Exclusive Interview: Lyrica Okano Talks Press Play, the Soundtrack of Her Life, and Her Exciting New Project

Lyrica Okano is an award-winning actress who is best known for the multifaceted characters she’s brought to life on the screen. Past credits include The Affair, Koreatown Ghost Story, and Marvel’s Runaways. This summer, she stars opposite Clara Rugaard and Lewis Pullman in the time-traveling romance flim, Press Play.

Press Play follows Laura (Clara Rugaard) and Harrison (Lewis Pullman) who have a picture-perfect romance built on the foundation of a shared love of music. After a deadly accident, Laura is given the chance to save the love of her life when she discovers that their mixtape can transport her back in time. Lyrica shines as the fun-loving Chloe, Laura’s best friend and Harrison’s stepsister.

We spoke with Lyrica about Press Play, collaborating with Clara and Lewis, and what she’s most excited for fans to see. Plus, she shares who would be on the soundtrack of her life.

PC: Tell us about Press Play and your character in the film.
Lyrica: Press Play is a love story between Laura [Clara Rugaard] and Harrison [Lewis Pullman]. I play Chloe who is Laura’s best friend and Harrison’s stepsister. My character loves boys and loves to have fun. She’s the reason that her stepbrother and best friend start dating.

PC: You’ve played such a wide range of characters throughout your career. What was it about Chloe and this script that stood out to you?
Lyrica: I was just finishing up a Marvel show. It was a lot and I needed to bring some lightness back into my life. I read the script and I was like, “Oh my gosh. It’s a love story.” There’s time travel and it’s for music lovers. It’s a love letter for music lovers and I am one. If I get to play this character, I get to say fun things and be the life of the party for a few months in Hawaii…I’m in.

PC: Perfect segue to this next question. This film does such a beautiful job highlighting the power of music. If you had to make a soundtrack of your life, what would be on it?
Lyrica: Wow. Mitski would be on it. Japanese Breakfast because they’re in the film and I’m also a fan. I love them. They’re also very nice people. Honestly, I listen to Nirvana way too much for them not to be a part of the soundtrack of my life, even though they might be a little dark and depressing. They would be on it.

PC: This is also Greg Björkman’s feature film debut as a director. What was it like getting to share that moment with him? What was that collaboration like?
Lyrica: It fed me so much joy and life. It was so nice to be a part of filming this and to work on this project with him because he was so excited. This is his baby with co-writer James Bachelor. They wrote this together. They were so passionate and so excited about it. That was a good reminder of why I do this in the first place. Obviously, representation matters, and I do it for that, but it’s also important to be around people who have a reason to want to be making these films. It’s nice and it’s a joy to be a part of.

PC: Beautifully said. You also shared on social media, how much this project has meant to you. When you look back at this experience, what will you remember most?
Lyrica: The cast and the crew. Everyone was such a joy to work with. I got to spend two-and-a-half months in Hawaii sharing these wonderful moments on and off set. We’d have a drink by the pool and adventure around the island. On weekends, we all still grab lunch and dinners today.

PC: Like you were saying earlier, this character is such a departure from Nico from Runaways. When this film drops, is there a particular scene that you’re excited for your fans to see?
Lyrica: Probably the scene where she introduces Laura to Harrison for the first time. You get an inside look into what Chloe’s music tastes are, namely Cardi B. That is also up my alley. I love Cardi B. That will be fun to watch. If you’re a fan of mine, you will really enjoy seeing this movie. I was lucky and honored to be a small part of it, but you get to see the lovely Clara and Lewis’ faces on the screen. Go see it! They’re wonderful people.

PC: The film touches on so many timely and relevant messages. Was there one in particular that hit home for you? What do you hope audiences take away after they see it?
Lyrica: For me, it brought home the message to enjoy and be present or to try to be. It’s easier said than done, but try to enjoy and be present within the moments that you get to have with the people you like. It’s sad, but it’s never a promise that you’ll always be able to keep having that. Cherish those moments. At least that’s what I took away from this movie.

PC: Besides this film, where can fans see you next?
Lyrica: We talked about this a lot today, and I didn’t think we were going to. It’s not a film…it’s a video game. I’m allowed to say it because it’s on IMDB apparently. I’m reprising my role of Nico Minoru in Midnight Suns. It’s a video game that is coming out. That’s all I can say!

To keep up with Lyrica, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Press Play wherever you stream movies.

Photo Credit: Peter Konerko