Lulu Wilson’s Journey: From Hill House Horrors to Portraying Gloria Steinem – A Rising Star’s Evolution
At just 13 years old, Lulu Wilson has already carved out a significant niche for herself in Hollywood, particularly known for her compelling performances in the horror genre. Her portrayal of young Shirley Crain in Netflix’s critically acclaimed series, The Haunting of Hill House, captivated audiences worldwide, establishing her as a talent to watch. However, as candidly revealed in an exclusive interview with HollywoodLife, even seasoned actors, regardless of their age, aren’t immune to the unsettling atmosphere of a horror set. Lulu’s journey, from facing fictional specters to embodying a real-life icon, is a testament to her versatility and the exciting trajectory of her burgeoning career, showcasing a remarkable transition from the supernatural to significant historical drama.
One might assume that immersion in the world of ghouls and jump scares would eventually desensitize an actor. Yet, Lulu Wilson confides that the eerie reality of The Haunting of Hill House proved quite the opposite. The series, renowned for its psychological depth and pervasive sense of dread, created an environment where the line between staged terror and genuine unease often blurred. “Being on set around all of the ghosts in the background, that I really have to watch out for — they’re always in The Haunting!” Lulu recounted to HollywoodLife, describing the pervasive sense of unease. It wasn’t just the on-screen scares that got to her; the behind-the-scenes moments often contributed to the chilling ambiance. She elaborated on how even mundane activities could turn spooky: “Sitting in the hair trailer and the makeup trailer while [the ghosts] are getting their makeup done, you know it’s fake, but there’s something about it that is just so creepy to me!” This admission from such a young professional highlights the powerful artistry involved in creating truly disturbing horror, even when one is privy to its mechanisms. The constant presence of actors in full spectral prosthetics, even during casual breaks, fostered an environment where the supernatural felt perpetually close, proving that knowledge of the artifice couldn’t completely dispel the shivers.
The Unseen Terrors and Enduring Friendships Forged in Hill House
For eight intense months, Lulu Wilson lived within the haunting narrative of the Crain family. This extended period of filming, set against the backdrop of one of television’s most atmospheric horror series, forged deep bonds among the cast and crew. The shared experience of bringing such a complex and terrifying story to life created a unique sense of camaraderie, turning colleagues into a close-knit family. HollywoodLife was fortunate enough to have Lulu share exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses from filming, offering a peek into the lighter moments that punctuated the chilling production schedule. These invaluable insights paint a picture of a cohesive ensemble, working diligently to create a masterpiece that would resonate deeply with millions of viewers globally.
Among the many connections forged on set, Lulu speaks particularly fondly of her on-screen mother, Carla Gugino, who delivered a mesmerizing performance as Olivia Crain. “Carla is just the sweetest human being. She just treated us kids like we were adults which I appreciated very much,” Lulu shared. This respectful and professional approach from a veteran actress undoubtedly contributed to a nurturing and supportive environment for the younger cast members, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their demanding roles. Such mentorship is invaluable for young actors navigating the complexities of a major production, fostering both their skills and their confidence in a challenging industry.
Beyond the professional dynamics, Lulu also developed a special sisterly bond with Violet McGraw, who portrayed the youngest Crain sibling, Nell. “Me and Violet are like sisters. We have that same bond,” Lulu revealed. Their off-screen relationship mirrored their poignant on-screen connection, adding a layer of authenticity and emotional depth to their performances. Lulu fondly recalls moments of lightheartedness amidst the gothic gloom, like reading “Fancy Nancy” books to Violet during breaks. This simple act underscores the innocence and joy that child actors often bring to a set, serving as a charming counterpoint to the macabre themes of the show. Violet, despite her tender age of six during filming, left a lasting impression on Lulu: “she’s just the most mature little 6-year-old you’d ever meet.” These personal anecdotes not only humanize the intense filming process but also highlight the profound and unexpected relationships that can develop when individuals commit to such an immersive artistic endeavor, creating lasting memories amidst the scares.
The monumental success of The Haunting of Hill House catapulted many of its cast members, including Lulu, into a new echelon of recognition. The series was universally lauded for its intricate narrative, psychological depth, brilliant direction by Mike Flanagan, and genuinely terrifying scares, effectively redefining modern horror television. Lulu’s contribution as young Shirley, navigating the trauma and inexplicable mysteries of Hill House, was a pivotal element in the show’s success, showcasing her precocious ability to convey complex emotions with nuanced and believable performances. This experience, while sometimes unsettling due to the nature of the genre, undoubtedly honed her craft and prepared her for even more challenging and diverse roles in the future, proving her mettle early on.
