March 11, 2025 • 29 mins
This week, Tommy is joined by Simone Ashley and Hero Fiennes Tiffin, who are currently starring in the smash-hit romantic comedy, Picture This. The movie is about a struggling photographer named Pia (Simone) who is told she'll find true love and career success within the next five dates she goes on. With her sister's wedding approaching and her family playing matchmaker, her ex Charlie (Hero) soon reappears, throwing her life into chaos. You know and love Simone from her role in the wildly popular series Sex Education, and of course from starring opposite Jonathan Bailey in the second season of Bridgerton. Hero has a special place in the hearts of many Harry Potter fans because he played a young Tom Riddle in the sixth Harry Potter Film, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, before going on to star in the fan-favorite After franchise. Today, Simone and Hero open up about what it was about this story that made them want to be a part of it, if they can describe one another using only three emojis, if they are open to the idea of going on a blind date, the scene that they were most terrified to do in this film, if Hero prefers playing a darker character or a comedic role, the moment a bee stung Simone when she was filming with Hero and what she did next, if Simone keeps hearing about those steamy scenes between her and Jonathan Bailey, will we see Kate and Anthony as parents in season four, how it was for Simone producing a film for her first time, what’s to come with her new production company, if Hero wants to step into the Wizarding World again, a defining moment for them as artists, their relationships with social media and how they navigate protecting their peace, and so much more. Subscribe, rate, and review this episode if you enjoyed this conversation!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:01):
Hey guys, welcome to I've never said this before with
me Tommy di Dario. I feel like I am bouncing
off the walls of it because I'm so excited for today. So,
for one, I have two brilliant actors joining this episode,
and for two, they start in a brand new rom
com which I am such a sucker for a good
romantic comedy. Simone Ashley and Hero Finds Tiffin are hanging
(00:26):
out with me who you know and you love from
some pretty iconic projects. They both have done so much
great work. But for Simone, I was introduced to her
through the Netflix smash hit series Sex Education, which I
absolutely loved, and then of course watched her star opposite
Jonathan Bailey in the second season of Bridgerton, which many
say was the best romantic pairing yet. Hero has a
(00:47):
special place in many Harry Potter fans hearts because he
played a young Tom Riddle in the sixth Harry Potter film,
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, and a more
grown up Hero went on to star in the fan
favorite after films, teaming up for a heartfelt rom com
in Prime Videos Picture This. Okay, here's the story. So
Simone plays Pia. She's a photographer who receives a prediction,
(01:10):
and that prediction is true love and career success await
her in the next five dates that she goes on
serious right and with her sister's wedding that's looming and
her family who decide to suddenly play matchmaker. Her ex
then suddenly reappears, played by Hero, of course, which then
throws her love and professional life into total chaos. Will
(01:31):
they or won't they end up together? Well, you're gonna
have to watch a movie to find out that, but
you're gonna now have to listen to this amazing interview
where you get to learn a bit more about these
fan favorite artists. So let's see if today we can
get Simone and Hero to say something that they have
never said before. Hey Simone, Hey Hero, how are you
(01:57):
vote today? Really good things?
Speaker 2 (02:00):
What are you doing?
Speaker 1 (02:01):
Good? Good?
Speaker 2 (02:01):
Well?
Speaker 1 (02:01):
Congrats on the movie. Picture of this was so much fun.
I'm a huge r MCom fan, and I think that
with everything going on in the world, there's never a
shortage of these types of movies that we need. So
to begin, I guess I want to kind of get
to know both of you a little bit better. So
how would you each describe one another using only three emojis?
Speaker 3 (02:23):
Three emojis. I might go for some we're doing each other. Yeah,
I would go for some of the dancing woman in
the red dress, the one I opened, one I winking
with the tongue out, and then.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Maybe one of the.
Speaker 3 (02:41):
Ones that's like, you know what you send people on
their birthdays and I never really know what it is.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
It's like a Cohen with black Yeah, yeah, but it
is celebration coming up?
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (02:52):
Nice Yours would be a football. I just think a
thumbs up because you're just a chill guy like you,
like's done stuff and a superhero emoji?
Speaker 1 (03:05):
Nice ooh, solid choices. All right. I feel like I'll
need to go back and dissect those later, but I'm
here for it. I love it this movie. Like I said,
it's just such a fun one, and you two are
no strangers to doing such amazing and dare I say,
iconic pieces of work in pop culture history? So what
was it about this film, this story, these characters that
made you both say I gotta do it, like I
(03:27):
am all in?
Speaker 4 (03:28):
Yeah, I mean I've always been drawn to characters like here,
characters that are super passionate and ambitious and have that drive,
and you know, I really loved that about her, and
I loved her journey that she kind of finds clarity
within her frustration and opens her heart and opens herself
to a journey of self discovery and taking a chance
(03:50):
and a risk. And I loved that it was a
you know, the love trope was a second chance. I
don't think I've really seen that before, So that's what
really drew me to it. And the fact that it was,
you know, a rom com about a London girl and
had all these incredible characters surrounding, and that it was
(04:11):
focused on a salv Asian family.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
I love that, and what about you here h a
number of things, but it started with just reading the
script and laughing out loud and just seeing that this
was just it was just funny and it had a
lot of heart and soul as well. But yeah, I
think I think the main thing that drew me to
it was just the comedy. I've been lucky to play
a role in a few romances before, and I realized
when reading this, how I haven't dabbled in the comm
(04:35):
side of rom comms.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
I've done romantic dramas and stuff.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
But yeah, so that was the initial thing, and then
knowing how great Simon is and the team that they
were building around, all the cast and the creative team,
and then specifically looking at my character, I loved how grounded,
down to earth, self assured, dependable he was. I feel
like they're really that they're traits that are really admirable
in real life. And I feel like sometimes it's easy
(05:00):
to make a love interest on screen feel like they
need to be decorated, performative, the center of attention, a
bit of a showman, but I think in reality. I
loved how Charlie was represented to be closer to reality
and just being a nice guy, a chill, nice guy
who's down to earth and you can rely on him.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
M Yeah. I think it's really relatable too. I like
the balance between Simone's character being a little bit of
a a hot mess, right and here your character being
this kind of stable force that enters her life, you know, just.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Like I'd agree that the characters are so well written
in how they balance each other out.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Yeah, and that's real life, and I feel like sometimes
that's missing, at least I see that sometimes missing from realm.
Comms and it's kind of like, well, I don't know
if that. Like, people don't always have their shit together
all the time, so I like that there's that balance,
Like in my relationship too, I feel that. So I
think it's cool to see that reflected on screen and
the chemistry is there. I mean, that will make or
(05:57):
break a rom com, and it's very evident you guys
have a st friendship and a foundation because you do
have such great on screen chemistry. In fact, I'm actually
seeing your ship name going around right now is Chia.
Have you heard that?
Speaker 2 (06:10):
M I love that?
Speaker 1 (06:12):
Yeah, yeah, right, you're here for your PREW.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
I am here for it. Definitely improve.
