Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Thunder Force’s Bria Danielle Singleton

Bria Danielle Singleton is making waves this year for her standout performance in Netflix’s Thunder Force. The superhero comedy follows two estranged childhood best friends who reunite after one devises a treatment that gives them powers to protect their city.

Bria shines as the tween version of Octavia Spencer’s character Emily.

Pop Culturalist had the pleasure of speaking with Bria about her career, Thunder Force, and what she learned on set!

Career

PC: You’re a triple threat; you act, sing, and dance. Does one come more naturally than the others? Is one more challenging?
Bria: Definitely acting—I’ve been acting forever. I’ve only recently started singing and dancing, so I would say that acting comes the most naturally. Dancing is definitely the hardest!

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?
Bria: Thunder Force has been a big moment in my career, but also working with Cartoon Network was huge. It was only a guest spot, but I got so much positive feedback from it. That whole experience was great, so definitely that, too.

Thunder Force

PC: Speaking of Thunder Force, tell us about the film, your character, and what drew you to this project.
Bria: Thunder Force is a superhero comedy, and it stars Melissa McCarthy and Octavia Spencer. It’s a more comedic, light-hearted superhero movie, which I really like.

I play the tween version of Octavia’s character, Emily.

As soon as I read the script, I loved the character. She’s so nice and sweet. I really enjoyed getting the opportunity to play her.

PC: This is your biggest role to date. Did anything surprise you about the experience? What did you learn about yourself?
Bria: I was surprised by how nice everyone was! I was stressing myself out so much because I didn’t want to mess up. I didn’t want to get fired. [laughs] I don’t know why I thought they would fire me. I was stressing out over it, but when I got there, everyone was so supportive, kind, and helpful. I don’t know why I was expecting the complete opposite. The whole cast and crew were amazing to work with.

PC: With the film out now, what do you hope audiences take away?
Bria: I hope they love it. The script is hilarious. I hope it becomes someone’s favorite comedy.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Favorite TV show?
Bria: Supernatural.

PC: Favorite movie?
Bria: Thor: Ragnarok.

PC: Favorite book?
Bria: Of Mice and Men. That book made me cry.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Bria: Book of Mormon.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Bria: Arctic Monkeys.

PC: Dream role?
Bria: A lead in some type of drama. It could be a superhero, it could be supernatural, it could be just regular, but a drama show is something I really want to do.

To keep up with Bria, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Thunder Force on Netflix today.

Photo Credit: Bobby Quillard