Zelda Williams (Director, Lisa Frankenstein) | Renegades
The actor-director raises the romantic dead in her first feature film
Welcome to Renegades, a weekly series spotlighting Asian Pacific leaders and creatives who are carving their own paths and defying stereotypes along the way. This week, we sat down with actor and director Zelda Williams and discussed her debut-feature film, Lisa Frankenstein, written by Diablo Cody, starring Kathryn Newton, Cole Sprouse, and Liza Soberano, and premiering in theaters February 9.
What did you want to be when you were growing up, and how does that compare to what you do today?
I remember a phase where I wanted to be a dinosaur, and another after that where I wanted to be an astronaut, but by the time I was about 11 or 12 I can remember really just wanting to be involved in film, though my parents were definitely opposed at that point. I also can’t say I was mature enough at that time to even grasp the other jobs that one could have on a set so actress definitely piqued my interest first as it was the most familiar, but I do think deep down I just wanted to tell stories, no matter what chair I sat in.
You initially started your career as an actor before transitioning into directing. Can you share what motivated you to make the switch?
While I started working as an actress first, I was always writing alongside that, so it wasn’t so much a transition overall as a pivot on an axis. The foot that used to be planted firmly in front of the camera just slowly lifted to join the writing one, and now both are planted behind it, at least for the time being. But all of these jobs inform and help one another. I don't think anyone ever has to quit an art form even if their focus shifts, in this case I just found that my energy was used more and better appreciated elsewhere.
In addition to your career in the entertainment industry, you've been involved in athletics. How has your background as an athlete influenced your work as a director, and do you see any parallels between sports and filmmaking in terms of discipline and teamwork?
I’m not sure I would ever self identify as an athlete, that’s a career and calling in itself! I’m just someone who has loved a lot of random sports, most of which were played alone. Archery, riflery and rock climbing were some of my favorites, all of which helped me hone in on my focus and a sense of calm. I do think self-discipline is incredibly important in life in general, but particularly in any pursuit where you have to set an example and help guide a lot of other people. Directing is certainly one of those.
Can you share some of the personal experiences or sources of inspiration that played a significant role in shaping the vision for Lisa Frankenstein? Are there any particular moments or influences you'd like to highlight?
I didn’t write this script, so first and foremost what inspired me was what Diablo had put to paper, and the world she’d lovingly created. It immediately brought to mind so many of the movies I grew up loving- Beetlejuice, Heathers, Young Frankenstein, Encino Man, and Hocus Pocus in particular, so I wanted to find my way back to how those movies made me feel back then.
Lisa Frankenstein is your first feature film, but you've mentioned that you had three previous projects fall apart before this one. Can you share the challenges you faced during those earlier attempts and how you overcame them?
The ones that fell apart before Lisa were mainly due to the pandemic , as it effected everything from budgets and scheduling to the ability to safely run a set, and while I know some people see the job of director as an artistic one first and foremost, for me the most important aspect of my job is making sure I can deliver what I set out to do as safely as possible, for both my cast and crew. Now more than ever, I know now how unbelievably lucky I am to have even had this film survive, when so many didn’t over the last couple years, but at the same time projects fall apart in Hollywood all the time, so I’ve learned to try not to get too attached if I can help it.
Lisa Frankenstein explores the relationship between a teenager and her high school crush, but it appears to have a unique twist. How does the film distinguish itself from other typical high school romance stories, and what elements or themes make it stand out as a fresh and distinct narrative in the genre, especially with its release around Valentine's Day?
If the romantic lead being a silent, somewhat dismembered Victorian zombie doesn’t set it apart, I’m not sure what else could! Jokes about gentleman monsters aside, I’m grateful that this movie explores something for young viewers that I don’t think they’re often presented these days, particularly not in a fun, bright and upbeat package: the fact that they deserve to be loved, by themselves or others, even in grief, or self discovery, as they change and act out and grow into themselves. They deserve to be loved no matter how monstrous they currently feel, and that’s true for both Lisa and Creature.
What are you currently working on that’s exciting you the most?
While I can’t announce quite yet what the project is exactly, my next film is shaping up to be one of my own scripts this time. I have quite a few that I’ve written over the years, but I’m really excited at the prospect of expanding more into that aspect of my creativity too. We’ll see. As I mentioned above, things in this industry can change in an instant, and often do. If it’s not that one, I’m sure I’ll find another story worth telling around another corner down the road.
Lightning Round
Daily habit: I watch at least one movie a day when I’m not on set. Today I rewatched Before Sunrise.
Most used emoji: ❤️
Most productive time of the day: I write the most late at night, when the world is quiet
Fun fact: Scotland’s national animal is the Unicorn
Favorite Frankenstein movie: Tie between Young Frankenstein and Rocky Horror, though Bride of Frankenstein and Frankenhooker are a close second.