Sofia Carson had just come back to earth. On a recent March morning, the actress-singer awoke at 3 AM to take a sunrise hot-air balloon ride over the rolling hills of Temecula, Calif. The adventure had been arranged by Netflix as a promotional stunt for their new film, “The Life List,” in which Carson stars as a languishing teacher who must complete her childhood bucket list before she can receive the inheritance left to her by her mother (played by Connie Britton).
Now back at her hotel, Carson delicately adjusted her black turtleneck as she settled in front of her laptop for our video interview. “It was really special,” she said of the skyward voyage. “I wasn’t scared at all.”
In fact, Carson seems to belong in another realm entirely.
“I’m 10 years into my career,” Carson said, “yet it still feels, and I say this with my heart, that it’s just the beginning.”
Unlike many millennial stars, the 31-year-old doesn’t share much about her private life in interviews or get too candid with her nearly 20 million followers. Her red carpet looks are a parade of opulent gowns and elbow-length gloves. She cites Audrey Hepburn as her “end-all be-all inspiration.” Even her given name, Sofia Lauren — like the actress Sophia Loren — is partly a tribute to Old Hollywood royalty.
It’s an elegant persona for an actress who not long ago was known primarily for her role as Evie, the blue-haired teenage daughter of the Evil Queen in Disney Channel’s “Descendants” TV movies.
Sofia Carson’s sky-high journey
That wildly popular musical franchise spawned lunchboxes, dolls, throw pillows, and endless merchandise featuring Carson’s likeness.
Carson’s move to Netflix has been smooth, with each project further establishing her as a versatile performer. Her latest film, “The Life List,” follows Alex Rose (played by Carson) as she embarks on an unconventional mission to gain access to a mystery inheritance left by her mother. To claim it, she must complete a life goals list she created when she was a teenager, all before the new year begins.
The film’s thought-provoking plot and Carson’s heartfelt performance have resonated deeply with audiences. Some viewers reported breaking up with their partners after watching the film, as it prompted them to reassess their relationships and lives overall. When Carson spoke about “The Life List,” she shared the interesting effect the movie had on early viewers, who started raising “all these existential questions” for themselves.
Carson explained how the film’s impact on viewers’ personal lives is a reflection of its core themes. Ultimately, “The Life List” may prove to be one of Netflix’s most influential original movies, not just entertaining viewers but also prompting them to pursue their best lives. The future looks bright for this rising star, whose career seems poised to keep soaring to new heights.
