Exclusive Interview: Imani Pullum Talks The Orville: New Horizons, Her Breakout Performance as Topa, and More

With talent well beyond her years, Imani Pullum is captivating audiences with her nuanced performance as Topa in The Orville: New Horizons.

Set 400 years in the future, The Orville: New Horizons finds the crew of the U.S.S. Orville continuing their mission of exploration, as they navigate both the mysteries of the universe and the complexities of their own interpersonal relationships.

Over the course of the third season, Imani has brought an emotional depth to her character’s journey of self-discovery that has left viewers speechless.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Imani about The Orville: New Horizons, how she prepared to tackle this important storyline, the fan response, and more.

PC: How did you discover your passion for storytelling and acting?
Imani: I started acting when I was around four years old. I mostly did commercials as a kid, but I stopped doing that at a certain point because I wanted to focus on dance. But I started up again when I was about thirteen after touring with The Lion King because I decided that was something I was interested in again.

PC: You’re one of the stars of The Orville: New Horizons. How did you get involved with this project and how was this character originally described to you?
Imani: I got the audition in December 2019. The description was for a sixteen-year-old girl to play an alien. It was very loose. They said they wanted an androgynous voice, so that was it.

PC: Your character has such an incredible journey of self-discovery and self-acceptance, which are universal themes that everybody can relate to, and you have so many moments that will tug at heartstrings. How did you prepare to tackle her arc?
Imani: I worked really closely with my personal acting coach, Shelli Boone. She was super helpful in getting me to decide what my intention was. When I got to set, working with all the cast members helped a lot. It helped me get into character and feel very present.

PC: Topa develops a really close bond with Commander Kelly Grayson. What was that collaboration like working with Adrianne [Palicki] as you brought that dynamic to life?
Imani: She was incredible. She was the first cast member who I had a scene with. I was super nervous in the beginning because it was my first major role on such an incredible show. I was really scared, but she made me feel super comfortable. She’s such a great actress, so it was an honor to work with her.

PC: It’s such a pivotal arc in Season 3. Audiences, fans, and critics have just been raving about your performance. What has it meant to you to be a part of a project that’s pushing these inclusive storylines forward?
Imani: It really means a lot to me because I’ve received some really, really nice messages from people who feel like they’ve been represented by Topa. I would’ve never expected any of that. I’m so grateful to be a part of such a huge project. Every episode has such a great story, so it’s incredible.

PC: This is one of your biggest roles to date. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What’s been the biggest takeaway thus far?
Imani: Did anything surprise me? I think how important Topa’s arc is throughout the series. I didn’t know it was going to play such a big part in all the episodes. That was a huge surprise. A lot of what I got to do was a surprise and really exciting.

PC: Outside of this project, what’s next for you?
Imani: I’m in a film called Emancipation, which is directed by Antoine Fuqua. That’ll be out in 2023. So I’m super excited about that. I play Betsy, a thirteen-year-old girl. I’m also starting my sophomore year of college at NYU in the fall. I’m excited about that.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Imani: Last Days of Ptolemy Grey.

PC: Favorite movie?
Imani: The Florida Project.

PC: Favorite book?
Imani: Daisy Jones and the Six.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Imani: The Lion King.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Imani: Beyoncé.

To keep up with Imani, follow her on Instagram. Watch The Orville: New Horizons on Hulu.

Photo Credit: Dana Patrick