Speaker 4 (06:16):
I hadn't heard of that. I love it.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
Yeah, it's a good one. It's a good one. So
people are already giving you the ship names and they're
they're very into it. I assume, I guess based off
the trailer. You know that the fans have seen because
the movie's out now officially, so that's really cool. Have
you guys always been fans of rom coms and you
grew up watching them? Did you pull from any inspiration
for these roles? Like, what's your relationship been like with
that genre? I, Yeah, I.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
Grew up watching rom coms and I love them all
the classics. My best friend's wedding, Nothing Hill, and I
would say there was a lot of influence from the
World of Benderlei Beckham and Bridget Jones For this, I.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Feel like, I I'm not in a rush to sit
down and watch a rom com, but I feel like,
and I could probably speak for a lot of guys
when I say this, I think we like them more
than we like to admit. It's the kind of thing
that when someone else put it on and they're watching,
you sink into the sofa and you yeah, you're very invested.
But yeah, I mean like, there's loads of rom comms
(07:14):
that I've loved growing up and probably overlook it a lot.
When I talk about what kind of films I like,
Ten Things I Hate about You's up there for me
and fifty First Dates, I feel like I watched that
film so many times as.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
A kid, and yeah, another cheeky little rom com.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Secretly, yeah, and they're making a comeback too. I feel
like there was a period of time where I didn't
see as many being made, And I mean I grew
up with like, there's something about Mary and my best
friend's wedding and all of the classics, and I do
feel like it went away for a bit and now
there's this resurgence of them, which I think is so cool.
So to be a part of that for both of
you must have just been a total blast.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
It was. Yeah, I do feel like that transition.
Speaker 3 (07:55):
Maybe I'm speculating here, but maybe might have been like
people wanted romances, but we've taken, for whatever reason, romance
to maybe like a darker place and explored the less
comical side of it. And maybe that's just the natural
ebb and flow of how things go and what audiences want.
But yeah, I feel very lucky to have explored the
roles that are like dramatic romances because they're so so
(08:18):
you know, fun and entertaining too.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
But yeah, it felt really nice to come back out
and be a part of them lean into the comedy.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Yeah yeah, yeah. And great characters and great character backgrounds
make for a great realm come in my opinion. So
for your characters, if you had to write their dating profile,
what would you say?
Speaker 4 (08:38):
I would say, you know, I don't know if Pierre
would have one, just because she's so chaotic and clumsy.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
I don't even know if I feel like JA would
make one for her. J would make one for her,
you know, and he'll probably slip in something really embarrassing.
Speaker 4 (08:53):
In the exactly and something really honest. She's just so
caught up in her head. But I think she had
to have her family kind of push her out there
to go on these dates.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
So yeah, sometimes you need to push.
Speaker 4 (09:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
I feel like Charlie probably would shy away from having
one as well, But if he did, there'd be something
in the bio about him showing off what he can
cook reckon. A lot of his pictures would probably be
like annoyingly hard to see what he looks like in
and loads of pictures of food. I don't think he's
the most dating savvy person, so he'd have one of
(09:27):
those ones.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
You've got to really read between the lines.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
Of the choices. I could see that. I could see that.
Have you guys been subjected to what I think is
the horror of a blind date? Because obviously blind dates
are a big theme in this movie. I think a
lot of people can relate to it. I have my
opinion on them. What are your thoughts.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
I've never been on a blind date, and I think
I'm quite against the idea for me personally.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
I think I have never been on one. But I
think I'm quite quite with it. I feel like the
idea of like getting out your comfort zone makes your
comfort zone bigger and it would be really scary. But
you know, you don't get to see what's on the
other side of that risk. That could be the love
of your life. You know, you can't turn down the
opportunity if you're in it. You're in the market and
someone says, you know, I don't know, but it could
go one in two ways, couldn't I want to hear
(10:14):
your opinion.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
Oh, well my opinion. So I'm going to be married
almost nine years in April. But in my single day,
thank you, thank you. In my single days, as a
gay man, I feel like when friends wanted to set
me up, it wouldn't it be based on anybody's characteristics
or qualities. It's just like, oh, there's two gay dudes.
I knew, so, no, so you two should go on
a date. And it's like, no, that's not how it works. No,
(10:38):
I wouldn't.
Speaker 3 (10:39):
If you get there and within one or two minutes,
you know it's not It's not for you.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Yeah, that's it for it.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
Yeah, there's been there's been a few bad ones, but
it's all part of the story which makes life exciting.
So hey, I don't regret anything, but yeah, it's it's
I love that that's a component of this film because,
like I said, it's it's very common and people are
very divided on that that concept. So I think it
brings it to the forefront in a way where I
believe when many people do you want to meet as
(11:06):
partner or spouse or whoever it may be, it's like, well,
should I be open to it now or shouldn't I.
So that's a whole other conversation that comes from this film,
which I think is kind of cool, you know.
Speaker 3 (11:15):
Yeah, Yeah, I think it's easier when you've you've heard
the prophecy of knowing that you will find the one
on these five days. I think it'll be easier to
go on five blind days if you knew one of
them would be the one for you, because a bottomless
list of blind.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Days it's pretty terrifying.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
But yeah, if you know one of them is going
to be the true love, then make it easier.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
But how in the world would you know that well that.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Her fortune, the fortune says that she's going to find
the one on one of these five days, and I
think that would make it a little bit more bearable.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
Yeah, true, true, If only real life could be like that,
we would all be in a good point. But I
do I love that. There's so many parts of this
movie that I think are just fine and genius and
heartwarming and all of the things. Was there a scene
for the two of you that you were a bit
more terrified to do in this romantic comedy?
Speaker 3 (12:12):
Yes, I think singing and dancing at the top of
my acting cv and there was a scene where we
had to burst out into song. But for whatever reason,
that scene didn't make the final cut, which is very
happy about. But Charlie wasn't supposed to be a great
singer either, so I think I was deliberately bang on
the mark with my probably quite lackluster ability.
Speaker 2 (12:33):
No, I agree, we were.
Speaker 4 (12:34):
We were both terrified. We had fun doing it, but
it got cut and maybe for a good reason.
Speaker 3 (12:42):
Yeah, even the dancing scenes that there's that there's a
couple of one great one at the end, and I'm
so like I watch it and I think it's it's
so fun and everyone everyone's great. But as I say,
I don't I don't spring out of bed on the
days where the.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Cool sheet says we're doing the dance the dancing scenes.
Speaker 1 (12:59):
Well, now you know everybody's going to want to see it,
so you better be releasing that deleted team.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
I haven't seen it myself, so should at least flee
the bleepers?
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Yeah, well someone for you? You sing? I mean, so
that was even terrifying for you?
Speaker 4 (13:11):
Well, it wasn't. It was more that they were screaming
out loud. It was bad singing, which is kind of Yeah,
that was even like hard, it's just.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Going you know what.
Speaker 1 (13:21):
It is?
Speaker 3 (13:21):
Also like, I feel like, even if you're it's an element.
You're performing and we're in a really quiet studio, and
if you were doing the scene, you know, for real,
you'd blast the bat and you'd be singing along to it,
which is a bit easier, but for the purpose of filming,
to get the sound, we had little ear pieces playing
the music very quietly, and we just had to belt
at the top of our voices in a packed room
(13:42):
of dead silence.
Speaker 1 (13:43):
Let me tell you the job you guys do leads
a little room to be self conscious in the real world.
