One could say Jayme Lawson is on an impressive RUN right now (Badum tss).
She recently earned a Grammy nomination for her performance of “Pale, Pale Moon” from Sinners. The song is nominated for Best Song Written for Visual Media at the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. In addition, she has delivered strong work in The Woman King alongside Viola Davis, The Batman, and the critically praised film Till.
Now, Lawson brings that same focus and grounded energy to The Running Man. We were able to speak with Lawson about shaping Sheila and what she carries from each project.
WATCH THE INTERVIEW WITH JAYME LAWSON BELOW:
JAYME LAWSON ON BUILDING SHEILA
Lawson said the creative team told her early that Sheila and Kathy anchor the emotional weight of the film. “We understood we were the heartbeat of this film,” she said. “That is the reason Glenn’s character goes on this journey.” She built her approach around that direction.
Most of her shoot took place indoors while the rest of the cast filmed action sequences abroad. She joked about it: “Everybody else got to go to Bulgaria. I am inside. Then I see the film and the world is glorious.”
She said the people around her made the role feel full. “I really enjoyed my time because of Edgar and Glenn and the whole crew,” she said. “They cared about getting Sheila and Kathy right.”
Working with the young actors also helped the cast bond quickly. “Them babies made us connect quick,” she said.
JAYME LAWSON ON WHAT SHE LEARNS FROM EVERY PROJECT
Lawson watches the artists she works with. “A great artist is a clever thief,” she said. “There is a lot I am stealing from folks.”
She said she feels grateful that her projects have all been positive environments. “I really ain’t got no horror stories,” she said. “My experience tells me we can have sets where you enjoy the people you are working with. Joy in the room matters.”
She said she plans to carry that energy forward: “Joy, community, love for the craft. That is what I look to keep taking with me.”
The Running Man is now Playing in Theaters.
In The Running Man, directed by Edgar Wright, Glen Powell stars as Ben Richards in a dystopian future where a brutal game show forces contestants to run for their lives.
The cast also includes Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, William H. Macy and Jayme Lawson. With high stakes, intense action and social commentary, the film pushes its lead and ensemble into extreme territory.