Today, Cecilia Blair can be seen playing Young Martha (younger version of Glenn Close) in the new Netflix release of feature film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, which is directed by Rian Johnson and stars Daniel Craig and Josh O’Connor, and Cecilia reunited with some of the cast in October for the premiere at the BFI London Film Festival. Cecilia worked on the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) film The Fantastic Four: First Steps and attended the cast and crew screening in July. Having originally wanted to be a dancer, Cecilia was asked to audition at six years old, and with her first self-tape, she booked the role of Young Lucy (Jessica Raine) and has played the character since 2022 in The Devil’s Hour for Amazon Prime Video, with her on-screen mother Kim Allan playing Young Sylvia, and a Season 3 is expected to air in 2026. Catching up with Cecilia, she spoke to us about the new Netflix film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (in which she plays Young Martha), working on the Marvel film The Fantastic Four: First Steps and playing Young Lucy (Jessica Raine) in the Amazon Prime Video series The Devil’s Hour.

In the new feature film Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, you can be seen as Young Martha; how did you feel finding out you’d booked the project and how was it joining the new Knives Out film?

I was so shocked, I honestly couldn’t believe it, and seeing all these amazing actors on the same film set as me, it was a dream come true.

What was it like getting into character as Young Martha and playing the younger version of Glenn Close?

Martha was such an incredible role to play. Before filming, I would always go through in my head on how I could bring this character to life. I had no clue that the older actor was Glenn; when I found out I was bursting with joy.

Without giving spoilers, can you tell us about Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and who do you think the film will appeal to?

As a Knives Out fan, in my opinion, this is going to be the best one yet, not to be biased 😂 I think it will reach a special place in people’s hearts.

What was it like on set of the film and being directed by Rian Johnson?

I can remember every day I made friends with all the crew, I would love to go to craft and see everyone. I had a lovely bond with Annie (Hamilton) and I still do. All the cast were lovely to me; they are a very special group of people.

Rian was such an amazing director, he knew everything about every shot and, after seeing the movie, I now understand how right he was about the changes he made when we were filming. He was always super relaxed and happy, there was such a good atmosphere on set, I loved every minute of it.

For me, the best part of being an actor is always the people you meet – I am very lucky to have met new friends on all the productions I have worked on.

How did you find the experience attending the premiere at the 2025 BFI London Film Festival in October and reuniting with some of your fellow cast members?

It felt like a dream come true walking onto the red carpet. I was so happy to see everyone again and even meeting a few people that I didn’t get to meet when we were filming last year.

How was your time filming for The Fantastic Four: First Steps and working on the massively popular Marvel franchise?

It may have been a small scene but just to go to Pinewood was such an adventure that I will remember forever. It was a great achievement just to be a little part of this franchise.

Had you seen any films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) before auditioning and how did you feel watching The Fantastic Four: First Steps for the first time at the cast and crew screening in July?

Yes, I love Marvel movies, especially The Avengers. It was so much fun to go to the screening, the film was action-packed from start to end, movies are more powerful when you watch them on the big screen.

You have played Young Lucy (Jessica Raine) since the start of The Devil’s Hour in 2022 on Amazon Prime Video, what is the character like to play?

It was so much fun to get into character because I just had to be myself with a little bit more edge.

How is it returning to set to film each new series of The Devil’s Hour and what do you enjoy most about working on the show?

It felt like coming home, it was great to see everyone again, and to be reunited with my on-screen mum Kim (Allan), who plays Young Sylvia. We also worked with Tom Moran, who was directing some of the episodes. I loved going back to the same hotel, it gave me déjà vu each time.

Can you tell us anything about Season 3 and when it might air?

We’re very excited about Season 3 and can’t wait for everyone to see it. We’re not ready to share a release date yet, but it will be next year.

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

It was a bit of an accident, I always wanted to be a dancer. When I was six years old, I was asked to do an audition, it was the first self-tape I ever did. We didn’t really know what we were doing, but I booked the role, it was for Young Lucy on The Devil’s Hour. That’s why you must always give things a go, you never know where it might lead you to.

What are some of your stand-out highlights from your time in the acting industry so far?

Being on set is my happy place……. I never want it to end.

I remember how excited I was to start filming on The Devil’s Hour. My first day on set was filming inside a tiny cottage packed with all the crew. I didn’t know anything about being an actor, it just clicked for me, and it was such a great feeling. I was very lucky as the director Johnny (Allan), made it easy and fun.

My other moment I will always remember was when Rian offered me the role as Young Martha.

Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch?

I love olden day films, especially The Notebook, La La Land and many more.

As a dancer, I love to watch Dance Moms. I’m all in for the drama.

How do you like to spend your free time?

I mainly do dance, but I love golf and padel. I do a lot of tap, ballet and modern. I’ve learnt how to ride a horse, and it makes me feel so free when I’m riding. To top it all off, I do a lot of running.

I also love singing, I performed recently at A Xmas Cracker Cabaret with our singing teacher Sam, we raised money for @nationalyouthartstrust.

What are you hoping 2026 brings for you and do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

Right now, I am having a lot of fun, and I hope that continues next year. As an actor we are always auditioning………. who knows where my acting journey will take me next.

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