I feel like you're probably some of the most confident
people after going through things like that. Hero, Let's let's
start with you with this one. You've played romantic leads, right,
(14:06):
and you've played some darker characters. So for you, is
there one that's more fun that you like to sink
your teeth into or it's just different.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
No, I'm really trying to be super honest here, and
I genuinely feel like the grass is always greener. If
I could do one then the other, one then the other,
That's how I'd want to do it, because there's a
lot to explore with the darkness of some of the
characters I played before. But there's something really just fun
about the lighthearted nature of a comedy and leaning more
(14:37):
into that side of things. So I think the grass
is always greener, and they're both really fun in different ways.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
I don't really have a preference.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
And one's not more challenging than the other.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
No, I think they're challenging in different ways.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
I mean, you need to get the emotion right when
you're trying to explore like the darker side of things
and the drama, but you need to you need to
be funny, and both of them need be believable. But yeah,
I don't think anyone's any any more challenging. I think
I would say when you're making a comedy, it doesn't
really take its toll on you as much when you
do a long shoot and you're playing any kind of character.
(15:13):
That there's something about doing a comedy that just allows
you to have fun. And I feel like when you're
having fun between takes and at the end of the day,
keeping yourself in that good mood, that's what kind of
feeds into more more comedy and comedic ideas on screen.
So there's something nice about that. But now I don't
have a preference. They both come with different challenges and
I like doing a bit of both.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
Yeah, And you have to be so on the zone
for anything that you guys are doing right and super
focused in the moment. So I guess whether the genre
is one thing or another, it's kind of the same
in that aspect. Simona, I think I just heard the director.
I believe it was the director, and maybe I'm wrong here,
but did you get stung by a bee during a
scene and you just kept going when you were making
(15:55):
this movie?
Speaker 2 (15:56):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (15:57):
It was doing the yoga sinet stung by a bee
and we cut for like five minutes and we just
kept going.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
Yeah, but you were like, no big deal, rip out
the stinger. Here we go.
Speaker 2 (16:09):
Kind of but it was painful.
Speaker 4 (16:12):
Yeah, more painful than I.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
Thought it could be.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Oh my god. And that's well, that just shows that you're, again,
like so committed in the moment. You just wanted to
keep going. You didn't need an hour break. I think
that's pretty funny. It made me smile, and I didn't
want to.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
I didn't want to stop filming just for a bee staying.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
I was kind of embarrassed by him, so I was like,
let's just keep going. I must confess.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
I hired that bee, and yes, someone was stealing the scene.
Abody bought me five minutes.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
Yeah, yeah, there you go. You to knock her down
a notch to steal the spotlight. That's awesome. Well, speaking
of bees for a minute, Okay, hold on while I
have you here. That scene Simon in season two of
Bridgerton with you and Jonathan Bailey and the bee is
described by many people, including my husband, as one of
the hottest things that they've ever seen on television. Do
(17:04):
you get that a lot.
Speaker 4 (17:08):
I think we have got that comment for a lot
of scenes in that series, in that season, specifically that scene.
This is the first I'm hearing it specifically that scene.
But I'm I'm glad, I'm glad it rocked your boat.
Speaker 1 (17:22):
It rocked a lot of people's busts because you know what,
and this is a testament to the work that you
guys do. I even saw this in this movie. It's
like the subtlety and the choices you make sometimes speak
so much more loudly than doing these like super outwardly
motions and you know, ways of expressing yourself. And I
(17:43):
think in that scene specifically, it was so subtle and
so kind of calm and gentle and quiet. At least
that's how it was when we watched. Did you feel
that too in that moment?
Speaker 4 (17:53):
Yeah, I would say so. Yeah. I think we always
had such a focus during the scenes and on set,
and likewise, hero on this project, we you know, here
was such an amazing co star. He's so dedicated to
his craft and so generous and really open.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
So yeah, I think.
Speaker 4 (18:12):
I'd like to think I'm the same way in the
sense I'm so focused. So it's always. I just feel
so lucky to be surrounded by co stars. I kind
of mimic that, thank you. Creates such a great environment
to work in.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
You guys really feel like each other is hype man
and hype more women.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
No, that's true. I'm so grateful you saying that.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
But yeah, I've loved, loved work on Someone's been It's
been just fun and you haven't had to navigate anything.
Sometimes there are like politics and on sets, but I
feel like being a being the lead, who's in every day,
who's in every scene, and you know, producing as well.
I mean, there's too many things to commend you on,
(18:53):
but just I feel like just creating an environment on
set that is just fun to be in and where
people want to be there, but without missing any beats
when it comes.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
To the work is just like a trait for all
of us to be on.
Speaker 1 (19:07):
Was this your first producing role?
Speaker 4 (19:09):
Yes, yes, it was yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:11):
First producing role and obviously an acting role as well.
How was juggling both of those worlds for the very
first time?
Speaker 4 (19:18):
It was such a learning experience and challenge. You know,
I was really involved in the development of the project
and involved in all of that there, you know, Elstree Studios.
We were there for a few months before we began filming.
Ben and Erica from forty two one and p were
just so generous to me and really believed in me
(19:39):
to collaborate with them, and I learned so much from them.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
And you have a production company, right, I do, yes,
So what types of stories and genres do you want
to tackle? I don't know.
Speaker 4 (19:51):
I think I'm focusing on my other projects at the
moment that I actually haven't had a beat to think
about that, but I I think, you know, generally speaking,
anything where I think women are portrayed in ways that
we need to see more of.
Speaker 2 (20:07):
Cool good catch, good catch, i'd have a good name.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Yeah, Yeah, that's so cool. I think it's amazing when
when artists expand and get to do things, you know,
aside from whatever their initial love is. And I think
that's so cool that you want to continue telling stories
that make a difference in matter. So rock on. I
look forward to seeing many things coming out of that
production company from you.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
Yeah, it's really cool. So when I announced you both
as my guests, the fans went wild, and I have
to ask you each the number one question that came
from the fans. I think you might have an idea
of what it might be hero for you. It's related
to Harry Potter. Oh yeah, and the fans want to
know if you would ever do anything in that world again.
Speaker 3 (20:50):
One hundred percent would they know where to find me
on by the phone.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
So I'd love to. I'd love to. I do have
to say, I think I would have to.
Speaker 3 (21:00):
And Slytherin though, that would be, that would be that
would be very important to me. I feel like once
you pick aside, you're on that side. You can't change it.
So yeah, I'm team Slytherin, but I would one hundred
percent be open to coming back.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
Well there's that new HBO show coming out, so and
I'm here like I am right here amazing and Simon
obviously it's about Bridgerton. And I know you can't say much,
but will we see you and Jonathan in parent mode
quite a bit?
Speaker 4 (21:29):
Yes, I can't say much, but Johnny and I are
coming back, and I'm super excited for the world to
see Yarin and Luke Lee this season. The Kate and
Anthony are back in They're.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
Here to stay.
Speaker 1 (21:39):
Hmmm, very nice. Well, we look forward to that for
the two of you as we start wrapping up. You
both have had such amazing careers in this business, and
it's not easy and it takes a lot of work
and effort and dedication, and their highs and lows and
everything in between. What would you say was a moment
that was very defining for both of you artistically and
(22:02):
as humans are at the course of your career.
Speaker 4 (22:05):
I would say every project is somewhat a defining moment
and challenges me artistically, and you know, we're so privileged
to be able to do what we love. But yeah,
I think Bridgeton was one of the most defining moments
for me so far.
