The Villains of Valley View star Kayden Muller-Janssen – Exclusive Interview

We get to talk to the multi-talented The Villains of Valley View star, Kayden Muller-Janssen. This Actress/Singer-Songwriter talks to us about what she has going on in her career as well as some fun facts about herself.

Kayden Muller-Janssen can currently be seen starring in her breakout role on the new Disney series, The Villains of Valley View. The story follows teenage supervillain Havoc who is forced to relocate to a Texas suburb with her family under a new identity as “Amy Madden” after standing up to the League of Villains. Muller-Janssen plays Hartley, Amy’s outgoing classmate and neighbor who unknowingly befriends the villainous Madden family. The cast also includes James Patrick Stuart, Lucy Davis, Isabella Pappas just to name a few.

BSCKids: Tell us a bit about how you got the role on The Villains of Valley View and do you have anything in common with your character?

Kayden Muller-Janssen: I booked the role of Hartley after I did a last-minute self-tape audition at home. I’ve auditioned for many Disney projects over the years and did not expect to hear back at first, but then I got a callback about a week after my taping! I was really excited because it was my first callback since the Covid-19 outbreak and I wanted to knock it out of the park. Turns out I did, because I booked the role a week after!

I think Hartley reminds me a lot of my younger self. We are both really charismatic, kind, and only like to see the good in people. The only difference between us is that I can tell when someone is taking advantage of my kindness, and I think Hartley will learn a little bit about that throughout this season.

Are there any funny behind-the-scenes stories you can tell us about?

There were so many funny moments when we were shooting, but one of my favorites would have to be when we were about to start a run-through of one of the episodes, I squatted down and ripped my pants right down the center. Thank God I had a jacket so I just wrapped it around my waist until we finished. You know, as they say, the show must go on!

Tell us about your equestrian career, do you have your own horse?

My family and I have been training and riding horses my whole life. My parents are both professional horse trainers, my dad won a gold medal in the Olympics with the Dutch team so riding horses is pretty much in my blood. I have two ponies and one new horse, Showoff, Hayley and Diesel. I haven’t competed in a very long time, but I just got a new horse so I’m excited to start training him to see if he is showable.

Tell us something people would be surprised to know about you.

Not many people know that I was a baton twirler for nine years. My team and I were national champions!

What do you do in your free time?

I think it depends on what I feel that day, but most of the time I am snacking or cooking something, going to the beach, gym, working on music or rock climbing!

If you could only choose one, would it be a gold medal in the Olympics for equestrian, an Emmy or a Grammy?

If I had to pick one, I would for sure pick a Grammy! Earning any of these awards is extremely difficult, but out of these three, I think a Grammy would be the rarest to get.

If you could guest star on another Disney show past or present which would it be and why?

Hannah Montana Forever and always because that was my IT show growing up! I watched it religiously, knew most of the songs, and even got to go to the Hannah Montana Concert with the Jonas Brothers, I was a huge fan. If I had a time machine, I would probably go back to the time they were casting for the show.

What set you on the path of songwriting?

When I was in middle school, I got bullied really badly to the point that I was at the guidance counselor all the time, I barely had friends and would go home crying every day. Music and writing really became my only way to cope. It’s such a freeing feeling just to belt your heart out and I used how I was feeling, turned that into lyrics and melodies and I think that’s what saved my life in middle school. Without that experience, I don’t think I would have found the passion I have for this career.

What is a charity you hold close to your heart?

My family and I have worked with Brooke USA, a charity dedicated to improving the welfare of horses, mules and donkeys in developing countries. Some don’t understand just how important a mule is for a working family to survive in these areas. These animals help carry heavy-duty equipment and water to several villages and work in harsh conditions in farming. This foundation helps these communities by creating water lines and educating families on how to properly shelter and care for these amazing animals. Since I grew up working with horses, It was the perfect foundation to support!

How is The Villains of Valley View different then other shows and why should everyone be watching?

The Villains of Valley View is a crazy, fun adventure that is extremely entertaining to watch for the whole family! Even though the characters are villains, make plenty of mistakes and do some evil things, no one is perfect and everyone has a chance to become a better person with a little love and care. I think that’s a great message for everyone to learn from, especially during times like this.

Thanks Kayden Muller-Janssen!