When thinking of the best in rising British talent, Wallis Day is the only name that should jump to mind. Having made her beginnings in drama school, the actress nurtured her curiosity towards the world of theatre and harnessed it in a bid to kickstart her career – most successful, we might add. Now, in the midst of her climb towards stardom, the talent can be seen falling through the intense drama film, INFINITE, alongside Mark Wahlberg and stepping into the infamous shows of Kate Kane in the Batwoman TV series as she continues to establish herself as one to watch in the TV and film industry.

When speaking on her involvement in the supernatural drama, the actress states, “Batwoman is awesome, it had been a discussion for a long time, so getting the chance to finally do it is great. Kate Kane is obviously such a huge character in the superhero world, so playing her is surreal but an honour.”

While she continues to dominate her field, the rising star sat down with Wonderland to discuss her latest role in INFINITE, the similarities she shares with Kate Kane and what the future holds. Head below to read our interview with Wallis Day below…

Hey Wallis! How has this past year been for you?
Hey! It’s been a total rollercoaster, I’ve been fortunate enough to still be filming projects throughout the pandemic, and actually started a really cool company I’ve been developing with a partner that’s launching in October. Can’t quite give details yet but I’m excited to share with the world!

Where did you spend the lockdown? Did you pick up any unusual skills?
I spent the first half home in London and the second at my place in LA. I rediscovered my love for drums and electric guitar so have been having fun with that, writing scripts and making music with friends. I think my neighbours hate me now

How did you first get into acting? What sparked the interest?
My interest was sparked by going to the theatre when I was younger. I wanted to perform on stage with the other kids, so my parents sent me to stagecoach when I was 5. From there, I couldn’t get enough of it. I was obsessed with creating, so I grew up doing summer schools, writing camps and directing courses until I went to ArtsEd drama school to study acting for stage and screen. It was Angelina Jolie’s early 2000’s movies that navigated me to my passion; Tomb Raider, Wanted, Gia, Girl Interrupted, etc. I felt a longing to tell the same kinds of stories she was and to explore the avenues my imagination can take me.

With everything that happened last year, how do you think the acting world has changed post-covid?
Being on set is a much different experience! It’s not as social, and there’s a lot of precautions. But my main concern that we’re losing our connection to a live audience, with theatres being shut for over a year, and more movies and shows being streamed instead of going to the cinema. In some ways, it’s great because more people have access to it, but it does make me sad to see old school cinemas and theatres closing down. Although we’ve been fundraising for our local theatre and finally managed to reopen it which is a great feeling!

You’re in Batwoman, how did you get involved and what does this role mean to you?
Batwoman is awesome, it had been a discussion for a long time, so getting the chance to finally do it is great. Kate Kane is obviously such a huge character in the superhero world, so playing her is surreal but an honour.

Can you relate to Kate in anyway? And how did you first approach the role?
Honestly, Kate and I are so similar that I felt like this has been the least I’ve prepared for a role. I read all the scripts upfront and had multiple discussions with our showrunner about creating Kate, we agreed to approaching the material with my own natural instincts was the best way to portray her. I work visually, so the hotel walls were covered with timelines and diagrams of Kate’s identity, which kinda submerges you into the characters life and totally engulfs me in the project I’m doing. My friends tell me I subconsciously turn into the characters I play whilst filming, so maybe that’s why! Generally, I think the more prep you do, the more your performance flows once you’re on set.

In relation to your other roles, was this one in anyway more challenging?
The dissociative identity when Kate had been brainwashed was the most challenging part for me. I wanted to illustrate the evil within her, but safeguard a fragment of her pure heart. I needed the audience’s hearts to break but I also wanted them to still feel Kate underneath, it was crucial to me that she could redeem herself because I knew that would be important to the fans.

You’re also in INFINITE with Mark Wahlberg and Chiwetel Ejiofor! How did you get involved? What was filming like?
INFINITE was wonderful. Working with Mark, Chiwetel and Antoine Fuqua was like taking a movie masterclass. I was just in awe of their processes and expertise. I stepped off that set a different actor.

I originally sent in an audition tape, then was recalled and tested in front of the director and the producers. I went into it with an American accent, dressed as the character, and at the end, Antoine asked me if I’d work this hard throughout filming, I said “yes sir I will” then he told me he’d see me on set.

Do you prefer acting in, TV or Film?
They both have their advantages. I feel like you really get to delve into your characters long term story with TV, it’s faster-paced and nice to be with a good group of people in one place for a while. But with film, I love the fact that you can hop between genres, playing completely different characters and tell a wide range of stories.

What are you most excited for/ looking forward to?
I’m shooting an amazing movie at the moment, and we go to Thailand for a month! I’ve never been before so I’m really looking forward to it. Travelling is one of my favourite parts of the job for me and I’m just excited to be working.