Speaker 2 (22:20):
Yeah, i'd agree completely.
Speaker 3 (22:22):
I feel like every job feels defining in a different way.
But I would also say the after movies, being able
to play hard in and after will always be, will
always be the thing that I feel was the thing
that really pushed my career in the right direction, and
I really like credit the fans for that more than anything,
So yeah, I'll always be grateful for their support and
(22:45):
what they've allowed me to do with my career and
my life. So yeah, that'd be the most defining to day,
I'd say.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Mm but those are both epic performances, just like your
performance is in this movie. So many more to come,
I have no doubt any many more to come for sure.
The name of the show is called I've never said
this before, And the idea came because I do a
(23:12):
lot of red carpet interviews and a lot of junket interviews,
which you're no strangers too, and on a carpet you
maybe get a minute and a half with somebody in
a junket six minutes if you're a lucky you know,
traditional junket aside from this, So I just saw artists
wanting to have a bit more real conversation and talk
about things maybe they don't always get to talk about
and share a different side to them. So I'm wondering,
(23:33):
is there anything that you guys can think of that
you've never really had the chance to say before that
you want to say today?
Speaker 2 (23:41):
To be honest, I.
Speaker 4 (23:41):
Think I'm really proud in the way I use my
voice with my work, and I you know, my ambition
is to set a great example for my fan basis
majority women looking up to me, women of color looking
up to me.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
So I feel like I.
Speaker 4 (23:57):
Usually say the things that I truly believe in from
my heart, so I'm going to I'm going to keep
riding on that. I think. I just want to make
the world a better place as much as I can.
Speaker 2 (24:12):
I wish I was that's such a good answer.
Speaker 3 (24:14):
I wish I was more prepared or smart enough to
come up with something like that. When I saw this
on the page, I thought you were going to bring
up a quote that we may have said before.
Speaker 1 (24:23):
No, it's deeper than that.
Speaker 3 (24:25):
Said it or not, which should have been a fun
game too. But I'm sorry, I can't. I can't think
of much off the top. Feel like we're so lucky
to have the platform to have these, you know, conversations
and and and and explore all kinds of topics in
our work and in impressed.
Speaker 2 (24:39):
Stuff like this. But no, I don't. I don't feel like.
Speaker 3 (24:42):
There's there's there's anything that comes to mind that I
haven't haven't spoken about. I just feel super lucky that
we're able to, as I say, I have the platform
and the ability to have conversations and explore things in
our work anyway. So so no, I feel pretty pretty
pretty happy with the conversations I've had and the things
(25:02):
I've been able to say that I care about Well.
Speaker 1 (25:05):
That's a good feeling because not everyone always gets a
chance to speak on their truth and what they're feeling.
And I think in a very noisy world and business
that we all work in, it's probably really refreshing to
be able to stay grounded to who you are in
every step of your career, which I know isn't always easy, right, Yeah,
do you.
Speaker 3 (25:23):
Know what I find if there maybe something that I'd
like appreciating and how lucky we are to do that.
But also maybe I just appreciate like my time and
going back to my people, the people I grew up with,
And I think like as lucky as we are to
travel the world and meet fans and put ourselves out there,
I really appreciate the time I get to be a
bit more reclusive and live a bit more of a
(25:45):
simple life between jobs. But I think I'm privileged to
say that, because it's easy to say that when you
have the opportunity to go abroad and meet all these
amazing people and work on these amazing projects. But yeah,
I think maybe one thing that I haven't I haven't
said before stress is how much I also appreciate the
other side of that. So being able to have that
balance as something I'm very grateful for.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
And it's cool you bring that up because I think
for the two of you, at least I've noticed, you know,
with social media, your relationships seem pretty healthy and it's
a juggling act we all face more and more, and
you're both you know, very present on there, especially when
you have a big release coming out. But I do
feel like you also know when to take a step
back and not be on it twenty four hours a
day because you're not constantly constantly uploading stuff, right, So
(26:28):
is that an important balance for both of you to
maintain as hero you just said, knowing when to take
a step back and ground yourself with the people in
your life that you know aren't just on a screen.
Is that is that journey important to you?
Speaker 2 (26:39):
I think it definitely is.
Speaker 4 (26:42):
I think when you're promoting something, you know, I like
to use my platform to get my work out there,
my voice out there. But then when I'm keeping my
head down doing the work and keeping my head down
you know.
Speaker 3 (26:53):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, one hundred percent, I feel like, yeah,
just that work life balance, I don't feel like I
could bring what I want to bring characters I play
to interviews I do if I don't have the time
to just remind myself who I am and where I
come from, and I feel like, you know, yeah, I
(27:14):
would kind of lose touch of who I am, what
I care about if you were just constantly doing output.
So I think sometimes you need to chill, get the
input from your friends, your family, your hobbies, and yeah,
like you use the perfect word, it's about balance.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (27:29):
Yeah, it's something hard to achieve, but we all are.
We're all works in progress trying to achieve it, for sure.
So I started the interview where you guys subscribe each
other in emojis, and I want to end it with
another fun question. So, if there is one rule that
you would each cast one another in from your body
of work that you think each other would just nail,
(27:50):
like on one project has to be one, what would
you bring each other into Wonder Woman?
Speaker 2 (27:57):
Did you do Wonder Woman? No, I'd say for you,
we're doing that right.
Speaker 1 (28:00):
Well, it's one that you've done yourself, but we can
also say it wrong.
Speaker 2 (28:09):
So is this a character we've played a project? Any
character in that project?
Speaker 4 (28:15):
It doesn't even I see you in the world of
sex education.
Speaker 2 (28:17):
Oh yeah, yeah, maybe otis. That'd be fun and hard. Yeah,
I can definitely see what else do you think you're doing?
And it's just like Griffin ORCS.
Speaker 1 (28:33):
It's safe, solid choice to a solid choice. That's amazing.
That's amazing. Well, guys, congratulations on the movie. It's out now.
Picture this. I think it's gonna be huge. I'm predicting
a sequel, so hopefully you both are down for that
very much. Picture that. Okay, yes, you already have a
(28:57):
name for it. Well, I'm wishing you all the success
in the war with the movie. I'll be following your careers.
And seriously, guys, I think your stars are so bright
and there's only more and more and more we're going
to see from you, so I look forward to it all.
Speaker 2 (29:11):
Thank you so much. I've really enjoyed this. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (29:13):
Yeah, all right, guys, you all, thank you.
Speaker 2 (29:16):
Thanks.
Speaker 1 (29:18):
I've Never Said This Before is hosted by Me Tommy Dedario.
This podcast is executive produced by Andrew Puglisi at iHeartRadio
and by Me Tommy, with editing by Joshua Colaudney. I've
Never Said This Before is part of the Elvis Duran
Podcast Network on iHeart podcasts for more, rate, review and
subscribe to our show. And if you liked this episode,
(29:41):
tell your friends. Until next time, I'm Tommy Dedario.
