Chase Sui Wonders Reflects on Her Journey in The Studio
On a day off from filming her latest project, The Studio, Chase Sui Wonders took the opportunity to visit the set and soak in the atmosphere. The actress, who was residing at a house located at the base of the Hollywood Hills, joined her co-stars Seth Rogen, Ike Barinholtz, and a few high-profile guest stars for an evening shoot at the iconic Chateau Marmont.
“During a break between scenes, I found myself standing outside with Seth, Ike, and Zac Efron, gazing up at the hotel sign,” she recalls. “In that moment, we reflected on the significance of working in such a legendary location—creating art within these storied walls made us feel truly alive. It was a poignant reminder of the magic of filmmaking.”
The Premise of The Studio
While The Studio may be a television show, it intricately weaves themes of Hollywood during its production. It stars Rogen as Matt Remick, the newly appointed head of the fictional Continental Studios. He navigates the challenging waters of balancing commercial success and artistic integrity while guiding a team of ambitious executives.
Wonders portrays Quinn, Remick’s ambitious former assistant who transitions into a creative executive absorbed by the ruthless demands of her new role. For the 28-year-old, known for her performances in Gen Z-centric projects like HBO’s edgy series Generations and the horror-comedy Bodies Bodies Bodies, this role represented an exciting shift in her career.
“Growing up, I was captivated by Rogen’s films like Pineapple Express, imagining that one day, I’d find myself in similar situations,” she expresses. “I firmly believe that This Is the End remains one of the last great American comedies.”
A Journey from Film Student to Actress
Wonders didn’t initially envision a career in acting. After studying film at Harvard and writing humor pieces for The Harvard Lampoon, she explored screenwriting but struggled to gain traction. “My early days were spent as an underdog, trying to get my creative voice recognized in the industry,” she reflects on her journey.
Her breakthrough came in 2020, landing a minor role in Sofia Coppola’s comedy On the Rocks. The following year, she secured a part in Generations, which significantly elevated her profile. Following The Studio, audiences can look forward to her appearance in Sony’s upcoming reboot of I Know What You Did Last Summer.
A Memorable Audition Experience
When Wonders learned of the new show being created by Rogen and Goldberg for Apple TV+, she quickly submitted a self-tape audition, eager for the opportunity. Much to her astonishment, she received a callback, which led to an audition alongside Rogen. “Seth encouraged me to improvise with him,” she recalls, “and to be honest, I was incredibly nervous. Fortunately, my character’s anxious nature perfectly aligned with my own feeling at that moment.”
Receiving the news of landing the role was equally surreal; while on vacation in Japan, exploring a Buddhist temple with her family, she got the life-changing email. “It was a chaotic moment, completely inappropriate for receiving good news. I found myself glued to my phone, utterly ecstatic,” she shares.
Courtesy of Apple TV+
Behind the Scenes: The Inspiration for The Studio
The Studio draws on the real-life experiences of its talented cast, infusing the script with absurdist storylines, including one focusing on diversity issues in the film industry. A-list cameos from stars like Charlize Theron and Martin Scorsese ensure the series highlights Hollywood’s nuances.
“I often find myself observing the world around me, thinking, ‘This could make a fantastic storyline for The Studio,'” Wonders notes, illustrating her proactive involvement in the creative process by communicating ideas for future seasons with the show’s creators.
Moreover, Wonders identifies with the deeper themes underlying the comedic surface, specifically the conflict between creativity and corporate demands. “I constantly grapple with the pressures that fame brings and the emptiness that can accompany this chase,” she admits. Maintaining her life in New York helps her stay grounded and connected to her personal values.
Embracing the Fun
Overall, Wonders is living out her dream. “This role allowed me to embrace my quirky side, which felt liberating. It empowers me to be my authentic self,” she conveys. “After all, at the heart of it, the joy of acting is about laughter and creativity.”
This article is featured in the March 19 issue of The Hollywood Reporter. Click here to subscribe.