Luna Blaise Embraces a New Era with 'Jurassic World Rebirth'

Despite a demanding schedule of global premieres for "Jurassic World Rebirth," actress Luna Blaise maintains a bright demeanor. The 23-year-old, who joins the iconic franchise as the almost-college student Teresa in the latest "Jurassic" installment, has been fully immersing herself in the experience. Blaise told The Hollywood Reporter during a Zoom call weeks before the film's release that she felt as though she was attending a "masterclass" throughout the production.

Blaise, known for her series regular role on "Manifest," prides herself on the dedication she has put into her career and expressed no plans of slowing down. She discussed her involvement in "Jurassic World Rebirth," her eagerness to seize any on-set opportunity, and her future aspirations.

Joining an Iconic Franchise:

Blaise described joining such a beloved and expansive franchise as an "unbelievable experience" from the moment she received the call to the present day. She characterized it as a "minute-by-minute, heart-pounding, eyes-widening, mind-melting situation," emphasizing that the call to be part of a "Jurassic" film is unforgettable. The actress felt incredibly "blessed" to have the opportunity to work with the cast and crew, and she eagerly anticipated the film's release to the public.

A Masterclass in Filmmaking:

The intimidating scale of the project quickly transformed into a profound learning experience for Blaise. She reiterated feeling like she was in a "masterclass," not only from her fellow actors but also from the crew. She described the entire process as a "college course" for her career aspirations. Blaise particularly highlighted Scarlett Johansson, whom she referred to as the "captain of the ship," for setting a supportive tone from the outset. This ensured everyone felt taken care of and understood that they had each other's backs throughout what was undoubtedly a challenging production. She noted that this collaborative spirit was incredibly helpful and amazing.

Experiencing "Rebirth" with Audiences:

Witnessing the film with audiences at the premieres was a "completely surreal" experience for Blaise. She recalled sitting at the Odeon Luxe in London with her castmates, finally seeing and hearing the film's reception from others. Blaise found it profoundly special to be in a room full of people who were equally invested, involved, and vocal about the movie, making the experience much more "heightened and memorable" as they collectively shared the moment.

A Dream Come True:

When asked if she had always envisioned herself in this type of blockbuster film, Blaise admitted that if she were to script her acting career, she wouldn't have foreseen this specific path. While she has a vision for her career goals, she views every opportunity as part of the journey. Blaise expressed gratitude for her time in the industry and for being part of projects that have genuinely changed her life. Receiving the call for "Jurassic World Rebirth," her biggest project to date, felt "unimaginable," like a dream from which she was still waiting to awaken. She still finds it hard to believe the opportunity came her way, describing it as "unbelievable" and even "crazier" now that it has materialized.

Passion for the Craft:

Blaise approaches her career with an overriding excitement for simply being able to work in the industry, regardless of a project's scale. She stated that whether it's a "Jurassic blockbuster" or a four-day "guerilla-style shoot" with minimal crew, it doesn't matter as long as she's creating and honing her craft. She feels "excited for the opportunity" and is open to any project that intrigues her and resonates personally. Blaise described her career approach as an "ebb-and-flow sort of situation," but one that is consistently exciting.

Prioritizing Self-Care Amidst the Hype:

Acknowledging her busy schedule of premieres and the film's release, Blaise spoke about her self-care routines, humorously mentioning a "lingering press sickness." She emphasized the importance of having fun despite the stress of constant commitments, from early mornings to premieres and press days. For Blaise, remembering to "stay light, to stay positive" is crucial. She understands that even with exhaustion, it's part of the job, and the work must be done.

During a particularly intense week of hopping between three different countries for premieres, Blaise made a point of dedicating 20 to 30 minutes at the start of each day to "breathe, to just set my intentions, to just center myself." She mentally repeats positive affirmations and, when fortunate enough to be in a hotel with a spa, takes advantage of the sauna and steam room for meditation. She admitted to utilizing her "spa privileges" during the press tour.

Future Aspirations and Dedication:

Looking ahead from her biggest project yet, Blaise expressed a desire to continue working in the industry, acknowledging the small percentage of working actors. She simply wants the opportunity to be on a set and pursue her passion, finding the "young excitement" of it all refreshing. Blaise admitted she cannot predict her next move, finding everything currently coming her way to be exciting. She is waiting to see what "meshes and what clicks" as her next "unbelievably blessed" opportunity.

Blaise is eager for a role that will challenge her to work even harder, allowing her to fully invest her time and energy into creating a character. She noted the unique aspect of acting where one immerses themselves in a role only to eventually let it go, even after all the promotional work. The prospect of deeply immersing herself in a new character, entirely different from anything she's done before—much like "Jurassic" was for her at the time—is what truly excites her. She seeks new experiences that bring excitement to her life.

Authenticity and Hard Work:

As a performer, Blaise hopes people perceive her authenticity and dedication. She stated that she dislikes when actors present one persona in their films and then reveal a different one in interviews. She aims to be consistently genuine, hoping that those who speak with her see her excitement for the opportunity and understand that she has worked hard and will continue to do so. Blaise wants people to recognize that she is "nowhere even near the top" of where she envisions herself.

She emphasized that she has held the same visions for a long time and will relentlessly pursue them. Blaise desires for her hard work to be evident, wanting people to know that this is "not her first rodeo" and that she has been in the industry for a while. She stressed that her success has not come easily; it's a result of continuous effort. Blaise wishes for people to understand that she truly loves what she does and that she has earned her opportunities through consistent hard work, asserting that if someone doesn't see that, "then that’s on you."