Camila Mendes is getting fans in the mood for a little romance this Valentine's week with her new rom-com, 'Upgraded', alongside Archie Renaux.
Best known for her portrayal of Veronica Lodge in the hit Netflix series 'Riverdale', Mendes is charging forward into her film career with strong and driven female characters. As she embarks on this new chapter of her career as co-producer, Mendes, in an interview with ETimes, discussed the influence she hopes to have on young actresses and the importance of starlets maintaining their 'authenticity'.
We asked Camila if she chanced upon 'The Archies', which saw Suhana Khan taking on the role of her famed character Veronica. Although admitting that she didn't watch the Zoya Akhtar directorial, she played Suhana's biggest cheerleader saying, "I haven't had a chance to see it, but I'm sure she's amazing."
Anyone who's watched 'Riverdale' knew that Suhana and 'The Archies' bunch would have some big shoes to fill, but no one was prepared for the rather harsh reactions that came in following the film's release. When asked for some sage advice to young actors possibly taking on some of her film characters, Mendes said, "I think the best advice for any actor who has to take on the role that someone else has played is just to make it their own. You don't have to set yourself to that expectation."
She explained, "I think when people try to recreate something it's not going to be authentic, so it's just a matter of doing what feels authentic to you."
'Upgraded' sees Camila take on the role of Ana, an ambitious intern striving to get her foothold in the competitive art world. The Prime Video rom-com which will be available for streaming on Friday, February 9, navigates a storyline centred on a career-driven protagonist and a serendipitous encounter with her own 'Prince Charming' in a first-class lounge. Directed by Carlson Young, the film also stars Lena Olin and Marisa Tomei.