Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with PAW Patrol: The Movie’s Lilly Bartlam

2021 is shaping out to be a year that Lilly Bartlam will never forget. The rising triple threat was recently nominated for not one, but two Canadian Screen Awards. She’ll also star in the upcoming PAW Patrol: The Movie. Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Lilly about this momentous year.

PC: How did you discover your passion for the arts?
Lilly: My sister, Anna, did professional theater when she was little. She had heard about it on a radio ad. Every time I went to watch her, it looked like so much fun. I asked my mom if I could do it. She let me audition for my first musical when I was six. It was The Sound of Music and I got the part! Ever since then, I’ve loved it and my passion for acting took off.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a moment that stands out to you?
Lilly: I would say when I went to Toronto to do a TV pilot. It was called Last Dog Standing. It was the craziest thing. It was like a play on The Bachelor but with a whole bunch of dogs. Who’s going to be the family dog? It was the coolest thing being with all those dogs. They were so well trained and fun.

PC: You’re an actress, dancer, and singer. Is it ever a challenge to manage all the different facets of your talent? Does one come easier than the other?
Lilly: It’s been a challenge to do all of it. But as time has progressed, I’ve learned to manage my time. I put equal work into everything that I do. It takes a lot of hard work, but I do it.

PC: You were recently nominated for two CSA awards. How did you find out about the news and what was your reaction?
Lilly: As soon as I woke up, my mom was watching The Morning Show on TV. They were talking about the Canadian Screen Awards nominations. She was like, “I’ll just check.” She told me that I got nominated for one! I was thrilled. I was so excited. Then she saw I was nominated for another! I wasn’t expecting one, let alone two! It was the best feeling ever.

PC: You’ve got a new film that’s coming out there later this year. Is there anything you can tell us about PAW Patrol: The Movie?
Lilly: It comes out in theaters on August 20th. I can’t say too much about it yet, but it’s going to be amazing!

PC: Did you feel any pressure going into that project given how large that fanbase is?
Lilly: It is such a big franchise! There are so many big names in it. Everyone made me feel so comfortable though. It was such a great experience.

PC: How similar or different would you say you are to your character in the film?
Lilly: She is a little bit gutsier than I would say I am. She’s always ready for action. I don’t think I would be able to do the things that Skye does.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Lilly: Schitt’s Creek.

PC: Favorite movie?
Lilly: The Greatest Showman.

PC: Favorite musical or play?
Lilly: Les Misérables.

PC: Favorite book?
Lilly: The Talent Code.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Lilly: Luke Combs.

PC: Dream role?
Lilly: My dream role would probably be in anything that’s a sitcom or any movie that’s a comedy. I think that would be so much fun.

To keep up with Lilly, follow her on Twitter and Instagram.