Sa’Raya Paris Johnson on upcoming film ‘Caroline’, working with Hollywood stars, and her acting journey

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Sa’Raya Paris Johnson, a budding actress with an already substantial portfolio, has worked on projects such as Ryan Reynolds and John Krasinski’s IF, Meagan Good’s Lifetime suspense film Death Saved My Life (2021), and the New Amsterdam series. She is now poised to assume the lead role in Morningstar Angeline’s directorial debut for the upcoming dramedy film titled Caroline.

From a passionate cinephile’s perspective: In this captivating film, I find myself immersed in the story of Caroline (Johnson), an 11-year-old prodigy with keen instincts, living an exhilarating yet precarious life with her mom. Their world takes a turn when Caroline’s long-lost father reenters their lives. As financial hardships pile up, they are compelled to undertake a dangerous heist, one that teeters on the edge of chaos and threatens to strain their already fragile bond.

Additional actors set to join Johnson include Teri Polo from “Meet the Parents”, James Udom from “Judas and the Black Messiah”, and Davida Williams from “Game, Set, Love”. I recently had an opportunity to chat with the gifted Johnson, who opened up about her upcoming film, working with renowned stars in previous productions, her acting journey thus far, and much more.

Sa’Raya Paris Johnson: My journey into the entertainment world began at just 3 years old, when I ventured into modeling. Walking the runway during New York Fashion Week and working on various projects ignited my passion for acting. Ever since I enjoy being in front of a camera, so I kick-started creating videos on Instagram and YouTube. From there, things really took off.

In your youth, you’ve managed to amass a remarkable portfolio of work, sharing the screen with celebrities such as John Krasinski, Ryan Reynolds, and Meagan Good in various films. Could you describe your experiences working on set with them? Are there any pieces of advice or unique behind-the-scenes moments that have stayed with you over time?

Indeed, it’s a joy to reminisce about the times we spent together on set. Those moments are truly precious to me.

In my first business advertisement, I appeared alongside several other children and the comedian, Tiffany Haddish, for Groupon. Among all the kids, I was the youngest, and I was incredibly nervous. I recall crying, but Tiffany comforted me by giving me a warm hug and encouraging words, making me feel secure and joyful in that instant. I’ll always be grateful for that moment.

Spent a delightful time working alongside John Krasinski and Ryan Reynolds on the set of IF. They ensured I felt at ease, and their humor was infectious. Once filming my scene concluded, John generously gifted me the large plush toy from the movie that I used in my role.

Working with Meagan Good was like a dream realized for me. She chose me to play her daughter in Death Saved My Life, and she had faith in my abilities. At that time, I was only five years old and still learning to read. When they handed me a revised script on set, I informed them I hadn’t learned to read yet yet. This made everyone laugh, as it turned out to be quite amusing.

Since I know you’ll be playing the lead in the upcoming dramedy, Caroline, what aspects of the script or character attracted you to this film?

Caroline, at such a tender age, shoulders significant responsibilities, assisting her mother and striving to ensure her family’s survival. She’s fearless and incredibly intelligent, regardless of the situation. I find myself drawn to her, particularly by the profound affection she holds for her mother. Our bond with our mothers resonates deeply within me, as I too would go to great lengths to safeguard hers and my family’s wellbeing. I aspire that my portrayal will breathe life into this character, conveying the intricacies of a young girl navigating tough circumstances.

As a budding artist, can you tell me about the hurdles you encounter and what aspects of an acting profession bring you joy, besides obviously collaborating with extraordinary talents?

As a budding artist, I encounter numerous hurdles in my day-to-day life. Juggling a hectic schedule and making time for my artistry to excel is a constant struggle. The aspect of my career that brings me the greatest joy is the ability to embody diverse characters and exercise creativity. In essence, we, as actors, are storytellers who breathe life into tales, a role I deeply cherish.

How are you preparing yourself for taking on the role of Caroline, given that her character encounters demanding and emotionally taxing scenarios in the film, at a relatively young age?

Over the past while, I’ve been putting in a great deal of effort to perfect this role. My incredible acting coach Wendy McKenzie has been guiding me since I was just 3 years old. By finding scenarios that resonate with me and tapping into my emotions from those experiences, I’m able to breathe life into the character Caroline.

Did you have any discussions with Director Morningstar Angeline, particularly in light of her first directorial project? If so, could you provide some insights into her vision for the character Caroline, your responsibilities in portraying this role, and the key message that the narrative aims to convey?

I’m thrilled to be joining Morningstar for her first directorial venture. Her concept for “Caroline” aims to let viewers delve into the journey of a courageous young girl who navigates unique and unconventional circumstances, striving to seize opportunities. My task with this character is to breathe life into Caroline and elicit emotions from the audience so they can experience her story. I want them to witness Caroline’s tale of love, family, and redemption through her eyes.

Following Caroline’s movies, what sort of films are you eager to delve into next? Can you tell me about any forthcoming projects that you have information on?

As a self-confessed horror aficionado, the thrill of starring in a chilling cinematic masterpiece has long been a dream of mine. While my upcoming project remains shrouded in secrecy, I can assure you that it’s a riveting tale that has left an indelible mark on me. What I am allowed to disclose is that the story is potent and profound, and being part of its creation was nothing short of an honor.

Are there any actors or directors you’d love to work with in the future?

Among the numerous talented actors, directors, and creators I aspire to collaborate with is Zendaya, whom I deeply admire and consider my role model. Tyler Perry and his endeavors are also close to my heart, having previously had the pleasure of working with Trey Haley and ND Brown Jones. If given the opportunity, I would gladly work with them again. The Tri-Destined family is another group I hope to collaborate with in the future, along with Kevin Hart and Ryan Coogler. Additionally, it has long been a dream of mine to appear in a Marvel Universe film.

Could you tell me about the most recent film you’ve seen, and are there any movies that motivate you or serve as your ‘go-to’ comfort films?

Lately, I’ve been feeling quite sentimental. I just re-watched the wonderful Anna Chlumsky in the two movies titled “My Girl“, a fantastic coming-of-age film. As for my favorite horror series, it’s the chilling trilogy of “Anabelle“. I could watch those terrifying doll movies again and again!

Beyond your acting career, are you considering branching out into other aspects of the entertainment industry? Given your experience with voice work, such as in Devil May Cry, I’m curious if there are other creative fields where you might want to participate.

Someday, it’s a dream of mine to step into the director’s chair and make my own movies. This ambition is what drives me. Watching Morningstar make her directorial debut stirs within me the belief that I, too, can turn this dream into reality.

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2025-05-12 16:15