YaYa Gosselin On ‘We Can Be Heroes’ Sequel Hopes, Priyanka Chopra’s Kindness & Empowering Kids
Netflix’s family-friendly superhero adventure, We Can Be Heroes, has captivated audiences worldwide since its debut, offering a fresh take on heroism through the eyes of its youngest protagonists. At the heart of this inspiring tale is Missy Moreno, portrayed with remarkable depth and spirit by the talented young actress, YaYa Gosselin. Missy, the quick-thinking and determined leader of a group of superhero kids, finds herself navigating a world where children must band together to rescue their super-powered parents from an alien threat. Among the beloved heroes they strive to save is the iconic Lavagirl, a nod to Robert Rodriguez’s earlier works.
In an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, YaYa Gosselin delved into her experience filming the highly successful movie, her hopes for the future of the franchise, and the profound impact the film has had on her personally and for young viewers globally. Her insights offer a compelling look into the creation of a movie that has resonated deeply with families, highlighting themes of bravery, leadership, and the power of unity.
Unveiling Future Adventures: YaYa Gosselin’s Hopes for a ‘We Can Be Heroes’ Sequel
The exhilarating conclusion of We Can Be Heroes left fans buzzing with anticipation, explicitly hinting at the possibility of a sequel. For YaYa Gosselin, the idea of revisiting Missy Moreno’s world is not just exciting but also an opportunity to explore her character’s backstory more profoundly. When asked about her aspirations for another installment, YaYa expressed a particular interest in Missy’s lineage, suggesting a rich vein of untapped narrative potential.
“I really hope that I get to learn more about my mom,” YaYa shared with HollywoodLife, articulating a desire that could significantly expand the lore of the We Can Be Heroes universe. “We don’t really know anything about her other than my dad retired after she died. So I would really like to see, you know, what Missy gets from her mom. Maybe her strength and leadership aren’t just from her dad but also her mom.” This sentiment opens up fascinating avenues for a sequel, potentially introducing new powers, backstories, and even new challenges rooted in Missy’s heritage. Exploring her mother’s past could provide a powerful foundation for Missy’s continued growth as a leader and a hero, revealing that her inherent bravery and strategic mind might be a legacy passed down from both sides of her extraordinary family tree. Such an exploration would not only enrich Missy’s character but also provide a deeper emotional core for the ongoing narrative, allowing viewers to connect even further with her journey.
Missy Moreno’s Lasting Impact: How a Character Inspires Her Actress
Playing the role of Missy Moreno in We Can Be Heroes has not only been a career milestone for YaYa Gosselin but also a profound personal journey, inspiring her to embody some of her character’s most admirable traits in her own life. YaYa, at just 11 years old during filming, found herself drawing strength and confidence from Missy’s remarkable qualities, a testament to the powerful connection between an actor and their role.
“She’s inspired me a lot because Missy’s a little bit bolder and braver than I am,” the young actress candidly admitted. “She really takes matters into her own hands, and she’s very independent. I love that she walked into the classroom of kids and didn’t care what other people thought of her and got to the mission, which was saving her dad. I think that’s something that I want to take from her, really being more bold and brave and confident in myself.” This reflection underscores the transformative nature of storytelling, where the lessons learned on screen can translate into real-world personal development. Missy’s ability to confidently lead, disregard peer judgment, and focus on her ultimate goal—saving her father—serves as a powerful model. For YaYa, embracing Missy’s boldness means stepping out of her comfort zone, trusting her instincts, and fostering a stronger sense of self-belief, lessons that are invaluable not just for a burgeoning actress but for any young individual navigating their formative years. The character’s unwavering determination to accomplish her mission, despite facing initial skepticism from her super-powered peers, serves as a powerful reminder that true heroism comes from within, often requiring courage to stand alone and lead by example.
Behind the Scenes: Working with Hollywood Heavyweights Pedro Pascal and Priyanka Chopra
We Can Be Heroes boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring established stars alongside its talented young leads. YaYa Gosselin had the privilege of working closely with two of Hollywood’s most beloved actors: Pedro Pascal, who portrayed her on-screen father, Marcus Moreno, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas, who played the formidable Ms. Granada. YaYa’s experiences with both co-stars highlight the supportive and engaging environment fostered on the set of the Netflix film.
