Emilia McCarthy Talks About Disney’s ZOMBIES – Exclusive Interview

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Disney ZOMBIES premiere is around the corner in February and we got a chance to speak with Emilia McCarthy who will be playing the character of Lacey. This new Disney Channel Original Movie (DCOM) will feature some great characters and music we appreciate Emilia taking the time out of her schedule to chat with us.

Emilia McCarthy who plays Lacey in Disney’s ZOMBIES premiering February 16. Emilia is best known for starring opposite Zendaya in Disney Channel’s ZAPPED and for her series regular role as Abby on Nickelodeon’s MAX & SHRED.

BSCKids: We are so excited to see ZOMBIES. Tell us a little bit about the character you play and how you got the role.

Emilia McCarthy: Lacey is a cheerleader who falls victim to society’s expectations in their town of Seabrook to be perfect at all times. Her life is all about cheer and literally only owns cheer outfits, but inside, Lacey’s individuality is wanting to break free.

I auditioned for the role in Toronto where we also had a callback that consisted of dancing as well. We were paired with various Acey possibilities (Lacey, Tracey, Stacey) during the chemistry read and that’s how it was formed!

BSCKids: How was it working with Meg Donnelly and Milo Manheim?

Emilia McCarthy: Meg and Milo are such talented people. They have an incredible musical ability and picked up the dance style so well! This is a great movie for them to shine!

BSCKids: Are there any behind the scenes funny stories you can tell us?

Emilia McCarthy: We had some stunt doubles, who looked identical to us. It was pretty scary we would all be confusing each other with them.

BSCKids: Did you have to work at becoming a cheerleader for the role or were you just a born natural?

Emilia McCarthy: The cheerleader attitude was pretty fun and uncomplicated to portray. Some of the cheer stunts though, those were our stunt people!

BSCKids: How did you enjoy the singing parts of ZOMBIES?

Emilia McCarthy: This was the first production where I got to sing. It was a cool experience to go into the studio and record songs. Having to sing, dance and act all at the same time is not easy though. It takes a lot of focus and rehearsal, and I’m glad I got to experience first hand what that is like because I can appreciate musicals so much more now.

BSCKids: Tell us why you think ZOMBIES is going to be the next HUGE hit for Disney.

Emilia McCarthy: I think Disney did a cool thing with Zombies where it actually has a really great message behind it. The zombies kind of represent what society marks as minorities and creates a loving message of coming together. I think this is so important for our younger generation to see and be able to have fun while learning about it.

BSCKids: You starred in “Zapped“ with Zendaya, do you still keep in touch with her?

Emilia McCarthy: I haven’t talked to Zendaya in a while now, but I am seeing her career flourish and am so proud of her. She’s killing it!

BSCKids: You are one of the few that has had success with both Disney and Nickelodeon, what do you think helped you accomplish that?

Emilia McCarthy: Working with the two networks was mostly just random. But I do think as I started to have more experience in the comedy for younger kids genre, those networks have continued to get me to audition and participate in their productions.

BSCKids: Do you get recognized when you are out? What is your favorite fan story?

Emilia McCarthy: I feel very honoured when people recognize me honestly. I once was at a football game and this little boy came over and asked for my autograph, but we didn’t have a pen. So I just applied some lipstick and kissed his piece of paper, oh well!

BSCKids: Where can we find you on social media?

Emilia McCarthy: @emiliaamccarthy on Instagram and Twitter and @EmiliaMcCarthyOfficial on Facebook

BSCKids: What is your favorite Instagram post you have on your account and why?

Emilia McCarthy: That is a very hard question! I love the pictures I have on the orange carpet at the Kid’s Choice Awards, they’re fun pics and it was a blast.

BSCKids: What is one of the things you never leave the house without?

Emilia McCarthy: I hate to say this, but my phone.

BSCKids: What is one thing people would be surprised to learn about you?

Emilia McCarthy: I am half Mexican! No one really believes me until I start speaking Spanish.

BSCKids: What do you have coming up after ZOMBIES that you can tell us about?

Emilia McCarthy: I was in a pilot that premiered in October that might go to series. So if it does, look out for Dark Haven High!

Special thanks to Emilia McCarthy to chatting with us about the new Disney DCOM ZOMBIES as well as her career. Disney’s ZOMBIES will premiere February 16th on the Disney Channel.