Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with The Reliant’s Mollee Gray

Mollee Gray has firmly stamped her place as one of Hollywood’s most exciting triple threats. She’s an actress, dancer, and singer who’s starred in the hit movie franchises High School Musical and Teen Beach Movie. This October, she’s adding action star to her impressive résumé, leading the extraordinary cast of The Reliant. Pop Culturalist caught up with Mollee to chat about the film ahead of its limited release.

PC: Tell us about The Reliant, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Mollee: The Reliant is a faith-based action film that really executes the struggle of surviving a world full of tyranny, riots, and the dollar crashing. My character, Sophie, is tested through trusting her fiancé, her brother’s rejection of believing in God, and surviving in the woods with her younger siblings. What drew me to this film was the intensity and action of the script. I really loved how it didn’t come off as preachy and instead beautiful and inspirational!

PC: After the dollar crashes in the film, we see how it affects the different characters. How has Sophie changed as a result?
Mollee: Sophie has always been against guns, murder, etc., which really affects the safety of her family. Without giving away the ending, I can assure you she is a strong girl who doesn’t get influenced by the negativity around her but also will protect her family at all costs.

PC: How do you think Mollee as a person would react to this situation? What would be your key to survival?
Mollee: Sophie and I are similar in some ways and very different in other ways! I would do exactly what Sophie does and protect my family at all costs. The difference between us would is Sophie is a little more patient and logical than I would be. I assume I would act on impulse rather than weighing the pros and cons before a frightful/threatening situation. I also really admire Sophie’s ability to stand up for what she believes in and not give in to remorse and forgiveness right away!

PC: What can you tease about the relationship between Sophie and Adam and how it’s tested after the dollar has crashed?
Mollee: Sophie and Adam’s relationship is pretty intense! Sophie has a really hard time trusting Adam after a turn of events, which causes a lot of struggle throughout the movie. A couple who were planning to get married in just a few days now have some reason to believe their controversy is starting to hinder the survival of the family.

PC: This is your first big action film. How did you prepare to tackle the genre? What was the most surprising part about the experience?
Mollee: Yes! I absolutely loved it! I am a very athletic person, so getting to use my physicality in this way was a dream! I was able to do weapon training for the first time. It was so fun! The most surprising part of the experience was working with live animals. We worked with a deer, geese, raccoon, and more! All of them were so beautiful up close, and you definitely don’t get to see that very often where I am from!

PC: How helpful was your dance background when diving into the physicality for this role?
Mollee: Oh, dance has been a huge help to my physicality in this film. It prepped me for the stamina I needed, the strength I had to have, and the comfort of knowing that my body can handle whatever activity it was given because I’ve had years of training!

PC: The Reliant has been well-received on the festival circuit. What do you think it is about this particular project that’s resonated with audiences?
Mollee: Most definitely. I believe it’s had such a positive response because it breaking boundaries and making people talk. Whether it’s uncomfortably, awareness, or love for the film, people are talking and creating conversation, and that’s all any artist can want.

PC: What was the biggest takeaway from this project?
Mollee: Finding the beauty in differences. There were so many beautiful and talented people on set that it made you open your eyes and ears to different opinions, life lessons, and creativity all while having a common passion to create an impactful and unforgettable film.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A place you’dl ike to visit?
Mollee: Greece

PC: Most used emoji?
Mollee: The heart

PC: Last person you called or texted?
Mollee: My husband, Jeka Jane

PC: Someone you’d like to meet, dead or alive?
Mollee: Margot Robbie

PC: Marvel or DC?
Mollee: Marvel

To keep up with Mollee, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Catch The Reliant in select theaters today.

Photo Credit: Jeka Jane