DATE : 31ST OF MAY 2021
Lillian Carrier is a talented young actress who can be seen the season 2 of ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Okay’. We got a chance to interact with her about being in the first autistic queer relationship on screen, and so much more. Check out the whole interview below!
Hi Lillian, I am Hardik Agrawal from The Movie Culture, how are you doing today?
Lillian Carrier: I’m doing really well. So excited to speak with you. It’s a little strange that people want to hear what I have to say so much. Growing up I often felt ignored and thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my thoughts.
Q. First of all, congratulations on your role. How does it feel to portray this character in such a progressive show?
Lillian Carrier: Incredible, I am honored to be given the opportunity. I love being a part of this show and all the groundbreaking moments that come with it. It’s incredible that these characters and stories are finally being seen. It’s also heartbreaking that it hasn’t happened sooner.
Q. Your Character, Drea, has a massive crush on Matilda but she is let down by the fact that Matilda is not queer. Does your role bring a change in her realization of who she really is?
Lillian Carrier: No, I don’t think Drea has any influence in changing that. Matilda has no sexual attraction to Drea but she knows she loves her. It takes time for her to realize that sexual attraction and romantic attraction don’t necessarily have to be the same thing. Drea just helps her understand that relationships can look different and they can try to find what works for them.
Q. This must be such a big moment and it must feel great for a show to actually have an autistic actor play an autistic character. Do you think that entertainment medium will finally take this issue seriously and start giving more opportunities to people who really come from that perspective?
Lillian Carrier: I love that this show casts authentically. This isn’t a new issue, the disability community has been screaming about it for a long time. But it does feel that recently we are starting to be heard. It’s been slow, but I do think it’s starting to change. Having this show exist as a sort of blueprint that it is possible and that it does work is a great first step. Please include us when you want to tell our stories. We are real people and we deeply care to be represented accurately.
Q. How was it like working with Josh Thomas and what notes did he give you while you were working on the show?
Lillian Carrier: Josh is wonderful to work with. He has a very kind heart and is determined to tell a great story that hasn’t been told before. This has resulted in underrepresented people seeing themselves on screen for the first time. He doesn’t give a lot of notes, he really wants us as actors to make our own choices in bringing our characters to life.
Q. This show explores so many deep concepts of sexuality and orientations through its premise, what are some of the aspects that ‘Everything’s Gonna Be Okay’ brings in its brand-new season?
Lillian Carrier: This season has the characters exploring the idea that sexuality and romantic attraction don’t always align. It’s also explores the idea that no two relationships are alike. There are different ways to love and different ways to express love. This season shows that it’s important to do what works for your relationship. That even if other people don’t get it, doesn’t mean it’s not real. I love that this show brings different kinds of relationships to the screen that haven’t been seen before.
Q. Yours and Matilda’s relationship is the first autistic queer relationship on screen. What more firsts will we see from the show as it progresses?
Lillian Carrier: Wow! A ton! This show might have a groundbreaking moment in almost every episode. I don’t want to spoil the season for those that haven’t seen it, but we explore asexuality, have characters clearly use sign language on screen, explore open relationships, service dog representation, casual stimming, and much more.
Q. Josh fell in love with your dog so much, he wrote it into the series. Could you indulge us in that wholesome story?
Lillian Carrier: I mean that basically is the story. I showed up to the audition with Luke at my side. Josh thought it was cool that Autism Service Dogs existed and asked a bunch of questions. He then asked if it was possible if I was cast if he could put Luke in the show as well. I agreed it could be possible, but he wasn’t trained as an actor. A year later when the scripts came out Duke and Drea were included.
Q. Finally, what’s next for you after this? Cause we surely loved watching you in Everything’s Gonna Be Okay.
Lillian Carrier: I just filmed my first role as a neurotypical. which is exciting. Hopefully I get more opportunities like that in the future. I also am hosting an awesome event about autism in Hollywood. You can find the link at https://www.aane.org/training-education/summer-2021-conference/
Q. Lillian, Thank You so much for taking the time to talk with us. We wish you all the best for all the groundbreaking things you do in the future. Good luck!
Lillian Carrier: Thank you so much for having me. This was lovely.
The Movie Culture Synopsis
Everything’s Gonna Be Okay is streaming in FreeForm, head over there to check out Lillian’s remarkable performance in the show.
