Emma Chamberlain, the 24-year-old influencer and content creator, is marking a significant milestone in her career with her recent acting debut in the horror comedy ‘Forbidden Fruits’. The film features a notable cast, including Lili Reinhart, Lola Tung, Alexandra Shipp, and Victoria Pedretti, and has garnered attention since its premiere on March 27.
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In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Chamberlain shared her insights on what comes next following her introduction to the world of acting. The digital sensation, who has established herself through her engaging online presence, expressed enthusiasm for her new venture and revealed her aspirations for future roles.
Chamberlain’s character, Pickle, stands out in the film, and she elaborated on her collaboration with the costume team to develop this unique persona. She noted the importance of ensuring her character’s wardrobe contrasted with her personal style. “I didn’t feel any desire to infuse myself into it,” she said, highlighting her commitment to embodying Pickle authentically. While acknowledging her usual avoidance of the colour pink, she explained that she aimed to capture the essence of her character and to explore a style that was both flattering and distinct from her own.
Reflecting on her experience, Chamberlain described her role in ‘Forbidden Fruits’ as the “perfect-sized” introduction to acting. During an appearance on The Tonight Show, she expressed her aversion to taking on lead roles too soon, believing that such pressure would be overwhelming. “I want to work up to those types of things,” she admitted, describing her first experience on set as “truly magic.”
Looking ahead, Chamberlain has already begun to contemplate future acting opportunities. She expressed a keen interest in collaborating with acclaimed directors such as Wes Anderson and Tim Burton. “For me, anything in a Wes Anderson film, anything in a creepy Tim Burton movie,” she shared, citing her love for films like ‘Coraline’, ‘Napoleon Dynamite’, and ‘Fantastic Mr. Fox’. She noted that a role in any “weird, indie movie” would be particularly appealing.
The prospect of portraying a variety of roles excites her, as she expressed interest in playing both “nerdy characters” and “full-on mean girl vibes.” This dichotomy reflects her versatility as an actor and her willingness to explore diverse characters. Chamberlain’s fascination with the supernatural atmosphere characteristic of Tim Burton’s works further underscores her desire for unique creative experiences.
In her conversation with PEOPLE, Chamberlain described her initial foray into film as enlightening and invigorating. She compared the art of acting to the storytelling she engages in through her vlogs and podcast, albeit with a greater sense of distance from her personal life. “Playing a character is something I really enjoyed more than I expected,” she revealed, suggesting that her engagement in acting may lead to even deeper explorations of self-expression.
The premise of ‘Forbidden Fruits’ revolves around the character Apple, played by Lili Reinhart, who operates a shop called Free Eden in a mall. In a surprising twist, Apple is depicted as the leader of a witchy cult concealed within the mall’s basement. The narrative unfolds when a new hire, Pumpkin, portrayed by Lola Tung, disrupts the group dynamic, forcing the characters to confront their challenges.
As Chamberlain embarks on this new chapter, her blend of talent and determination hints at a bright future in acting. Moving from influencer to actress, she is poised to broaden her creative horizons while delighting her fans with her evolving artistry. Whether she takes on roles in quirky independent films or collaborates with celebrated filmmakers, Emma Chamberlain is undoubtedly a name to watch in the world of entertainment.