Mallori Johnson may be a newcomer to the acting world, but she has the talent of a seasoned veteran. The 24-year-old Juilliard graduate directs FX’s television adaptation of Octavia E. Butler’s Kindred novel — which premiered December 13 — as Dana, a young, aspiring author who moves to Los Angeles and lives in time travels back to a 19th century plantation. The series marks Johnson’s first major role after landing a minor role on Apple TV+’s WeCrashed. And from what she tells POPSUGAR, it was an “extremely nerve-wracking” experience for her.
“Octavia Butler is so legendary and I know she had such a cult following,” says Johnson. “As I went into it, I just thought, I don’t want to invoke any disrespect towards her legacy. And also, when I step onto a set for the first time and I don’t know how the camera angles work, I really have to learn to walk on my feet, discover a process along the way, take care of myself, all of that was very, very foreign to me.”
Though Johnson says filming Kindred just after graduating from college in 2021 was “intimidating,” she had support around her, even on days when she was wondering, “What am I doing?” “Luckily.” I had people around me willing to help me and say, ‘We got you,'” she says.
Kindred is now streaming on Hulu. Read on to find out more about the show’s leading lady.
