At 18 years old, Colorado-raised actor Sophia Hammons has already begun to cement herself as a versatile Hollywood storyteller. With notable performances in Netflix’s The Social Dilemma, Disney’s Under Wraps 2, and Hulu’s Up Here, the actor has quickly become well versed in ranges of genre and emotion—a useful skillset when tasked with embodying a moody adolescent and a grandmother at the same time. 

Hammons is gearing up for her highest-profile role yet in Disney’s forthcoming sequel, Freakier Friday. The movie will extend the storylines of Anna and Tess Coleman, the respective protagonist and deuteragonist of the original 2003 body-swap comedy, Freaky Friday. Starring alongside Lindsay Lohan and Jamie Lee Curtis, Hammons is set to portray Lily Reyes, Anna Coleman’s soon-to-be stepdaughter.

How do you feel the newest iteration of the Freaky Friday story was renovated to fit modern audiences?

The first film was so iconic, so obviously there’s a lot of pressure that comes along with making this new one. But luckily, it is such a beautiful continuation of the story, and I think it carries the same tone. There are also so many fun cameos that I think people will love! 

What did playing this story teach you about understanding others—and yourself?

It’s funny because watching Jamie imitate a version of myself made me notice a lot of mannerisms that I never knew I had. Like when she plays Lily, she plays with her hair a lot, which is actually a nervous tendency of mine. Literally walking in someone else’s shoes for a summer did teach me a lot about how you have no idea what other people are going through. Everyone’s walking through life for the first time, and it’s important to be patient and understanding with one another. 

What’s something about the acting profession that you think people totally misunderstand or romanticize?

I think people don’t fully understand how unpredictable and how much of a commitment being in the industry is. There’s so much rejection and uncertainty you have to face. It takes a lot of courage and strength to just keep going. But I like to think that if you have a dream, you should chase it, and go all in. 

Where do you hope to see change in the world? 

I hope to see more opportunities given to voices that have been silenced. To have welcoming and authentically inclusive environments that encourage people to tell their stories. As a young woman, and an Asian American, it’s also important for me to help people in my community feel seen. I’m so grateful for the Freakier Friday set, because I think everyone felt really seen and appreciated. So, it’s motivated me to do the same for others in the future!

Photographed by Kevin Amato 

Styled by Michy Foster

Written by Amanda Geraci

Makeup: Jen Tioseco at A-Frame Agency 

Hair: Marc Mena at Exclusive Artists 

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