Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Secret Society of Second-Born Royals’ Noah Lomax

Noah Lomax is leading the next generation of talented young actors ready to make their mark on the industry. He’s captivated audiences in projects like The Walking Dead, Safe Haven, and 99 Homes.

Each experience has played a pivotal role in his development as an artist and has led him to the Disney+ original Secret Society of Second-Born Royals.

Pop Culturalist caught up with this rising star to chat about his journey in the industry and his latest film, Secret Society of Second-Born Royals.

Career

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting?
Noah: It’s actually a funny story. I was around seven when my sister and I were at the Mall of Georgia. We saw this Suite Life of Zack & Cody poster. I was like, “Let’s be on Suite Life of Zack & Cody. Let’s sign up for this.” My sister signed up first to do acting. I hopped in and tagged along. I’ve been doing it ever since.

I stuck with it. My sister actually ended up stopping a while back. But if it wasn’t for her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Ever since I can remember, I’ve been acting. I’ve had great experiences. I wouldn’t change a thing.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Noah: I’ve been fortunate to work with so many great and phenomenal actors and actresses, but the people who have had the most impact on me are Andrew Garfield and Laura Dern. When I worked on 99 Homes, Andrew was so down-to-earth. He taught me so much. I learned so much just watching him. He was the sweetest guy. He was a method actor. It was really cool to watch him work the whole time.

I also worked with Laura on 99 Homes. She played my grandma. But I did two other things with her: The Tale, where I played the love interest of her character’s younger self, then I played her son in Trial by Fire. I’ve done three things with her, and I’m very close with her. She’s been so supportive. I’m proud to say that I’ve worked with her.

PC: You’ve had a lot of success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out to you?
Noah: I don’t think there’s been one moment. I feel like all the experiences I’ve had really helped me out in knowing where I want to go and what I want to do. I’ve been so fortunate to work with such great people. I’m very lucky that I’ve had all these opportunities, and I hope that I can learn from them and put forth my best effort in the future based off of what I’ve learned in the past. But yeah, I’m very blessed and lucky that I’ve had the experiences I’ve had.

Secret Society of Second-Born Royals

PC: You’ve got a new film coming out. Tell us about Secret Society of Second-Born Royals and your character.
Noah: The movie is coming out September 25 on Disney+. It’s a Disney+ original. It’s about Sam, who’s played by Peyton Elizabeth Lee, and she’s a second-born royal in the fictional town of Illyria. Her older sister is the heir to the throne and about to become the queen. She’s struggling with that and being a second-born. She finds out that she’s in a secret society with other second-borns who all have unique powers.

She’s struggling with how she fits into society. She’s finding out who she is and dealing with that side of life and her personal life, which is where I come into play. I play Mike, her best friend. We have a deep passion for music. We’re in a band together. It’s the story of Sam and her finding her place in society and about how they tackle what’s to come.

PC: What drew you to this particular project?
Noah: When I first got the audition, I was really excited because it was before Disney+ had been announced. I was just finding out that Disney was doing a streaming service, so that was really appealing. And then my character plays the drums. That’s something that I’ve always wanted to do and learn. That was another thing that caught my eye.

I got the audition. I did it. I didn’t want to get too attached to it because I didn’t want to get my hopes up and then get let down. But then I got a callback. I met Peyton in LA for the chemistry read and we immediately clicked. I met Anna [Mastro] and some of the producers as well. It just felt natural and good. Luckily, they liked me, and they gave me the opportunity to do it. I’m so happy that they did because I had such a blast.

PC: How did you prepare to play Mike?
Noah: My preparation was mainly focused around the drumming. I’d never had any music or instrument experience prior to filming this, so I had lots of intense drum lessons with my drum teacher, who was actually named Mike. That was probably most of the preparation. I hung out with Peyton and the other kids, even though I didn’t have many scenes with the other kids in the society. I got to hang out and know everybody. We all became very close and hung and explored Toronto, where we filmed. Mike is the best friend. It was easy because I have a lot of friends. So I guess I know how to be a good friend. I like to think of Mike as the healthy distraction for Sam from all the stresses that the royal life may bring her.

PC: The film’s release has been delayed a couple of times. What does it mean to finally have it come out?
Noah: It’s very relieving. It’s nice, especially after this long, tough year that everyone’s going through. It’ll be nice to have that, and I’m really excited. Unfortunately, we won’t be able to do a premiere or anything ’cause of COVID, which sucks, but I’m just glad that everyone’s going to get to see it.

PC: What do you hope audiences take away after they see it?
Noah: There are so many underlying themes and messages in this movie. But the big one for me is self-empowerment and feeling self-confident. The second-borns have all these different unique powers that they have to learn to lean into and be confident with.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Noah: Love on the Spectrum on Netflix is really, really good. I really like that show. I don’t know if I consider that a guilty pleasure. I have some guilty pleasure movies like Harry Potter, Star Wars, and stuff. Maybe The Vampire Diaries. I watch that with my sister.

PC: Favorite book?
Noah: Probably all of the Diary of a Wimpy Kids. I was obsessed with them when I was young.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Noah: Either Les Mis or Hamilton. I just recently watched it on Disney+, and it was so awesome. Oh, and Rent. I love Rent. So those three.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Noah: That’s easy. Slipknot. That’s probably my favorite band, I absolutely love Slipknot. I listen to them every day. Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam. Those are my favorites.

PC: Who would play you in the story of your life?
Noah: Heath Ledger, Leo, or Johnny Depp.

To keep up with Noah, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Secret Society of Second-Born Royals on Disney+ on September 25.

Photo Credit: Eley Photography