Exclusive Interview: Jordana Brewster on Navigating the Twists and Turns of ‘Cellar Door’

Jordana Brewster has long captivated audiences with her ability to disappear into each character she embodies, solidifying her place as a leading woman in the industry. From her breakout role as Mia Toretto in the Fast & Furious franchise, where she showcased both strength and vulnerability, to her standout performances as Elena Ramos in Dallas and Dr. Maureen Cahill in Lethal Weapon, Brewster consistently brings depth and authenticity to her roles. Whether commanding the screen in high-octane blockbusters or delivering nuanced performances in dramas, Brewster’s dedication and transformative talent continue to set her apart as one of Hollywood’s most compelling actresses.

Up next, she’ll be seen starring in the edge-of-the-seat thriller Cellar Door. The film follows a couple, played by Jordana and Scott Speedman, who seek a fresh start after a miscarriage and find themselves gifted the house of their dreams by a wealthy homeowner, portrayed by Laurence Fishburne. The only condition: they must never open the cellar door. What begins as an idyllic new chapter spirals into a suspenseful journey, as their inability to resist the mystery triggers shocking consequences.

Pop Culturalist spoke with Jordana about navigating the twists and turns of Cellar Door, leading the film, and more.

PC: Without giving any spoilers, Cellar Door is packed with twists and turns. What was your initial reaction when you first read the script, and what resonated with you? Heading into filming, how did you approach each scene without hinting at the reveal at the end, especially because I think a lot of audiences won’t see it coming?
Jordana: What appealed to me was being the lead and working with Vaughn [Stein] and Scott [Speedman]. For a long time, I’ve played supporting roles. In Lethal Weapon, I was the therapist to the guy. In Dallas, I was the goody two-shoes. In Fast, for the most part—with the exception of one—I was pretty sweet. I was really tired of playing sweet, so the idea of playing Sera really appealed to me. I also related to her fertility struggle and how single-minded that can make a woman. I understood a lot of what she went through and many of the reasons behind her actions.

I work with a coach, which is really helpful and fun because by the time you get on set, you’re super familiar with the material. But I also think it’s the director’s job to ensure we’re not giving too much away. If I was overly conscious of this is what’s happening, I might have messed it up. Watching it back, I thought, “Oh, that was clever—Vaughn had me show that look, maybe hinting at something, but you’re not sure.” It’s about trusting the director to plant the right seeds at the right moments.

PC: When we’re first introduced to your character, she’s on this healing journey. Through your performance, audiences immediately empathize with her, making that reveal at the end even more devastating. As an actress, how did you create the space to tackle that complex, nuanced journey and find where this character sits within you?
Jordana: For better or worse, I just understood where she was coming from. I feel like being able to move out of the city was a matter of survival for her—she needed to move on and start fresh. That’s why every time he’s bugging out and questioning things about the house, it’s almost like she snaps and says, “Get over it.” It’s like that scene from Airplane. For her, this is life or death. If her “sandcastle” falls apart, she’ll truly lose it. Then it’s about digging herself into a hole she can’t get out of, which is also relatable. She’s going to keep up appearances at all costs. I think it’s true that as an actor, you can’t judge the character you’re playing. I had to like her. I had to understand her and not think, “Why is she doing that?” because as soon as you have that disconnect, it’s going to feel false.

PC: It’s such an interesting character study. In the film, there’s a point where Sera is described as the Seeker and John as the Solver. That perfectly encapsulates the dynamic between them, and that contrast creates such a compelling balance in their relationship. How did you and Scott approach building that?
Jordana: We’re very different, but we have really good chemistry, so it was a lot of fun. We had about a week to rehearse, where we’d talk scenes through and even tease each other about our quirks. That energy came out in Sera and John’s relationship—he’s a bit more stiff and methodical, while she’s single-minded and knows what she wants. Those differences worked perfectly for our dynamic.

PC: Vaughn has praised the cast for making these characters their own. How did the environment he created on set empower you to take agency over this character? Was there anything you brought to her that wasn’t on the page?
Jordana: I’ve had fertility issues, and it’s a journey that feels like a roller coaster. Once you’re past it, you almost forget, but this role reminded me of that experience—putting all your hopes in one basket only to have it shattered, then finding the strength to start from scratch. My personal experiences helped me bring a lot of realism to her journey.

I also felt very safe with Vaughn because he was incredibly supportive. After every take, he’d say, “Splendid, fantastic,” which kept the atmosphere light. That levity really helped me show up each day, especially when dealing with heavy material. It’s so much easier to work through intense scenes when you’re surrounded by positive, wonderful people.

PC: You don’t want to carry that with you. The house feels like a character in itself—it’s picturesque but also very eerie. How did working in that setting elevate your performance?
Jordana: It really helps not having to imagine. The house was a bit creepy and also really beautiful. Our DP, Michael Merriman, did such an amazing job making everything look gorgeous. There are a lot of directors who won’t show you playback because they worry actors might get in their heads, but being able to see the playback and think, “Oh my God, that’s the vibe we’re creating,” was so helpful. When it can be collaborative, I find that really valuable.

PC: The film also poses this fascinating question—could you resist opening the cellar if it held everything you ever dreamed of? Throughout the story, we see John and Sera clash on that idea, standing on opposite ends of the spectrum. Where do you fall on that scale?
Jordana: My husband and kids are constantly telling me, “Can you stop asking what I’m thinking?” I’ll say, “What’s wrong? What are you thinking? Did something happen?” and they’re like, “Nothing. Stop.” So I’m always searching, misinterpreting, and digging. I would have grabbed a wrench and opened that door immediately. I don’t have her strength; I’m not as stoic.

To keep up with Jordana, follow her on X and Instagram. Cellar Door is in select theaters and On Digital on November 1st.

Photo Credit: Scott Green