dress. Saint Laurent
opposite
leather dress. Tamar Elbaz
From fiery monologues to unspoken moments, Francesca Eastwood captures the screen with emotional and impactful performances. She’s constantly “looking to do different things and explore different genres and characters,” which allows her to shapeshift effortlessly from character to character. Her most recent roles are strikingly different – in the sports drama biopic Queen of the Ring, Eastwood plays the WWE Hall of Famer Mae Young, and in Juror #2, she plays Kendall Carter, the victim of a murder – but if they weren’t, she probably wouldn’t have been interested.
Beginning her career at just six years old in True Crime – which saw her starring alongside her father, Clint Eastwood, and even being nominated for a Young Artist Award – she has long been honing her scene-stealing skills. Gaining recognition in 2016 for Outlaws and Angels, her career has continued to skyrocket, with roles in mystery thriller Clawfoot and San Diego Film Festival Grand Jury Award-winning performance in M.F.A. solidifying Eastwood as one to watch.
Still, with all this experience under her belt, taking on the role of Kendall in the legal thriller film Juror #2, directed by her father, posed as demanding for her. “The only challenge was going to work while staying confident,” she shares, “I wanted so badly to do a good job and for my dad to be proud of me on a personal note.”
In conversation with Schön!, Eastwood delves into her preparation for Queen of the Ring, the cliffhanger in Juror #2 (warning: spoilers!), and what she’s looking for in future roles.
helsa blazer. Revolve
shoes. Miu Miu
tights. Wolford
One of your latest roles in Queen of the Ring had you playing WWE Hall of Famer Mae Young. What initially drew you to playing her?
Mae had so much passion and love for wrestling – I think that it’s infectious. I’ve always wanted to do true stories, and this was my first opportunity to play someone that really existed.
As the film is based on a true story, what kind of research did you do to prepare for your role?
I was very lucky to have so much material to research and study. There were a lot of videos of her and tapes of her interviews that worked as my guide. To be able to just listen to her voice every day was a privilege.
Since you portrayed a female wrestler, what kind of training did you do to prepare?
We did a lot of wrestling practice. I started working out and eating more to put some muscle on. It was so much fun.
leather dress. Tamar Elbaz
There is a very moving scene in the film where Mae and Billy Wolff have an altercation on the staircase. When acting in intense scenes like that, how do you get into the right headspace?
I just try to be as calm as possible. That scene was very special to me, and I was thrilled to work with Josh [Lucas]. I felt emotional when I read it, and I held onto that feeling of love that Mae had for her girls and her career and that pain of not being able to stop something horrible from happening.
Were you able to relate to Mae in any way?
I do feel like I have a bit of Mae’s fiery spirit in me. I am nowhere near as brave and outspoken as she was, but there is a rebellious bone in my body that I would say she has as well.
bodysuit. Epuzer
rings. Keren Wolf
opposite
dress. Leo Season
top. Benza
Your most recent role in Juror #2 saw you play Kendall Carter. How did this role challenge you?
I think the only challenge was going to work while staying confident. I wanted so badly to do a good job and for my dad to be proud of me on a personal note. I felt like I really needed to get the vibe for Kendall right, and there was a lot of improvisation. That was a bit challenging – to trust my instincts. We had a lot of fun, though, and it was such a good feeling to be on set with the cast and crew, many of whom I’ve known since I was a kid.
The film ends on a real cliffhanger. What do you think happens next, or what do you hope is the outcome when it comes to justice for Kendall?
I would like to think that the truth comes out and James Sythe isn’t wrongfully imprisoned. I’d like to think that Faith does the right thing and comes forward. But, I would also like to see Justin become a father and be able to raise his child. It’s a tough situation, and I’ve tried not to overthink it.
Your father, Clint Eastwood, directed the film. Although you’re no stranger to working with him, what was that dynamic like on set, and how does it differ from other directors?
We had a great time. There’s an ease in the way he works and a very positive and joyful feeling on set. Everyone is focused and happy to be there.
When you’re choosing your future roles, what do you look for in a character or script?
Unknown territory. I am looking to do different things and explore different genres and characters.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you can tease?
Yes! I have an untitled U.F.O. project that I’m almost done shooting. I play a scientist who does quite a bit of public speaking, so that was fun. I’m about to start filming The Bay. It’s about a girl who goes to Thailand for a wedding and ends up in a shipwreck in shark-infested waters. It’s a real thriller!
dress. Leo Season
top. Benza
‘Juror #2’ is in theatres now. ‘Queen of the Ring’ is in film festivals now and theatres soon.
photography + creative direction. Benjo Arwas
fashion. Shalev Lavan @ The Visionaries Agency
talent. Francesca Eastwood
hair. Ricky Fraser @ The Wall Group using Oribe
make up. Tori McConkey @ The Wall Group
creative production. Clara La Rosa
on-set production. Hyperion LA
video. Tyler Gurd
photography assistant. Leo
fashion assistants. Cassidy Mamula + Laura Jaimes
location. Hype Studios LA
interview. Amber Louise
