Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Secret Society of Second Born Royals’ Faly Rakotohavana

Faly Rakotohavana is an exciting young actor who’s quickly making a name for himself on the small screen, thanks to projects like Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, & Dawn, Raven’s Home, and The Mick.

This fall, he makes the leap to film with his breakout performance as Matteo in Disney+’s Secret Society of Second Born Royals. The highly anticipated movie follows a group of second-born teens who are preparing to protect the world.

Pop Culturalist caught up with Faly to chat about Secret Society of Second Born Royals and what attracted him to the role.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Faly: I discovered it at a very young age. I was in second grade when I wanted to start acting, but at that time I had a stuttering issue. It was so bad that I couldn’t even get through my first audition. So, I took a little break until I was in sixth grade. Then my dad and I drove down to Phoenix for an audition at CGTV, and that’s when I really started my acting career.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Faly: My parents! They keep my head straight and keep me in check. They put a lot on the line so I could achieve my dreams.

Secret Society of Second Born Royals

PC: You’re starring in the upcoming Secret Society of Second Born Royals. Tell us about the film, your character, and what drew you to the project.
Faly: Secret Society of Second Born Royals is a film about a group of second-born teens that are sent to summer school, but their “summer school” is actually a training camp for superheroes! I play Matteo, a shy and awkward character that just wants to be included. I was drawn to this project because I am nothing like Matteo. The challenge of getting to play someone so introverted really intrigued me. I consider myself to be more of an extrovert. I enjoy social environments and getting to meet new people, and that’s just not something Matteo can do.

PC: You’ve done a lot of television roles, and this is your big break in a film. What has the transition been like?
Faly: It’s been so surreal. To go from a guest star on Nicky, Ricky, Dicky, & Dawn to a lead in a Disney+ film is something that I just can’t seem to wrap my head around. I’m just super grateful for the opportunities that I have been given.

PC: What was the biggest takeaway being a part of the Secret Society of Second Born Royals cast?
Faly: We did so much shopping. All of my favorite outfits were outfits I bought in Canada with the cast! I really enjoyed going out with them and getting to see the city of Toronto.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Faly: Seven Deadly Sins

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Faly: The Perks of Being a Wallflower

PC: Favorite book?
Faly: The Great Gatsby

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Faly: The Lion King

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Faly: Phoebe Bridgers

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Faly: That’s honestly a really difficult question because I can’t think of anyone that looks like me. I feel like if it really came down to it, I would just play myself.

To keep up with Faly, follow him on Instagram. Catch Secret Society of Second Born Royals on Disney+ on September 25.

Photo Credit: Birdie Thompson