Hey guys, welcome to I've never said this before with
me Tommy di Dario. I feel like I am bouncing
off the walls of it because I'm so excited for today. So,
for one, I have two brilliant actors joining this episode,
and for two, they start in a brand new rom
com which I am such a sucker for a good
romantic comedy. Simone Ashley and Hero Finds Tiffin are hanging
(00:26):
out with me who you know and you love from
some pretty iconic projects. They both have done so much
great work. But for Simone, I was introduced to her
through the Netflix smash hit series Sex Education, which I
absolutely loved, and then of course watched her star opposite
Jonathan Bailey in the second season of Bridgerton, which many
say was the best romantic pairing yet. Hero has a
(00:47):
special place in many Harry Potter fans hearts because he
played a young Tom Riddle in the sixth Harry Potter film,
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, and a more
grown up Hero went on to star in the fan
favorite after films, teaming up for a heartfelt rom com
in Prime Videos Picture This. Okay, here's the story. So
Simone plays Pia. She's a photographer who receives a prediction,
(01:10):
and that prediction is true love and career success await
her in the next five dates that she goes on
serious right and with her sister's wedding that's looming and
her family who decide to suddenly play matchmaker. Her ex
then suddenly reappears, played by Hero, of course, which then
throws her love and professional life into total chaos. Will
(01:31):
they or won't they end up together? Well, you're gonna
have to watch a movie to find out that, but
you're gonna now have to listen to this amazing interview
where you get to learn a bit more about these
fan favorite artists. So let's see if today we can
get Simone and Hero to say something that they have
never said before. Hey Simone, Hey Hero, how are you
(01:57):
vote today? Really good things?
Speaker 2 (02:00):
What are you doing?
Speaker 1 (02:01):
Good? Good?
Speaker 2 (02:01):
Well?
Speaker 1 (02:01):
Congrats on the movie. Picture of this was so much fun.
I'm a huge r MCom fan, and I think that
with everything going on in the world, there's never a
shortage of these types of movies that we need. So
to begin, I guess I want to kind of get
to know both of you a little bit better. So
how would you each describe one another using only three emojis?
Speaker 3 (02:23):
Three emojis. I might go for some we're doing each other. Yeah,
I would go for some of the dancing woman in
the red dress, the one I opened, one I winking
with the tongue out, and then.
Speaker 2 (02:38):
Maybe one of the.
Speaker 3 (02:41):
Ones that's like, you know what you send people on
their birthdays and I never really know what it is.
Speaker 2 (02:45):
It's like a Cohen with black Yeah, yeah, but it
is celebration coming up?
Speaker 1 (02:51):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (02:52):
Nice Yours would be a football. I just think a
thumbs up because you're just a chill guy like you,
like's done stuff and a superhero emoji?
Speaker 1 (03:05):
Nice ooh, solid choices. All right. I feel like I'll
need to go back and dissect those later, but I'm
here for it. I love it this movie. Like I said,
it's just such a fun one, and you two are
no strangers to doing such amazing and dare I say,
iconic pieces of work in pop culture history? So what
was it about this film, this story, these characters that
made you both say I gotta do it, like I
(03:27):
am all in?
Speaker 4 (03:28):
Yeah, I mean I've always been drawn to characters like here,
characters that are super passionate and ambitious and have that drive,
and you know, I really loved that about her, and
I loved her journey that she kind of finds clarity
within her frustration and opens her heart and opens herself
to a journey of self discovery and taking a chance
(03:50):
and a risk. And I loved that it was a
you know, the love trope was a second chance. I
don't think I've really seen that before, So that's what
really drew me to it. And the fact that it was,
you know, a rom com about a London girl and
had all these incredible characters surrounding, and that it was
(04:11):
focused on a salv Asian family.
Speaker 3 (04:13):
I love that, and what about you here h a
number of things, but it started with just reading the
script and laughing out loud and just seeing that this
was just it was just funny and it had a
lot of heart and soul as well. But yeah, I
think I think the main thing that drew me to
it was just the comedy. I've been lucky to play
a role in a few romances before, and I realized
when reading this, how I haven't dabbled in the comm
(04:35):
side of rom comms.
Speaker 2 (04:36):
I've done romantic dramas and stuff.
Speaker 3 (04:37):
But yeah, so that was the initial thing, and then
knowing how great Simon is and the team that they
were building around, all the cast and the creative team,
and then specifically looking at my character, I loved how grounded,
down to earth, self assured, dependable he was. I feel
like they're really that they're traits that are really admirable
in real life. And I feel like sometimes it's easy
(05:00):
to make a love interest on screen feel like they
need to be decorated, performative, the center of attention, a
bit of a showman, but I think in reality. I
loved how Charlie was represented to be closer to reality
and just being a nice guy, a chill, nice guy
who's down to earth and you can rely on him.
Speaker 1 (05:18):
M Yeah. I think it's really relatable too. I like
the balance between Simone's character being a little bit of
a a hot mess, right and here your character being
this kind of stable force that enters her life, you know, just.
Speaker 3 (05:31):
Like I'd agree that the characters are so well written
in how they balance each other out.
Speaker 1 (05:37):
Yeah, and that's real life, and I feel like sometimes
that's missing, at least I see that sometimes missing from realm.
Comms and it's kind of like, well, I don't know
if that. Like, people don't always have their shit together
all the time, so I like that there's that balance,
Like in my relationship too, I feel that. So I
think it's cool to see that reflected on screen and
the chemistry is there. I mean, that will make or
(05:57):
break a rom com, and it's very evident you guys
have a st friendship and a foundation because you do
have such great on screen chemistry. In fact, I'm actually
seeing your ship name going around right now is Chia.
Have you heard that?
Speaker 2 (06:10):
M I love that?
Speaker 1 (06:12):
Yeah, yeah, right, you're here for your PREW.
Speaker 2 (06:15):
I am here for it. Definitely improve.
Speaker 4 (06:16):
I hadn't heard of that. I love it.
Speaker 1 (06:18):
Yeah, it's a good one. It's a good one. So
people are already giving you the ship names and they're
they're very into it. I assume, I guess based off
the trailer. You know that the fans have seen because
the movie's out now officially, so that's really cool. Have
you guys always been fans of rom coms and you
grew up watching them? Did you pull from any inspiration
for these roles? Like, what's your relationship been like with
that genre? I, Yeah, I.
Speaker 4 (06:40):
Grew up watching rom coms and I love them all
the classics. My best friend's wedding, Nothing Hill, and I
would say there was a lot of influence from the
World of Benderlei Beckham and Bridget Jones For this, I.
Speaker 3 (06:52):
Feel like, I I'm not in a rush to sit
down and watch a rom com, but I feel like,
and I could probably speak for a lot of guys
when I say this, I think we like them more
than we like to admit. It's the kind of thing
that when someone else put it on and they're watching,
you sink into the sofa and you yeah, you're very invested.
But yeah, I mean like, there's loads of rom comms
(07:14):
that I've loved growing up and probably overlook it a lot.
When I talk about what kind of films I like,
Ten Things I Hate about You's up there for me
and fifty First Dates, I feel like I watched that
film so many times as.
Speaker 2 (07:26):
A kid, and yeah, another cheeky little rom com.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Secretly, yeah, and they're making a comeback too. I feel
like there was a period of time where I didn't
see as many being made, And I mean I grew
up with like, there's something about Mary and my best
friend's wedding and all of the classics, and I do
feel like it went away for a bit and now
there's this resurgence of them, which I think is so cool.
So to be a part of that for both of
you must have just been a total blast.
Speaker 2 (07:51):
It was. Yeah, I do feel like that transition.
