TAMARA LAWRANCE: Yeah, I completely agree.
Its been a massive career highlight.
Marlon has these layers in his writing that often tie in historical context.
This British limited series uses a hefty investigation as a means to explore race and class.
We have this detective trope for this missing persons case, and people love a cop drama.
Its the genius of Marlons writing.
Image via HBO
How was the experience of exploring that with someone like Chyna McQueen, who was making their screen debut?
LAWRANCE: It was amazing.
Chyna is such a phenomenon.
Image via HBO
We were bringing elements of ourselves to it.
We spoke about that.
We had rehearsals with Tanya [Hamilton], our director for episodes one and two.
We gave each other space to be quite vulnerable about what those themes and things meant to us.
LAWRANCE: Probably the latter.
For me, the biggest resource is the text.
Image via HBO
Obviously, having the writer on set was amazing.
And then, it was also about having conversations with Marlon about what inspired him to write this piece.
Also, filming [in Jamaica] gave me a wealth of things to draw on, as well.
The series premieres on HBO on November 25.
We also get some time at home with Millie, with Curtis and his homelife and with Millies relationship.
That was really enjoyable.
A former Scotland Yard detective returns to Jamaica to investigate a missing persons case, which leads her deep into the underworld of Kingston. As she uncovers dark secrets, the case threatens to expose far more than she ever imagined, exploring themes of identity, race, and post-colonial trauma.
I really treasured all the moments like that, but theyre also very important for the story.
Theyre also moments in which you see Millies vulnerability.
So, moments like that show you that she actually does really desire connection.
A big theme of the piece is home.
Shes trying to cultivate her home.
She wants to have places where she feels at home and people with whom she feels at home.
LAWRANCE: Yeah, definitely.
The more flawed and unlikable somebody is, the more we get a chance to see ourselves.
Was this a hard character to leave behind and say goodbye to?
Was it jarring to just be done with her?
I wouldnt mind a Season 2 like that.
Does who you left behind last affect who you want to play next?
Thats an interesting question.
I think it does.
What havent I yet explored?
What would I like to explore more of?
Id like to do more things that are an iteration of a character of Millies caliber.
It was a real gift of a part.
But also, sometimes the antithesis is really nice.
Last year, I did a prison drama, and then I did a comedy.
So, Im open.
Every opportunity to do this is a real privilege.
Im excited to see how people respond to Millie and what doors this character may open.
As it stands,Im also producing and trying to write, as well.
A friend and I are writing a comedy show, and I co-produced a short film.
Im also quite curious about doing things behind the scenes in the future.
Wright also spoke about making ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.’
Do you have the goal of directing, at some point?
I have had the opportunity, as an actor, to see post-production, and that was really fascinating.
Id like to do more of that, really, rather than directing.
Acting, writing and producing feel like they make sense for me.
Get Millie Blackairs on HBO and is available to stream on Max.
Check out the trailer:
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