Q&A
The 35-year-olds appearance in Lily Rabes movieDowntown Owlfeels like a departure for the actor.
Lily was like, Are you down for this dance number?
recalls Hudgens over Zoom.
I was like, OK, well, my best friend is a dancer, says Hudgens.
I could talk with her about it, and we could brainstorm something.
The scene is a jolt of brightness in an otherwise melancholy affair.
I love my Radiohead; I love my Bjork.
I love alternative rock and electronic music and Rufus Du Sol.
What drew you to the project ofDowntown Owl?
Ive been a fan of Lilys for quite a while, being theAmerican Horror Storyfan that I am.
Im obsessed with her shes always done such amazing work.
And I was just really compelled by the story.
It just has this tone about it that I think is really unique, and I loved the character.
She just kind of jumped right off the page.
How was it being directed by a couple?
I imagine that could be a bit unusual.
It was great, honestly.
Not only were they just a couple they were also a couple with a newborn!
Its just really nice working with directors who are actors because they just get it in a different way.
Would you ever direct something yourself?
Maybe somewhere down the line.
Do you see yourself working quite soon after having a baby like Lily?
Or do you have any specific goals for when you return to work after maternity leave?
Who knows no crystal ball here.
I am leaving it to the wind.
Theres a lot that I want to do regardless of the timing.
Tell me more about the experience on set.
You were filming in a pretty remote location.
Were you all staying there?
Honestly, I was in and out so quickly, I barely saw anyone.
I did my job and I left.
Is that a dream for you or do you prefer it to be more embedded?
It depends on the part.
Have you ever done any big cross-country journeys?
Quite a few, yeah.
Im a big adventure girl, so Ive found myself in a few interesting places.
I once shot a movie in Guthrie, Oklahoma, and we were there for a good minute.
We ended up making friends with the locals and doing karaoke at the local bar.
So whats your go-to karaoke song?
You Gotta Beby Desree.
I know youre usually aregular at Coachella, but you decided to skip it this year.
The walking sounded aggressive.
Its a lot of walking.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.Downtown Owlis available to Buy or Rent now on Digital
