IRK Magazine: December 2021

Madison Iseman is twice a star as the twins Lennon and Allison of the 2021 TV series “I Know What You Did Last Summer” available on Amazon Prime. Its a modern twist on the 1997 film of the same name and Madison Iseman will keep you glued to your seat. Madison is also known for her role on the CMT comedy television series Still the King, where she played Charlotte, the daughter of Billy Ray Cyrus’ character, Vernon Brownmule. She is also known for playing the role of Bethany Walker in Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle and Jumanji. IRK Magazine and photographer Luz were able to catch up with Madison.

LUZ: What is your favorite thriller film?

This is great. I’m always asked what my favorite horror film is, but thriller makes it much more specific. As of the last ten-ish years, either Don’t Breathe or A Quiet Place. Both movies equally blew my mind when I saw them for the first time in theaters.

LUZ: How did you prepare for playing twins in I Know What You Did Last Summer?

A lot of prep work beforehand. Because of the way the pilot is written, the first time you meet the twins is at a grad-night party where they end up wearing identical outfits with identical hair and makeup. (There is a reason for this I promise, and you find out why in the first episode). But, because of that, I wasn’t able to rely on many physical traits to differentiate the two sisters. So it was very important to me to figure out who they were as individuals, their personalities, how they respond to situations, and even how they carry themselves when they walk in a room. But at the same time, I didn’t want them to feel like stereotypical twins and completely different people. More than anything it took a lot of individual journaling and diving into who they were when they were younger and how they got to where they are when you first meet them on screen.

LUZ: Any directors you would like to work with in the future?

I would love to work with Ari Aster one day. I love everything he makes.

IRK: Nocturne was such a great film; Sydney Sweeney was really great in it as well. What was it like working with her & what drew you to this role?

Funny enough, we played twins in Nocturne as well. Sydney is amazing and so talented. The script was definitely the main thing that caught my eye. It was wonderfully written and suspenseful. It very much gave a glimmer of Black Swan which is one of my all-time favorite movies.

IRK: CLOUDS is so beautifully done, and Justin Baldoni is such a wonderful director, what was your favorite part of working on this film?

So many things. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of talking about Clouds. It’s one of the many films during the pandemic that wasn’t able to have a theatrical debut because of the climate of the times, which still makes me sad to this day. But I am so happy it is still on Disney+ for the world to see, and I’m always encouraging people to go watch. Zach Sobiech has such an amazing story I think everyone can take something from. It’s so beautifully created, acted, sang, everything… and Justin is amazing, but he knows that, I tell him all the time.

IRK: You’ve already had such a diverse career in terms of acting roles, how do you decide on your roles?

I love to look for things I haven’t done. I’m always wanting to challenge myself and learn new skills, get out of my comfort zone.

IRK: Tell us about your characters Lennon and Alison in ” I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER”, and what was your favorite part of being in a slasher show?

Lennon and Alison are identical twins with very different personalities. Lennon is the girl that demands attention when she walks in the room. She’s charming, she’s the life of the party, and she also loves trouble. Alison is much more reserved; she keeps to herself and it’s never quite clear what she’s thinking. She often feels left behind in her sister’s shadow, always wanting more but never really sure how to get it. Though despite their differences, they both share the same darkness and sadness, it’s the one thing that bonds them as sisters. They’re both far from perfect.

It’s so much fun. I’ve always been a huge fan of the genre. My favorite part though is probably all the special effects. We have some pretty gruesome deaths this season.

IRK : Top 3 favorite designers? top 3 favorite films? Top 3 fashion Magazines?

As of recently,
CHANEL, Alessandra Rich, Rodarte
The Goonies, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Fight Club
Vogue, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar

IRK: We’re at such a turning point with climate change and the Earth, do you feel like there’s a lot of pressure on your generation? How do you think your generations voice can change or help educate on climate issues? What’s your favorite earth-based charity?

I think there is always more we can do. Sometimes I think we can get very overwhelmed when we stare at the issue from the world’s perspective. I find it helps to look at my everyday life to see what I personally can do to take steps in the right direction. Even small steps. Then eventually if we all take small steps, those become big steps collectively. I’m always keeping an eye out for charities doing amazing work. That’s one of the beauties of the power of social media, to spread awareness. I love when my friends and followers send new charities my way!

IRK: What was it like to work during Quarantine? & we’re so glad there’s light at the end of the tunnel! what did you do to keep sane?

I spent a lot of time with myself! Self-reflecting and learning. It was so daunting at the time, but since we’ve been back to work, I’ve really grown to appreciate that time I spent with myself. But very very happy and grateful to be back working again.

IRK: What’s your current Read?

Right now, I’m just starting to dive into the “A Court of Thorns and Roses” trilogy. Stay tuned.

IRK: What’s been your favorite part of acting?

I love discovering new parts of myself through the characters I play. I’ve always struggled somewhat with identity, but the greatest gift this job has given me is the gift of getting to be different people every day.

IRK: What’s up next for you?

I’m so happy to be back to work, but also prioritizing time with the people I love the most. I really missed just making the most out of everything.

IRK: What is the best advice for a young actor? artist?

Don’t ever stop chasing. Find the thing that makes you feel the most alive and follow it. It’s the best feeling in the world.