Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Isn’t It Romantic’s Alex Kis

Life may not always play out like a romantic comedy, but that doesn’t mean dreams don’t come true. Just ask Australian actress Alex Kis, who was chosen by Rebel Wilson, yes, the Rebel Wilson, to play the younger version of her character in Isn’t It Romantic. It’s an experience that Alex will never forget! Pop Culturalist chatted with Alex about starring in Isn’t It Romantic.

PC: Tell us about Isn’t It Romantic, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Alex: It’s a romantic comedy that has dancing, singing, and lots of laughs! I play a younger version of Rebel Wilson’s character, Natalie, who was told by her mother that she would never find love. I wanted to be a part of this project because who wouldn’t want to be a young Rebel? She is the funniest!


PC: You’re one of two actresses playing Natalie. What is it like sharing a character with another person? What is that process like?
Alex: I don’t feel like we shared that role because we were playing Natalie at different stages of her life and we each made her our own in a way. I did have Rebel on set with me, though, and the best director (Todd Strauss-Schulson) giving me notes, so I listened to them to do my best!


PC: How similar or different are you to Natalie?
Alex: We’re very similar! I’m very positive and I believe that one day I will fall in love and get married. As Natalie gets older, she doesn’t believe everyone falls in love, so I don’t feel I’m as similar to older Natalie.

PC: Rebel Wilson selected you to play the younger version of her character. Did that add any extra pressure heading into filming?
Alex: No, it didn’t. I was really happy, but I don’t think it added pressure. I was very comfortable around Rebel.


PC: What was it like working alongside Rebel Wilson, Liam Hemsworth, Adam Devine, and Priyanka Chopra?
Alex: I didn’t actually get to meet Liam, Adam, or Priyanka. They finished their scenes before I came on set. I finally met Adam on the pink carpet at the premiere and he was so nice. My mum got in trouble from his PR team for standing in their way. We had a laugh about that.

Career Questions

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Alex: Well from a very young age, I loved an audience and would complain to my mum if there weren’t enough people in the audience watching me. I was lucky enough to audition for TV commercials when I was a little younger and wanted to be on set for more than one day, so mum tried to find me an agent for film and television.


PC: How challenging is it to balance your career at such a young age?
Alex: I don’t think it has been difficult at all. I have a pretty normal life and I am lucky no one fusses over me, except my grandparents. I’m just a normal kid that likes to act.


PC: What’s your dream role?
Alex: To marry Zac Efron in a romantic comedy.

PC: What’s the biggest lesson you learned being a part of this industry?
Alex: Hmmm…it’s a lot of fun, but a lot of hard work.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Alex: Mako Mermaids

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Alex: Mary Poppins

PC: Favorite book?
Alex: Who Flung Dung?

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Alex: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Rebel organized tickets for a musical on Broadway for me and my whole family while I was in New York filming. Not only did she organize the best seats, but she also got the lead character of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to come and get me at the stage door and give me a private tour of the set. We’re all big fans of Rebel!


PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Alex: Michael Jackson

PC: Last show/movie you binge-watched?
Alex: High School Musical

PC: Hidden talent?
Alex: I can do the worm/caterpillar.

To keep up with Alex, follow her on Instagram, and catch Isn’t It Romantic in theaters now.