Speaker 3 (07:55):
Maybe I'm speculating here, but maybe might have been like
people wanted romances, but we've taken, for whatever reason, romance
to maybe like a darker place and explored the less
comical side of it. And maybe that's just the natural
ebb and flow of how things go and what audiences want.
But yeah, I feel very lucky to have explored the
roles that are like dramatic romances because they're so so
(08:18):
you know, fun and entertaining too.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
But yeah, it felt really nice to come back out
and be a part of them lean into the comedy.
Speaker 1 (08:25):
Yeah yeah, yeah. And great characters and great character backgrounds
make for a great realm come in my opinion. So
for your characters, if you had to write their dating profile,
what would you say?
Speaker 4 (08:38):
I would say, you know, I don't know if Pierre
would have one, just because she's so chaotic and clumsy.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
I don't even know if I feel like JA would
make one for her. J would make one for her,
you know, and he'll probably slip in something really embarrassing.
Speaker 4 (08:53):
In the exactly and something really honest. She's just so
caught up in her head. But I think she had
to have her family kind of push her out there
to go on these dates.
Speaker 2 (09:03):
So yeah, sometimes you need to push.
Speaker 4 (09:06):
Yeah.
Speaker 3 (09:07):
I feel like Charlie probably would shy away from having
one as well, But if he did, there'd be something
in the bio about him showing off what he can
cook reckon. A lot of his pictures would probably be
like annoyingly hard to see what he looks like in
and loads of pictures of food. I don't think he's
the most dating savvy person, so he'd have one of
(09:27):
those ones.
Speaker 2 (09:27):
You've got to really read between the lines.
Speaker 1 (09:31):
Of the choices. I could see that. I could see that.
Have you guys been subjected to what I think is
the horror of a blind date? Because obviously blind dates
are a big theme in this movie. I think a
lot of people can relate to it. I have my
opinion on them. What are your thoughts.
Speaker 4 (09:48):
I've never been on a blind date, and I think
I'm quite against the idea for me personally.
Speaker 3 (09:53):
I think I have never been on one. But I
think I'm quite quite with it. I feel like the
idea of like getting out your comfort zone makes your
comfort zone bigger and it would be really scary. But
you know, you don't get to see what's on the
other side of that risk. That could be the love
of your life. You know, you can't turn down the
opportunity if you're in it. You're in the market and
someone says, you know, I don't know, but it could
go one in two ways, couldn't I want to hear
(10:14):
your opinion.
Speaker 1 (10:15):
Oh, well my opinion. So I'm going to be married
almost nine years in April. But in my single day,
thank you, thank you. In my single days, as a
gay man, I feel like when friends wanted to set
me up, it wouldn't it be based on anybody's characteristics
or qualities. It's just like, oh, there's two gay dudes.
I knew, so, no, so you two should go on
a date. And it's like, no, that's not how it works. No,
(10:38):
I wouldn't.
Speaker 3 (10:39):
If you get there and within one or two minutes,
you know it's not It's not for you.
Speaker 2 (10:44):
Yeah, that's it for it.
Speaker 1 (10:45):
Yeah, there's been there's been a few bad ones, but
it's all part of the story which makes life exciting.
So hey, I don't regret anything, but yeah, it's it's
I love that that's a component of this film because,
like I said, it's it's very common and people are
very divided on that that concept. So I think it
brings it to the forefront in a way where I
believe when many people do you want to meet as
(11:06):
partner or spouse or whoever it may be, it's like, well,
should I be open to it now or shouldn't I.
So that's a whole other conversation that comes from this film,
which I think is kind of cool, you know.
Speaker 3 (11:15):
Yeah, Yeah, I think it's easier when you've you've heard
the prophecy of knowing that you will find the one
on these five days. I think it'll be easier to
go on five blind days if you knew one of
them would be the one for you, because a bottomless
list of blind.
Speaker 2 (11:34):
Days it's pretty terrifying.
Speaker 3 (11:35):
But yeah, if you know one of them is going
to be the true love, then make it easier.
Speaker 1 (11:39):
But how in the world would you know that well that.
Speaker 3 (11:44):
Her fortune, the fortune says that she's going to find
the one on one of these five days, and I
think that would make it a little bit more bearable.
Speaker 1 (11:52):
Yeah, true, true, If only real life could be like that,
we would all be in a good point. But I
do I love that. There's so many parts of this
movie that I think are just fine and genius and
heartwarming and all of the things. Was there a scene
for the two of you that you were a bit
more terrified to do in this romantic comedy?
Speaker 3 (12:12):
Yes, I think singing and dancing at the top of
my acting cv and there was a scene where we
had to burst out into song. But for whatever reason,
that scene didn't make the final cut, which is very
happy about. But Charlie wasn't supposed to be a great
singer either, so I think I was deliberately bang on
the mark with my probably quite lackluster ability.
Speaker 2 (12:33):
No, I agree, we were.
Speaker 4 (12:34):
We were both terrified. We had fun doing it, but
it got cut and maybe for a good reason.
Speaker 3 (12:42):
Yeah, even the dancing scenes that there's that there's a
couple of one great one at the end, and I'm
so like I watch it and I think it's it's
so fun and everyone everyone's great. But as I say,
I don't I don't spring out of bed on the
days where the.
Speaker 2 (12:55):
Cool sheet says we're doing the dance the dancing scenes.
Speaker 1 (12:59):
Well, now you know everybody's going to want to see it,
so you better be releasing that deleted team.
Speaker 2 (13:04):
I haven't seen it myself, so should at least flee
the bleepers?
Speaker 1 (13:07):
Yeah, well someone for you? You sing? I mean, so
that was even terrifying for you?
Speaker 4 (13:11):
Well, it wasn't. It was more that they were screaming
out loud. It was bad singing, which is kind of Yeah,
that was even like hard, it's just.
Speaker 2 (13:20):
Going you know what.
Speaker 1 (13:21):
It is?
Speaker 3 (13:21):
Also like, I feel like, even if you're it's an element.
You're performing and we're in a really quiet studio, and
if you were doing the scene, you know, for real,
you'd blast the bat and you'd be singing along to it,
which is a bit easier, but for the purpose of filming,
to get the sound, we had little ear pieces playing
the music very quietly, and we just had to belt
at the top of our voices in a packed room
(13:42):
of dead silence.
Speaker 1 (13:43):
Let me tell you the job you guys do leads
a little room to be self conscious in the real world.
I feel like you're probably some of the most confident
people after going through things like that. Hero, Let's let's
start with you with this one. You've played romantic leads, right,
(14:06):
and you've played some darker characters. So for you, is
there one that's more fun that you like to sink
your teeth into or it's just different.
Speaker 3 (14:15):
No, I'm really trying to be super honest here, and
I genuinely feel like the grass is always greener. If
I could do one then the other, one then the other,
That's how I'd want to do it, because there's a
lot to explore with the darkness of some of the
characters I played before. But there's something really just fun
about the lighthearted nature of a comedy and leaning more
(14:37):
into that side of things. So I think the grass
is always greener, and they're both really fun in different ways.
Speaker 2 (14:43):
I don't really have a preference.
Speaker 1 (14:45):
And one's not more challenging than the other.
Speaker 2 (14:48):
No, I think they're challenging in different ways.