Embracing a New Horizon: Portraying a Young Gloria Steinem
With the haunting echoes of Hill House now behind her, Lulu Wilson is poised to embark on a dramatically different, yet equally significant, chapter of her career. The young star has been cast in the highly anticipated biopic, The Glorias: A Life On The Road, where she will portray a young Gloria Steinem. This role represents a significant departure from the supernatural thrillers and horror films for which she is widely recognized, showcasing her desire to explore diverse acting opportunities and challenge her artistic boundaries with a compelling historical character.
The announcement of her casting came as a complete surprise to Lulu, underscoring the competitive nature of Hollywood auditions and the thrill of securing such a coveted role. “I wasn’t expecting it at all,” she admitted, recounting the moment she received the life-changing call. Her reaction was one of pure elation and awe, mixed with a profound sense of responsibility: “I always looked up to Gloria Steinem. She’s so amazing. I freaked out!” This visceral response underscores not only the unexpected nature of the opportunity but also Lulu’s deep respect and admiration for the iconic feminist figure. Gloria Steinem’s enduring legacy as a writer, activist, and a pivotal leader of the women’s liberation movement is monumental, making the prospect of portraying her, even in her younger years, a formidable yet incredibly exciting challenge for any actor.
The Glorias: A Life On The Road promises to be a powerful and inspiring cinematic exploration of Steinem’s transformative journey. The film, which is set to begin filming soon, boasts an impressive ensemble, with esteemed actress Julianne Moore also attached to play a version of Steinem at a different, later stage of her life. This multi-actress approach will allow for a rich, multi-faceted, and evolving portrayal of one of the 20th century’s most influential women, capturing the essence of her spirit across decades. For Lulu, preparing for this complex role involves not just learning lines, but truly delving into the historical context, the social movements, and the profound impact of Steinem’s early work and activism. “Right now I’m reading it again and again and I just can’t wait to start,” she shared, emphasizing her dedication to fully understanding and authentically embodying the spirit of young Gloria, ensuring her portrayal is both accurate and heartfelt.
The prospect of connecting with Gloria Steinem herself is a particularly thrilling one for Lulu, a dream for any actor portraying a living historical figure. While direct interaction hasn’t happened yet, the young actress harbors a hopeful wish. “She hasn’t, but that would be really cool if she did,” Lulu mused about the possibility of Steinem reaching out with advice or insights into her formative years. Such an opportunity would offer an unparalleled depth to her performance, providing firsthand perspective on the experiences, motivations, and emotional landscape that shaped a young Steinem into the icon she became. Imagine the wealth of knowledge and wisdom that could be imparted directly from the icon to the actress portraying her formative years – an invaluable resource for any actor tasked with bringing such a significant historical figure to life on the big screen.
A Rising Star’s Bright Future and Versatility in Hollywood
Lulu Wilson’s career trajectory is rapidly ascending, marked by a deliberate choice of diverse and challenging roles. From the chilling psychological horror of The Haunting of Hill House to the profound historical drama of The Glorias, she consistently demonstrates a remarkable range and maturity beyond her years. This strategic transition highlights her ambition to not be typecast within a single genre, but rather to explore the full spectrum of human emotion and experience through her craft, proving her versatility with each new project.
Her evident ability to shift gears seamlessly from the intense, atmospheric terror of a ghost story to the nuanced, intellectual portrayal of a young activist underscores her potential as a truly versatile performer with a long and impactful career ahead. As she prepares to step into the formidable shoes of Gloria Steinem, Lulu is not just acting; she is engaging with history, contributing to conversations about social change, and celebrating the enduring power of a woman’s voice. This significant role will undoubtedly introduce her to an even wider audience, solidifying her status as one of Hollywood’s most exciting and promising young talents, capable of tackling roles with significant depth and meaning.
The anticipation surrounding The Glorias: A Life On The Road is palpable within the industry and among audiences, suggesting that the film could indeed be an early favorite for awards season recognition. With Lulu Wilson bringing her distinctive talent and commitment to the portrayal of a young Gloria Steinem, coupled with an impressive cast and a compelling narrative structure, the project is poised for critical acclaim and widespread appreciation. Lulu’s journey, from the spooky and unsettling sets of horror productions to the inspiring and historically rich narratives of real-life heroism, promises a captivating and diverse future for this remarkable young actress, whose dedication and passion shine through with every new and challenging role she embraces.