Emma Chamberlain has already set her sights on her next acting role. The 24-year-old content creator, who made her feature film debut in the horror comedy Forbidden Fruits, recently chatted with PEOPLE and opened up about her burgeoning acting career. The film, which premiered on March 27, stars Lola Tung, Lili Reinhart, Alexandra Shipp, and Victoria Pedretti. In it, Chamberlain plays Pickle, a character she helped bring to life through collaborative costuming choices. "I didn't feel any desire to infuse myself into it," she said. "It was more about what was the most flattering, but also felt the most like this exact character." She emphasized that she wanted the role to feel as far from her real self as possible.
Chamberlain's journey to acting is a natural extension of her storytelling skills. Known for her relatable vlogs and podcast, she called the experience "interesting and invigorating." She likened it to the daily storytelling she does, but with "a bit of distance." On The Tonight Show on March 12, she admitted that playing a character was something she enjoyed more than anticipated. "No one, including me, really anticipated enjoying it to the extent that I did," she said. She also praised the film as the "perfect-sized" role, explaining that she didn't want to jump straight into a lead part. "I want to work up to those types of things. So this was the perfect first experience. It was truly magic," she added.
Looking ahead, Chamberlain has clear dream projects. "For me, anything in a Wes Anderson film, anything in a Tim Burton, a creepy Tim Burton movie," she told PEOPLE. Her favorite films include Burton's Coraline and Jared Hess's Napoleon Dynamite, as well as Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox and Moonrise Kingdom. She expressed a desire to star in any "weird, indie movie" and elaborated on the types of characters she'd love to play. "Being some sort of nerdy character or being a b-----, being a full-on mean girl vibe, that would be so fun to me," she said. "But I also love haunted vibes, so a Tim Burton-y thing could be awesome, too."
Chamberlain's fashion influence also played a role in her costuming decisions for Forbidden Fruits. Known as a fashion It-girl, she partnered with eBay, one of her favorite platforms for sourcing secondhand pieces. She stopped by the Vogue Vintage Market on March 28 to discuss her style and the film. For her character Pickle, she worked closely with the costuming team to strike a balance between flattering and character-accurate. She admitted there was a temptation to infuse her own preferences, but resisted. "Because there is a temptation to be like, 'Wait, I don't wear pink. I don't like pink that much. I'm not going to wear pink for this.' It's like, no. I wanted it to be as far from me as possible," she explained.
The film Forbidden Fruits is set in a shopping mall where Lili Reinhart's character Apple works at a store called Free Eden. Apple secretly runs a witchy femme cult in the basement after hours, alongside fellow fruits Cherry and Fig. When a new hire named Pumpkin challenges their performative sisterhood, the women are forced to face their own poisons or face a bloody fate. The horror comedy explores themes of friendship, identity, and empowerment. Chamberlain's role as Pickle fits into the eclectic ensemble, and she relished the opportunity to be part of such a unique project.
Chamberlain's rise to fame began with her YouTube channel, where she gained millions of followers for her candid and humorous vlogs. She has since expanded into podcasting with Anything Goes, and has become a major force in fashion, attending Paris Fashion Week and collaborating with luxury brands. Her transition to acting has been widely anticipated by fans. She previously made a cameo in the 2021 film Don't Look Up, but Forbidden Fruits marks her first substantial role. In interviews, she has expressed gratitude for the opportunity and a desire to continue growing as an actress.
Her comments about wanting to work with directors like Tim Burton and Wes Anderson highlight her taste for visually distinctive and quirky storytelling. Tim Burton is known for his gothic, fantastical films such as The Nightmare Before Christmas, Edward Scissorhands, and Beetlejuice. Wes Anderson is celebrated for his symmetrical framing, pastel color palettes, and offbeat narratives in movies like The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Royal Tenenbaums. Chamberlain's affinity for both directors suggests she seeks roles that allow her to explore eccentric characters in immersive worlds. She also mentioned enjoying Fantastic Mr. Fox and Moonrise Kingdom, both of which showcase Anderson's distinctive style.
Beyond acting, Chamberlain continues to build her brand as a sustainable fashion advocate. Her partnership with eBay aligns with her commitment to secondhand shopping. She often shares thrift hauls and styling tips with her audience, encouraging her fans to consider eco-friendly fashion choices. Her appearance at the Vogue Vintage Market was a natural fit, where she mingled with fans and discussed her love for vintage pieces. This intersection of fashion, sustainability, and acting positions her as a multifaceted personality in the entertainment industry.
The article also includes a brief synopsis of Forbidden Fruits and highlights from her Tonight Show appearance. In addition to her acting ambitions, Chamberlain elaborated on the challenges and joys of the filmmaking process. She noted that the collaborative nature of set life was something she embraced fully. "It was interesting and invigorating," she said, "because in vlogging, you're the director, the editor, the storyteller. But on set, you're part of a team. That shift was refreshing." She also praised her co-stars, calling them talented and supportive.
As Chamberlain looks toward the future, her enthusiasm for acting is palpable. She has shown a willingness to start small and work her way up, a strategy that many in Hollywood respect. Her preference for indie projects and quirky directors aligns with her personal brand of authenticity and originality. Whether she lands a role in a Wes Anderson ensemble or a Tim Burton gothic tale, her fans are sure to follow. For now, she is savoring the success of Forbidden Fruits and the positive reception of her debut. "It was truly magic," she said, and that magic may just continue in the next phase of her career.
In summary, Emma Chamberlain's foray into acting has been met with enthusiasm from both her fanbase and critics. Her thoughtful approach to character development, costuming, and career progression demonstrates maturity beyond her years. With dream roles in mind and a successful debut under her belt, she is poised to become a distinctive presence in film. The road ahead may include a creepy Tim Burton movie or a whimsical Wes Anderson adventure, but whatever she chooses, it will be uniquely hers.
Source: Yahoo Entertainment News