert. Speaking with Isla, we found out from her about filming as a Yancy Street Kid in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, working alongside Ryan Gosling in the upcoming sci-fi adventure film Project Hail Mary and being part of the Hallmark film The Christmas Quest as Young Stefanie.

Most recently on screen, you’ve been seen as a Yancy Street Kid in The Fantastic Four: First Steps, how was it working on a film in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU)?

It was really cool to see how something that big is filmed. The sets were massive and there’s just so much that goes into making a movie like that.

What was it like meeting the rest of the cast and what were your scenes like to film?

All of the cast members I met were really nice. Most of my scenes were filmed with Natasha Lyonne and I really liked her. She’s really very funny and super talented. It was a great experience getting to watch these really famous actors work – and to work alongside them! A lot of what was filmed didn’t make the final cut, but I heard the Blu-ray will have extra scenes, so I’m excited to see those!

What are some of your favourite memories from being involved with The Fantastic Four: First Steps?

I had so much fun with the other cast members. I was the only girl Yancy Kid and a lot younger than the others, so it felt like I had four older brothers while filming!

It has been announced that you are in the cast of the upcoming sci-fi adventure film Project Hail Mary, which stars Ryan Gosling as Dr. Ryland Grace, is there anything you can tell us about this?

Well, I can say it is going to be epic! I hope everyone goes to see it in IMAX because you need to see this film at that size! Working with Ryan Gosling at nine years old was an honour.

How did you feel finding out you’d booked your role in Project Hail Mary and what was it like being directed by Phil Lord and Christopher Miller?

I had only started acting professionally a few months before, so I was shocked and also really proud. Phil and Chris were laughing the entire time! It was so fun.

The film is scheduled for release in 2026; what are you looking forward to most for the release?

Seeing the full film! Seeing how all the bits and pieces come together… I can’t wait!

How was it getting into character as Young Stefanie in the 2024 Hallmark film The Christmas Quest and how was it playing the younger version of Lacey Chabert’s character?

This was my first time even seeing a set so it was probably the only time I’ve ever gotten nervous. Thankfully, I worked with a lovely actress named Erin Cahill, who explained everything to me on our long drive from the hotel to the set in Iceland. I couldn’t have asked for a better first filming experience or scene partner. Even though I didn’t film with Lacey, she was on set and one of the first people I met. She is very kind and I do think we look a bit alike!

What did you enjoy most about working on a Hallmark Christmas film and how was your time on set?

The Hallmark team was soooo kind! They work together often, so the atmosphere was really positive. And filming in Iceland was amazing. We flew over an active volcano, I saw the Northern Lights, and so many waterfalls. It was beautiful.

Can you tell us about filming the commercials for Barclays, Apple and Lidl?

There were SO many kids and different scenes involved in the Barclays advert. The concept was kids acting like adults so it was funny to see everyone in their different “adult” outfits.

For the Apple commercial I flew to LA to film and also had a full day photoshoot with a goldfish – which I can’t say I’d done before. The goldfish even had its own trainer, which is just a really funny job to imagine existing.

Both of these were directed by David Shane. I think he’s allergic to compliments so I’ll just say he’s pretty good at this stuff and he keeps getting awards for it so it’s a real treat to work with him!

The Lidl advert comes out at Christmastime so I can’t say much until it is released. But I filmed it over two weeks in Vienna and loved every second of it. I think it’s going to be super special.

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

I’m not sure exactly where it came from, but I had a few actor friends and wanted to give it a go. When I was eight, I took classes at Sylvia Young school and met Sylvia herself. She asked if I had an agent because she thought I’d be great at it. It hadn’t even crossed our minds before, but I said I wanted to try, and my mom reached out to agents and I met my amazing agent, Carleen! Sylvia passing away recently was very sad, but I’m so grateful I got to meet her because she changed my life.

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

I love Wednesday. I also really like comedies – my parents let me watch certain episodes of South Park, which always makes me laugh. I enjoy true crime documentaries too. Sometimes I’ll watch clips of more grown-up films with my parents – like parts of Inglourious Basterds, which I thought was really cool. I also have an unhealthy addictions to The Thundermans 😅

How do you like to spend your free time?

I love art! Drawing, pottery, digital art… all of it. Going out for sushi, dumplings, or ramen are my faves. I like rollerblading, swimming, dancing and skiing. I take piano lessons weekly. I love when I get to hang out with my BFF, Mila, who is also an actress!

What do you feel you’ve learnt from being in the acting industry so far, and do you have a favourite aspect of being an actor?

I love seeing how different shots are set up and just how everything comes together. I’ve also learned that a lot is out of my control – you audition so much just to get a few bookings, so you have to be resilient. What I can control is giving every audition my best effort and having fun while doing it. I know I won’t be the right actor for everything, and that’s okay!

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

I’m about to fly out for a project that I can’t say much about yet, but it will be my first time doing stunt training, and I’m super excited! Next year, I’m hoping to get a starring role!!

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