Speaker 3 (14:50):
I mean, you need to get the emotion right when
you're trying to explore like the darker side of things
and the drama, but you need to you need to
be funny, and both of them need be believable. But yeah,
I don't think anyone's any any more challenging. I think
I would say when you're making a comedy, it doesn't
really take its toll on you as much when you
do a long shoot and you're playing any kind of character.
(15:13):
That there's something about doing a comedy that just allows
you to have fun. And I feel like when you're
having fun between takes and at the end of the day,
keeping yourself in that good mood, that's what kind of
feeds into more more comedy and comedic ideas on screen.
So there's something nice about that. But now I don't
have a preference. They both come with different challenges and
I like doing a bit of both.
Speaker 1 (15:34):
Yeah, And you have to be so on the zone
for anything that you guys are doing right and super
focused in the moment. So I guess whether the genre
is one thing or another, it's kind of the same
in that aspect. Simona, I think I just heard the director.
I believe it was the director, and maybe I'm wrong here,
but did you get stung by a bee during a
scene and you just kept going when you were making
(15:55):
this movie?
Speaker 2 (15:56):
Yeah?
Speaker 4 (15:57):
It was doing the yoga sinet stung by a bee
and we cut for like five minutes and we just
kept going.
Speaker 1 (16:05):
Yeah, but you were like, no big deal, rip out
the stinger. Here we go.
Speaker 2 (16:09):
Kind of but it was painful.
Speaker 4 (16:12):
Yeah, more painful than I.
Speaker 2 (16:14):
Thought it could be.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Oh my god. And that's well, that just shows that you're, again,
like so committed in the moment. You just wanted to
keep going. You didn't need an hour break. I think
that's pretty funny. It made me smile, and I didn't
want to.
Speaker 4 (16:25):
I didn't want to stop filming just for a bee staying.
Speaker 2 (16:28):
I was kind of embarrassed by him, so I was like,
let's just keep going. I must confess.
Speaker 3 (16:32):
I hired that bee, and yes, someone was stealing the scene.
Abody bought me five minutes.
Speaker 1 (16:42):
Yeah, yeah, there you go. You to knock her down
a notch to steal the spotlight. That's awesome. Well, speaking
of bees for a minute, Okay, hold on while I
have you here. That scene Simon in season two of
Bridgerton with you and Jonathan Bailey and the bee is
described by many people, including my husband, as one of
the hottest things that they've ever seen on television. Do
(17:04):
you get that a lot.
Speaker 4 (17:08):
I think we have got that comment for a lot
of scenes in that series, in that season, specifically that scene.
This is the first I'm hearing it specifically that scene.
But I'm I'm glad, I'm glad it rocked your boat.
Speaker 1 (17:22):
It rocked a lot of people's busts because you know what,
and this is a testament to the work that you
guys do. I even saw this in this movie. It's
like the subtlety and the choices you make sometimes speak
so much more loudly than doing these like super outwardly
motions and you know, ways of expressing yourself. And I
(17:43):
think in that scene specifically, it was so subtle and
so kind of calm and gentle and quiet. At least
that's how it was when we watched. Did you feel
that too in that moment?
Speaker 4 (17:53):
Yeah, I would say so. Yeah. I think we always
had such a focus during the scenes and on set,
and likewise, hero on this project, we you know, here
was such an amazing co star. He's so dedicated to
his craft and so generous and really open.
Speaker 2 (18:10):
So yeah, I think.
Speaker 4 (18:12):
I'd like to think I'm the same way in the
sense I'm so focused. So it's always. I just feel
so lucky to be surrounded by co stars. I kind
of mimic that, thank you. Creates such a great environment
to work in.
Speaker 1 (18:23):
You guys really feel like each other is hype man
and hype more women.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
No, that's true. I'm so grateful you saying that.
Speaker 3 (18:33):
But yeah, I've loved, loved work on Someone's been It's
been just fun and you haven't had to navigate anything.
Sometimes there are like politics and on sets, but I
feel like being a being the lead, who's in every day,
who's in every scene, and you know, producing as well.
I mean, there's too many things to commend you on,
(18:53):
but just I feel like just creating an environment on
set that is just fun to be in and where
people want to be there, but without missing any beats
when it comes.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
To the work is just like a trait for all
of us to be on.
Speaker 1 (19:07):
Was this your first producing role?
Speaker 4 (19:09):
Yes, yes, it was yeah.
Speaker 1 (19:11):
First producing role and obviously an acting role as well.
How was juggling both of those worlds for the very
first time?
Speaker 4 (19:18):
It was such a learning experience and challenge. You know,
I was really involved in the development of the project
and involved in all of that there, you know, Elstree Studios.
We were there for a few months before we began filming.
Ben and Erica from forty two one and p were
just so generous to me and really believed in me
(19:39):
to collaborate with them, and I learned so much from them.
Speaker 1 (19:42):
And you have a production company, right, I do, yes,
So what types of stories and genres do you want
to tackle? I don't know.
Speaker 4 (19:51):
I think I'm focusing on my other projects at the
moment that I actually haven't had a beat to think
about that, but I I think, you know, generally speaking,
anything where I think women are portrayed in ways that
we need to see more of.
Speaker 2 (20:07):
Cool good catch, good catch, i'd have a good name.
Speaker 1 (20:11):
Yeah, Yeah, that's so cool. I think it's amazing when
when artists expand and get to do things, you know,
aside from whatever their initial love is. And I think
that's so cool that you want to continue telling stories
that make a difference in matter. So rock on. I
look forward to seeing many things coming out of that
production company from you.
Speaker 2 (20:28):
Thank you.
Speaker 1 (20:29):
Yeah, it's really cool. So when I announced you both
as my guests, the fans went wild, and I have
to ask you each the number one question that came
from the fans. I think you might have an idea
of what it might be hero for you. It's related
to Harry Potter. Oh yeah, and the fans want to
know if you would ever do anything in that world again.
Speaker 3 (20:50):
One hundred percent would they know where to find me
on by the phone.
Speaker 2 (20:55):
So I'd love to. I'd love to. I do have
to say, I think I would have to.
Speaker 3 (21:00):
And Slytherin though, that would be, that would be that
would be very important to me. I feel like once
you pick aside, you're on that side. You can't change it.
So yeah, I'm team Slytherin, but I would one hundred
percent be open to coming back.
Speaker 2 (21:12):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (21:12):
Well there's that new HBO show coming out, so and
I'm here like I am right here amazing and Simon
obviously it's about Bridgerton. And I know you can't say much,
but will we see you and Jonathan in parent mode
quite a bit?
Speaker 4 (21:29):
Yes, I can't say much, but Johnny and I are
coming back, and I'm super excited for the world to
see Yarin and Luke Lee this season. The Kate and
Anthony are back in They're.
Speaker 2 (21:39):
Here to stay.
Speaker 1 (21:39):
Hmmm, very nice. Well, we look forward to that for
the two of you as we start wrapping up. You
both have had such amazing careers in this business, and
it's not easy and it takes a lot of work
and effort and dedication, and their highs and lows and
everything in between. What would you say was a moment
that was very defining for both of you artistically and
(22:02):
as humans are at the course of your career.
Speaker 4 (22:05):
I would say every project is somewhat a defining moment
and challenges me artistically, and you know, we're so privileged
to be able to do what we love. But yeah,
I think Bridgeton was one of the most defining moments
for me so far.
