Faly Rakotohavana Talks Secret Society of Second Born Royals – Exclusive Interview

Secret Society of Second Born Royals has been on our radar for a while and when we were offered the opportunity to speak to Faly Rakotohavana, who plays Matteo, we were ready.

Secret Society of Second Born Royals, the upcoming Disney+ film follows Sam, a teenage royal rebel second-in-line to the throne of the kingdom of Illyria, who discovers she has super human abilities and is invited to join a secret society of similar second-born royals charged with keeping the world safe. Faly stars as a lead in the role of Matteo, a sweet, smart and shy second-born royal who has a slightly awkward super human ability that is repulsive to some but surprisingly more useful than one can imagine. The film also stars Skylar Astin, Niles Fitch, and Peyton Elizabeth Lee.

Let’s get into it…

BSCKids: Tell us a bit about your role in Secret Society of Second Born Royals?

Faly Rakotohavana: I play Matteo. A shy but smart young boy who only wants to fit in. He is very kind and only sees the best in people.

Do you feel like you have anything in common with Matteo?

Matteo and I are kind of similar. Although I am not as introverted as he is, I am respectful and kind towards the people around me because kindness takes people very far in life.

How did you get the role in the movie and how do you prepare for your scenes?

The audition process was very nerve-racking. When I first stepped into the audition room it was FULL! It had kids and adults ranging from 14-25. So, when I got the role I really freaked out because what were the odds of me getting it! To prepare for my roles I kind of sit with the script and think about who my character reminds me of. I feel like having a picture of who I see my character as really helps me build a strong character that I can take on.

Any funny behind the scenes stories that have happened while filming the movie that you can tell us about?

I think some of the funniest memories I had on set were in the classroom. We did a lot of school onset and one day I was humming my music really loud and of course, I forget to turn my mic off! So, I’m pretty sure everyone with a headset heard me humming Cindy Lauper for at least 2 minutes straight. No one said anything to me after so I’m going to just cling to the hope that maybe nobody heard it.

If you could guest star on any Disney show which one would it be and why?

I would guest star on DuckTales because that would be awesome! To have my own little DuckTales character would be crazy.

If you could have a superhuman ability what would it be and why?

To fly. Whenever I go on hikes with my friends and family we always hike up to high peaks and cliffs. Every time we reach the top, I always dream of just being able to run and jump off and fly.

Tell us something people would be surprised to learn about you?

A lot of people have the idea that I was born in the United States. I was actually born in Antananarivo, Madagascar and I lived in Madagascar until I was about six. Then my family and I moved to Phoenix, Arizona where we lived until I was about 9. Then we moved to Midland, Texas where I lived for four years before moving to Los Angeles, California when I was 13.

Who do you feel like has taught you the most in your acting career?

Definitely my acting coach, Mary! Mary has taught me so much about being an actor and working in this business, and I’m still learning more from her every time I work with her.

Why should everyone tune in to watch Secret Society of Second Born Royals?

Everyone should watch Secret Society of Second Born Royals because It’s a one of a kind film! It has an amazing cast of diverse characters and they’re a group of characters that I think everyone can relate to. It’s a fun film for all ages and one that I know everyone will enjoy.

Thanks to Faly Rakotohavana talking to us about Secret Society of Second Born Royals and make sure to tune in and watch this movie, its going to be great. You can catch the trailer below.