Actress Laura Vandervoort has a lot to look forward to with the premiere of her upcoming film Jigsaw, the long-awaited revival of the popular Saw film series hitting screens just in time for Halloween. She will be starring as Anna in this next chapter of the saga. We’ll have to wait until the film’s release to see where she falls into Jigsaw’s grizzly plans. But Vandervoort is not new to fan-favorite franchises. For most of her career, she has been entertaining fans of comic books and science fiction with starring and recurring roles in hit shows like V, Smallville, Supergirl and Bitten. Luckily for her, she is a huge fan of these genres herself. During our time with Ms. Vandervoort, we discussed what we can be expected from the highly-anticipated film along with favorite free-time activities, inspirations, fashion/style preferences and what we can hope to see next.
You have a huge film coming out next month with Jigsaw. Obviously, this is the next installment in the iconic horror franchise that has had a 7-year hiatus. We at UNpopular Style Magazine are huge fans of Saw and Horror films in general. How did you get involved with this project? Were you a fan of the previous films in the series?
I was a fan of the franchise. I'm a huge horror/psychological thriller fan in general. With Jigsaw, I was actually able to have a sit down meeting with our incredible directors Peter and Michael. We hit it off! I was a fan of their previous film 'Predestination' and knew how incredibly talented they were.
The past movies are known for their elaborate traps and violence, where there any interesting traps or gore effects that were difficult or intense for you personally? Any favorites?
Don't want to spoil any of the 'fun', however, Jigsaw keeps in line with the elaborate traps! I believe Michael and Peter made the film more of a psychological thriller than gore. They have their spin on it. It's incredible. Don't get me wrong, we have gore... but it's more about piecing together the 'puzzle' if you will. I'm claustrophobic so there was one trap in particular that I was concerned about.
What can you tell us about the character of Anna and how does she fall into Jigsaw’s insane games?
I'm not sure I can say much. Anna did or did not do horrible thing(s) in her past. She is there to come face to face with whatever skeletons she may have in her closet. I do think the audience will root for her. At least I hope so! Haha.
You have been a part of some huge fan-favorite franchises with V, Smallville, Supergirl, Spider-Man: Edge of Time and now Jigsaw. What have your experiences been like connecting with such a passionate fan base? Were you a fan of horror and science fiction at all growing up?
I have been lucky enough to be a part of the Sci-fi genre now for over 10 years. It is such a blessing to experience that. The fan base is so incredibly knowledgeable about my characters. Their enthusiasm for Sci-fi projects, their passion and kindness is immense. Growing up I was definitely a kid that loved the darker, twisted plots- Tim Burton, Hitchcock. I grew up idolizing Buffy The Vampire Slayer, haha. So I suppose Horror and sci-fi has always been a passion for me.
Are there any actors/actresses or directors you would like to work with one day?
I would love to work with David Fincher one day. Darren Aronofsky. Patty Jenkins. Tim Burton. Spielberg. Tarantino. Scorsese.
Are there any particular films or performers that inspired you to want to be an actress from a young age? Were you fueled by your imagination as a child?
One film that I believe made me want to get into this business was the movie 'My Girl.' When the movie came out, I was a similar age to the lead young actress. It was the first film I'd seen at that point that dealt with real life issues and a young girl trying to manage it all. I was drawn in.
When you have a free day, what do you enjoy doing most?
Coffee before anything! Ha. With a free day I tend to get a workout in, tackle any errands I've let go while working. See my friends. Maybe a movie, dinner or a hike. I'm absolutely In love with my rescue dog Frankie. A lot of my free time is spent with her, haha. I also have a great group of friends who love to do escape rooms together.
How would you define your own personal style in terms of fashion? Favorite beauty products, places to shop or beauty secrets? Any items you can’t leave the home without?
My personal style? I'm not sure I have one. I tend to (like most people) dress according to the situation. On days off I'm often in my lulu lemons and a hoodie. Jeans and a t shirt. For meetings or work events I just always try to dress in something that makes me feel strong and confident, whether it's a blazer and tailored pants, a dress or heels with a great top and jeans. I do like having a bit of a heel at all times. I cannot leave home without my Peter Thomas Roth mascara or a concealer stick. Maybe a lightly colored lipstick? Really I can't leave home without my dog!
How often do you visit your hometown in Canada? Anything from there that you wish we had in the U.S.?
I am home often! I've been lucky enough to work on projects within Canada, often my hometown of Toronto. I always look for projects in Toronto. I'm very close with my family and have a niece and nephew. So getting home at least once a month or once every 2 months is important to me. I do wish we had Tim Horton's in the U.S. ... and maybe dill pickle and ketchup chips.
Are there any upcoming projects you are working on now that you can tell us about? Anything we can look forward to?
I'm currently working on a series called 'Ice' in Vancouver, BC. Later I'll be doing a show in Toronto called 'Frankie Drake.' I'm also at the very early stages of trying to develop something I'm rather excited about. Stay tuned!
Photography: John Bregar
Follow Laura Vanderoort:
Instagram: @supervandie
Twitter: @Vandiekins22