For us, the best thing to have emerged from the gravel of 2021 was the astounding plethora of fresh talent. As such, we have been on the lookout for those gifted few to carry the momentum through 2022. Enter, Kaci Walfall. To mark the new year, the actress and soon to be high-school graduate is stepping out of her Broadway persona in The Lion King, and into the role of Naomi — the lead star of Oscar nominee and Emmy winner Ava DuVernay’s upcoming TV series, NAOMI. Having already garnered a respectable hype from her work in Modern Love and The Equaliser, the US will see a fresh light cast on the emerging star — with the UK hopefully not too far behind.

NAOMI follows the journey of a cool and confident comic-book fanatic, who finds herself pursuing her hidden destiny. Kaci, who will embody the eponymous character, steps into the land of DC Comics, and her character will reach the very height of the multiverse in search for answers.

In light of the US premiere which took place earlier this month, Kaci Walfall took the time to speak with Wonderland about her journey to NAOMI, and elaborates on the love she has both for her character and what she stands for.

To read the full interview, scroll below…

Hey Kaci! How are you, how has this past year been for you?
Hi! I’m doing well, thank you, I cannot complain. This past year has been very good to me. From ending the school year virtually, booking Naomi, and starting my senior year of high school. I’m grateful for all the growth, new opportunities, and new people I met in 2021.

What was one thing you learned about yourself during the pandemic?
I found a love for reading. I’ve always read for school and for work but during quarantine I read plenty of different genres of books for my enjoyment. I love being able to read on my own time. It’s kinda like acting how you escape into a character and a story. The pandemic fostered my love for reading.

How did you first get into acting?
I would say I’ve been acting my whole life. I started professionally acting at seven years old. No one in my family was an actor, my parents had dreams of me playing basketball. Sports didn’t stick. I‘ve always enjoyed entertaining others, whether it was singing, dancing, or acting. My mom decided to take me to an acting class and then I did a showcase and got an agent. The rest is history.

You started Broadway at 9, did you feel a pressure coming in so young? How did you navigate it?
I was in the 4th grade when I started The Lion King. It was my first show and at the time it was my big break. I didn’t feel pressure because I was young and it was more about having fun and doing my best which is the mentality I still try to keep. The great thing about Broadway specifically is that the people you work with feel like a family so that helped ease my nerves. I had to navigate balancing rehearsals, work, and school.

And now you’re in Naomi! How did you first get involved?
Yes! I got an email from my agents to submit a self-tape for the role. I remember reading the email and it just kept getting better, DC, CW, Ms. Ava, and the character description. About 2 weeks after submitting my tape I had a producer’s session with the casting team and Ms. Ava. After that session, my mom received a call that we had to fly to LA. In LA, I had Zoom chemistry reads for the role and then I had lunch with Ms. Ava and my mom. During the lunch we talked about the character, the show, and my “origin” story. Two weeks later I got a call directly from Ms. Ava, welcoming me to the Array family as Naomi.

Entering the DC universe, what was that feeling like?
It’s special. Prior to the show I was a fan of DC Universe TV, it feels very full circle. I was a bit nervous coming in and still am honestly but I’m eternally grateful for the opportunity.

The series champions black superheroes, how important is it for you to have this representation?
Representation is always important. Everyone wants to be included and represented, and should be. I am grateful to the black superheroes that paved the way before me. For me and many others, Naomi means so much. I look forward to the day when we move from the conversation of representation to normalisation.

Take us through your character Naomi, how did you approach her? What do you want people to take away from the show?
I approach Naomi in a lot of different ways, the first thing I noticed was that she’s an extrovert, she is so likeable because she “meets everyone where they’re at”. I often try to play off the other characters who play her friends in scenes to amplify that. I always remind myself and hope to remind viewers that she’s an alien but she’s also a 16 year old girl!! She grew up on earth and has human emotions and reactions. As an actor, I love the research process, adding subtext to my scenes, and creating a backstory.

Who would you love to work with?
So many people. At the moment, I would say Jonathan Majors. He’s so brilliant, I’ve watched most of his work and his videos on youtube multiple times. He has so much respect for the craft and it completely translates on the screen. I feel like getting to even do a scene with him I would leave with so much knowledge. I also just love the whole Lovecraft Country cast.

What is next for you? What are you most excited for in 2022?
Naomi premieres this year which is exciting. I also graduate high school this year which is cool! I’m excited for the work and the growth I’ll experience this year with new projects.