Matilda star Alisha Weir says new expletive-filled role 'stays on set' with Jessie Buckley
EXCLUSIVE: Child actress Alisha Weir divulged how she tackled her latest profanity-laced role in the upcoming comedy Wicked Little Letters alongside her on-screen mum Jessie Buckley.
Wicked Little Letters official trailer from Sony Pictures
Alisha Weir catapulted to global stardom two years ago as the titular star of Matilda the Musical, showing her jaw-dropping acting skills alongside the likes of Emma Thompson, Lashana Lynch and Andrea Riseborough.
Now, the 14-year-old is pulling a complete 360 for fans as she stars in the profanity-laden comedy Wicked Little Letters alongside a new slew of British icons, including her on-screen mum Jessie Buckley.
Speaking to Daily Express at the film’s West End premiere, just streets away from where she made her big-screen debut in 2022, the pint-sized star blushed as she recalled the “naughty” things her new character gets up to.
She nervously giggled: “There was a lot of swearing which was very different for me but it was definitely a case of whatever happens on set stays on set.”
The Irish star, who technically wouldn’t be allowed to see her own film with a rating of 15, assured that her mum pre-approved the role before she ever appeared on set.
READ MORE: Wicked Little Letters Review: Filthy fun for the family despite the effin' 'n' jeffin'
As her costars crowded the premiere carpet around her, Alisha admitted it hasn’t become any easier to accept the surreal glitz and glam of her new star-studded life.
She shared: “I can’t actually believe that I’ve worked with such incredible actors, it all seems like a dream to me.
“Seeing fans…that’s absolutely crazy. When people spot me, I get shocked! Like’ ‘Are they talking about me?’ I get super confused. I don’t know if that will ever sink in.
“Being on set after Matilda, I’m definitely more comfortable but it will always be so surreal and incredible and I’ll always be so grateful for the opportunities that I’ve gotten.”
Speaking about her Wicked Little Letters costars Olivia Colman and Jessie Buckley, she Alisha gushed: “I’m always in awe of them and their kindness and their talent.
“I go home like; ‘Did that actually happen? Did I actually do that? Did I actually meet them? There’s no way.’ It’s incredible.”
As for what’s next, the budding actress is setting her hopes high: “I definitely have some amazing actors that I look up to and I’d like to be like, in particular Millie Bobby Brown and Saoirse Ronan.
“I look up to them so so much and I’d love to work with them one day.”
Wicked Little Letters releases in cinemas today, February 23.