A Warm On-Screen Father: Working with Pedro Pascal
YaYa’s scenes with Pedro Pascal were central to establishing Missy’s emotional anchor and motivation. Pascal, known for his charismatic performances in hits like The Mandalorian and The Last of Us, brought a playful energy to the set that YaYa cherished. “Working with Pedro was honestly so great,” YaYa gushed, recalling their time together. “He has such a fun time on set. There were like three or four days where we shot all of our scenes, and those were some of my favorite moments. He is just such a fun time.” The natural rapport between them translated beautifully onto the screen, portraying a loving father-daughter bond that grounded Missy’s heroic quest. Pascal’s ability to balance his character’s super-powered persona with genuine paternal warmth created a memorable dynamic that resonated with viewers. His commitment to making the on-set experience enjoyable for his young co-star undoubtedly contributed to the authentic and heartfelt performances seen in the film.
The Sweet Villain: Priyanka Chopra Jonas’s Off-Screen Kindness
While her character, Ms. Granada, presented a formidable challenge to Missy and her friends, Priyanka Chopra Jonas proved to be anything but villainous off-screen. YaYa Gosselin shared a delightful anecdote that perfectly illustrates Chopra’s thoughtful and generous nature, painting a picture of a star who cares deeply for her colleagues.
“Priyanka is just one of the nicest people I’ve ever met,” YaYa stated emphatically. “She got the cast an ice cream truck with our own flavors. She’s genuinely one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. So whenever we had to do all the scenes where I was standing up to her, I kind of felt bad that I had to do that.” This charming gesture, bringing an ice cream truck with personalized flavors for the cast and crew, created a moment of pure joy and camaraderie on set. It highlighted Chopra’s warmth and generosity, making the task of portraying a defiant young hero against such a kind-hearted person a unique acting challenge for YaYa. The stark contrast between Chopra’s on-screen persona as the stern and deceptive Ms. Granada and her real-life sweetness made YaYa’s portrayal of Missy’s defiance even more impressive, as she had to overcome her natural inclination to be polite to such a lovely individual.
A Personal Hero: YaYa Gosselin’s Grandfather’s Lasting Legacy
Beyond the excitement of working with acclaimed actors and bringing a superhero story to life, the production of We Can Be Heroes held deep personal significance for YaYa Gosselin, marked by a poignant connection to her own real-life hero: her grandfather. His presence on set during filming provided a source of immense joy and pride for YaYa, creating memories that she will forever cherish.
“He got to meet Robert [Rodriguez] and see some of the scenes, which was really cool,” YaYa recounted to HollywoodLife, highlighting the special moments her grandfather shared with the film’s visionary director. His opportunity to witness his granddaughter pursuing her passion, thriving on a professional film set, was an invaluable experience for both of them. However, this period of joy was soon shadowed by personal tragedy. “But in the middle of production, he got diagnosed with cancer. And then about a week after we finished production, he sadly passed away.” The emotional weight of this loss, coming so closely after the culmination of her work on the film, underscores the profound impact his support had on her. “I was just so grateful that he got to see me doing the thing that I love. He will forever be my hero.” This heartfelt tribute reveals the enduring power of family support and the bittersweet nature of life’s milestones. Her grandfather’s unwavering belief in her, and his presence during such a pivotal time in her young career, cemented his legacy as her ultimate hero, a source of strength and inspiration that continues to guide her.
A Message of Hope: Empowering Kids in an Unprecedented Era
Released during a time when many children faced unprecedented challenges and disruptions to their daily lives, We Can Be Heroes emerged as more than just an entertaining film; it became a beacon of hope and a vital source of inspiration. YaYa Gosselin keenly understands the profound impact the movie can have on its young audience, especially after what she describes as a “rough year” for kids globally.
As a child herself, YaYa thoughtfully weighed in on what she hopes her fellow youngsters take away from the empowering Netflix film. “I really hope the kids see this movie and see that things are going to get better because it’s been a really rough year for kids,” she emphasized, touching upon the widespread feelings of isolation and disappointment. “They can’t go to school, they can’t see their friends, so they’re just like, this year sucks.” Her candid assessment reflects the shared experiences of countless children forced to adapt to a world turned upside down. Through We Can Be Heroes, YaYa hopes to instill a crucial message: “I really hope that they see this movie and know things are going to get better and that children are the true superheroes of the world.” This powerful declaration transcends the superhero narrative, inviting children to recognize their own inherent strength, resilience, and ability to make a positive impact, even in the face of adversity. The film encourages them to believe in themselves, to work together, and to understand that their collective spirit and imagination hold the power to overcome challenges and shape a brighter future, making every child a hero in their own right.
YaYa Gosselin’s journey with We Can Be Heroes is a compelling narrative of a young actress finding inspiration in her character, sharing heartwarming moments with co-stars, and cherishing personal connections, all while delivering a powerful message of hope and empowerment to children everywhere. As fans eagerly await news of a sequel, YaYa’s thoughtful reflections remind us of the enduring magic of storytelling and the extraordinary potential that lies within every young hero.