Chase Infiniti recently shared a fascinating insight into her remarkable debut in the film "One Battle After Another". You couldn't ask for a more impressive start to an acting career, especially considering how the 24-year-old actress found herself navigating such challenging waters. Portraying Willa, the teenage daughter of former revolutionaries, she was thrust into exhilarating scenarios that included intense shootouts, high-speed car chases, and karate scenes, all while sharing the screen with Hollywood heavyweights like Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, and Regina King. Chase reflects, "My whole life has literally changed in the last six months."
How did you land this incredible role? Was there a massive karate tournament where you had to battle your way to the top?
"No, thankfully!" Chase laughs. "I spent six months auditioning for this film while simultaneously working on my first project, 'Presumed Innocent'. I was in California when I submitted my initial self-tape. About a month later, the casting director reached out to tell me that Paul Thomas Anderson wanted to see me for an in-person callback. This would be a chemistry read with Leonardo DiCaprio and Regina Hall!" From there, things moved quickly as she participated in several in-person auditions, callbacks, chemistry reads, and camera tests. She even underwent four days of intensive karate training, which included both private lessons and group classes. Paul Thomas Anderson attended her final training session, and afterwards, he offered her the role.
Did you feel intimidated acting alongside such established actors?
"Oh, I was definitely freaking out when I first heard the news! I immediately called my parents and told them, 'Mom, I’m about to meet Leo DiCaprio and Regina Hall tomorrow.' They were even more excited than I was! But once I arrived on set, I shifted my focus. I reminded myself that I was there to do my job and to perform well for my fellow actors. When they call 'Action', all those nerves fade away. Plus, Leo is genuinely kind and really funny, which made it easy to connect from the very beginning."
The film features a number of dysfunctional male characters, while many of the female characters exhibit great strength. Did any of these powerful women look out for you during filming?
"Absolutely! Even before we started shooting, Regina reached out to me and said, 'If you ever need anything, just let me know.' I took her up on that offer. She's such a wonderful person and an authentic human being; I really appreciate her support."
You have so many thrilling moments in this movie—shootouts and car chases, for instance. Which scene was your favorite to film?
"Being able to perform those action sequences has been a long-time dream of mine because I adore action movies! I was particularly thrilled to race a car, engage in fight scenes, and use firearms on screen. However, one of the standout scenes for me was when my character, Willa, first encounters Lockjaw, played by Sean Penn, in that church at the Sisterhood of the Brave Beaver. I was incredibly eager to film that moment, and seeing it play out on the big screen filled me with pride."
The film tackles heavy themes of racism and racial hostility. As someone of mixed race, how did you navigate those challenging topics?
"Sadly, these issues are not unfamiliar to me given the world we live in, especially regarding my identity and appearance. Fortunately, thanks to Paul, Sean, and the entire crew, I felt supported and comfortable enough to address these themes directly without fear. I drew from my own experiences, and Paul urged me to embody Willa fully, saying that I was Willa. His trust in me to portray her authentically means so much to me."
Willa is quite fearless for a 16-year-old. What were you like at that age?
"At 16, I was quite scared and struggled significantly with figuring out where I fit in. The only place I truly felt I belonged was in theater and performing arts. That was where I could completely lose myself and find peace like never before. I attended a musical theater school in Indianapolis, which taught me the importance of ensemble work and collaboration, as no performance is solely individual."
You must often get asked about the story behind your name!
"I actually love explaining it! My parents put a lot of thought into my name. My first name, Chase, is inspired by Nicole Kidman’s character, Chase Meridian, from 'Batman Forever'. As for my middle name, Infiniti, it comes from the iconic line in 'Toy Story' when Buzz Lightyear says, 'To infinity and beyond.' It's clear my parents are big fans of movies!"
What exciting projects do you have lined up next?
"I've just wrapped filming a sequel to 'The Handmaid’s Tale' titled 'The Testaments,' where I play Agnes, the daughter of Elisabeth Moss’s character, June. It was an amazing experience to explore a new aspect of Gilead!"
Lastly, what was your favorite film of the year, aside from 'One Battle After Another'?
"I absolutely loved 'Sinners' and plan to rewatch it around Christmas. That film resonated with me deeply, especially seeing characters who look like me portrayed on screen in such a compelling story. You can really feel the passion and dedication Ryan Coogler poured into it."
