I was so excited when I was invited on an all expenses paid trip to LA to cover #TheStarMovie junket. We got to soak in the warmth of California, watch a screening of The Star Movie, interview the talent, and join in on some fun holiday activities!
We sat with the talent from The Star, an animated movie, and chatted as if we were having coffee. We talked with Gina R0driguez (“Mary”) and Zachary Levi (“Joseph”) about Christmas traditions, movies, and laughed through many jokes. Although Gina was feeling under the weather, Zachary didn’t let that stop him from the one-liners and zingers. They played off each other and you felt the chemistry and understood why Mary and Joseph felt so genuine.
How did you prepare for the role of Joseph?
Zachary Levi: I think as far as the preparation for playing Joseph, growing up in the Judeo Christian faith my whole life, that was plenty of preparation I think. You know, reading about that story, specifically seeing that story, we have seen that story told so many times.
So it’s really cool to get to take on that responsibility of getting to play Joseph. Also, what a fun way they have done it, splicing it up and allowing the animals to kind of bring it to life. Which I think is going to give it a freshness, we have not seen this take on the nativity which I think is important.
Gina Rodriguez joined in: I grew up with the Nativity Story my whole life. “All the different versions – I feel like TBS and Lifetime did a version every Christmas – I really enjoyed it, so it’s really cool to be a part of this one.”
What does Zachary and Gina think about other Christmas classics?
Zachary Levi: I love the heart of that movie (It’s A Wonderful Life), even in our worst bits when we feel like we have completely ruined our lives, I have felt like that plenty of times, you are worth something. You are valuable, you are valuable to your family, to your friends, your community, and the world would not be the same if you were not in it. That is the greatest thing from that movie.
Gina Rodriguez: That’s where he (Jimmy Stewart) lassos the moon! “It’s so romantic!” she said it’s also her boyfriend’s favorite movie. “He always watches it with his family on Christmas Eve, and last year we weren’t with his family, so he said I do this every year and I’m not gonna be with my family, but you’re my family now, will you watch with me? And it was the first time I had watched it with him and it was so beautiful.Their relationship, though, towards the end was really rough.”
The Star Movie opens Friday, November 17th
What an awesome interview! This sounds like a great movie – I definitely want to see it 🙂
I’ve seen the trailer for Star. Looks like it is funny and heart-warming. Great interview!
I am such a Gina fan! I just love her character on Jane the Virgin. Going to check out the trailer for Star now!
What a fun interview to share. I want to see the movie The Star, I noticed that it’s in theaters. I will have to try to check it out before it leaves theaters.
So cool to get to interview the stars of the movie! My kids want to see this.
I am so jealous that you got to go to this event! I love Gina Rodriguez, and I am so excited to see this movie. My son is going to love it!
What an exciting opportunity! This movie looks adorable and it is always fun to learn more about the people behind animated characters.
That was a really fun interview. I would love to take my kids to see this movie. It is such a unique twist the original Nativity story. Thanks for sharing the interview with Zachary and Gina!
I love this interview. I think that this looks like a really cute movie for Christmas.
What a fun interview. Zachary and Gina are so cute! I am really looking forward to seeing this new movie with my family this holiday season!
The interviews for this movie, I’ve seen, are amazing. Such nice folks and an awesome movie!
I haven’t had a chance to take my kids to this movie yet. Sounds like they had some really nice people behind the scenes!
Isn’t this awesome! I really cannot wait for this movie. It’s one of the things that will inspire kids and also make them appreciate this season as well.
Such a lovely movie to look forward to! I also like the voice actors that they picked! What a nice interview!
We cannot wait to see this movie! What an awesome event you went to!