Speaker 2 (22:20):
Yeah, i'd agree completely.
Speaker 3 (22:22):
I feel like every job feels defining in a different way.
But I would also say the after movies, being able
to play hard in and after will always be, will
always be the thing that I feel was the thing
that really pushed my career in the right direction, and
I really like credit the fans for that more than anything,
So yeah, I'll always be grateful for their support and
(22:45):
what they've allowed me to do with my career and
my life. So yeah, that'd be the most defining to day,
I'd say.
Speaker 1 (22:51):
Mm but those are both epic performances, just like your
performance is in this movie. So many more to come,
I have no doubt any many more to come for sure.
The name of the show is called I've never said
this before, And the idea came because I do a
(23:12):
lot of red carpet interviews and a lot of junket interviews,
which you're no strangers too, and on a carpet you
maybe get a minute and a half with somebody in
a junket six minutes if you're a lucky you know,
traditional junket aside from this, So I just saw artists
wanting to have a bit more real conversation and talk
about things maybe they don't always get to talk about
and share a different side to them. So I'm wondering,
(23:33):
is there anything that you guys can think of that
you've never really had the chance to say before that
you want to say today?
Speaker 2 (23:41):
To be honest, I.
Speaker 4 (23:41):
Think I'm really proud in the way I use my
voice with my work, and I you know, my ambition
is to set a great example for my fan basis
majority women looking up to me, women of color looking
up to me.
Speaker 2 (23:56):
So I feel like I.
Speaker 4 (23:57):
Usually say the things that I truly believe in from
my heart, so I'm going to I'm going to keep
riding on that. I think. I just want to make
the world a better place as much as I can.
Speaker 2 (24:12):
I wish I was that's such a good answer.
Speaker 3 (24:14):
I wish I was more prepared or smart enough to
come up with something like that. When I saw this
on the page, I thought you were going to bring
up a quote that we may have said before.
Speaker 1 (24:23):
No, it's deeper than that.
Speaker 3 (24:25):
Said it or not, which should have been a fun
game too. But I'm sorry, I can't. I can't think
of much off the top. Feel like we're so lucky
to have the platform to have these, you know, conversations
and and and and explore all kinds of topics in
our work and in impressed.
Speaker 2 (24:39):
Stuff like this. But no, I don't. I don't feel like.
Speaker 3 (24:42):
There's there's there's anything that comes to mind that I
haven't haven't spoken about. I just feel super lucky that
we're able to, as I say, I have the platform
and the ability to have conversations and explore things in
our work anyway. So so no, I feel pretty pretty
pretty happy with the conversations I've had and the things
(25:02):
I've been able to say that I care about Well.
Speaker 1 (25:05):
That's a good feeling because not everyone always gets a
chance to speak on their truth and what they're feeling.
And I think in a very noisy world and business
that we all work in, it's probably really refreshing to
be able to stay grounded to who you are in
every step of your career, which I know isn't always easy, right, Yeah,
do you.
Speaker 3 (25:23):
Know what I find if there maybe something that I'd
like appreciating and how lucky we are to do that.
But also maybe I just appreciate like my time and
going back to my people, the people I grew up with,
And I think like as lucky as we are to
travel the world and meet fans and put ourselves out there,
I really appreciate the time I get to be a
bit more reclusive and live a bit more of a
(25:45):
simple life between jobs. But I think I'm privileged to
say that, because it's easy to say that when you
have the opportunity to go abroad and meet all these
amazing people and work on these amazing projects. But yeah,
I think maybe one thing that I haven't I haven't
said before stress is how much I also appreciate the
other side of that. So being able to have that
balance as something I'm very grateful for.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
And it's cool you bring that up because I think
for the two of you, at least I've noticed, you know,
with social media, your relationships seem pretty healthy and it's
a juggling act we all face more and more, and
you're both you know, very present on there, especially when
you have a big release coming out. But I do
feel like you also know when to take a step
back and not be on it twenty four hours a
day because you're not constantly constantly uploading stuff, right, So
(26:28):
is that an important balance for both of you to
maintain as hero you just said, knowing when to take
a step back and ground yourself with the people in
your life that you know aren't just on a screen.
Is that is that journey important to you?
Speaker 2 (26:39):
I think it definitely is.
Speaker 4 (26:42):
I think when you're promoting something, you know, I like
to use my platform to get my work out there,
my voice out there. But then when I'm keeping my
head down doing the work and keeping my head down
you know.
Speaker 3 (26:53):
Yeah, yeah, yeah, one hundred percent, I feel like, yeah,
just that work life balance, I don't feel like I
could bring what I want to bring characters I play
to interviews I do if I don't have the time
to just remind myself who I am and where I
come from, and I feel like, you know, yeah, I
(27:14):
would kind of lose touch of who I am, what
I care about if you were just constantly doing output.
So I think sometimes you need to chill, get the
input from your friends, your family, your hobbies, and yeah,
like you use the perfect word, it's about balance.
Speaker 2 (27:28):
Yeah.
Speaker 1 (27:29):
Yeah, it's something hard to achieve, but we all are.
We're all works in progress trying to achieve it, for sure.
So I started the interview where you guys subscribe each
other in emojis, and I want to end it with
another fun question. So, if there is one rule that
you would each cast one another in from your body
of work that you think each other would just nail,
(27:50):
like on one project has to be one, what would
you bring each other into Wonder Woman?
Speaker 2 (27:57):
Did you do Wonder Woman? No, I'd say for you,
we're doing that right.
Speaker 1 (28:00):
Well, it's one that you've done yourself, but we can
also say it wrong.
Speaker 2 (28:09):
So is this a character we've played a project? Any
character in that project?
Speaker 4 (28:15):
It doesn't even I see you in the world of
sex education.
Speaker 2 (28:17):
Oh yeah, yeah, maybe otis. That'd be fun and hard. Yeah,
I can definitely see what else do you think you're doing?
And it's just like Griffin ORCS.
Speaker 1 (28:33):
It's safe, solid choice to a solid choice. That's amazing.
That's amazing. Well, guys, congratulations on the movie. It's out now.
Picture this. I think it's gonna be huge. I'm predicting
a sequel, so hopefully you both are down for that
very much. Picture that. Okay, yes, you already have a
(28:57):
name for it. Well, I'm wishing you all the success
in the war with the movie. I'll be following your careers.
And seriously, guys, I think your stars are so bright
and there's only more and more and more we're going
to see from you, so I look forward to it all.
Speaker 2 (29:11):
Thank you so much. I've really enjoyed this. Thank you.
Speaker 1 (29:13):
Yeah, all right, guys, you all, thank you.
Speaker 2 (29:16):
Thanks.
Speaker 1 (29:18):
I've Never Said This Before is hosted by Me Tommy Dedario.
This podcast is executive produced by Andrew Puglisi at iHeartRadio
and by Me Tommy, with editing by Joshua Colaudney. I've
Never Said This Before is part of the Elvis Duran
Podcast Network on iHeart podcasts for more, rate, review and
subscribe to our show. And if you liked this episode,
(29:41):
tell your friends. Until next time, I'm Tommy Dedario.
Elvis Duran and the Morning Show ON DEMAND News
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Stuff You Should Know
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com