Pop-Culturalist.com

Princess K. Mapp is one of the breakout stars of 2022. This year, she starred in her first role as a series regular in Apple TV+’s Ghostwriter.

When a ghost haunts a neighborhood bookstore and starts releasing fictional characters into the real world, a group of friends work to solve an exciting mystery surrounding the ghost’s unfinished business.

The Emmy Award-winning series has earned a highly coveted Prix Jeunesse Award, a Parents’ Choice Gold Medal Award, and recognition from Common Sense Media since its debut.

Pop Culturalist was lucky enough to speak with Princess about Ghostwriter Season 3, her character’s timely and important arc, and more.

PC: You’re one of the stars of Ghostwriter. What was it about this particular project and character that stood out to you?
Princess: When I first auditioned, I didn’t know anything about it. It was a new show that I wasn’t aware of before. I had to do a bit of digging because they had a secret name for it, but it wasn’t that hard to find. [laughs] I looked up the director and producer’s names and found it pretty easily. I’d never done a role where I had a mysterious journey. This is also my first lead, and I was very excited about that.

Nia is the opposite of me. I was like, “It’s time for me to have a little range and be the quiet girl.” I’m more talkative and outgoing. Nia likes to keep to herself. I was excited to play a role that’s quieter and to herself.

PC: How did you find out the news that you had booked the role and how did you celebrate?
Princess: I just found out from my manager that I had booked the role. I had a lot of callbacks and a chemistry call with Daire [McLeod] and Nour [Assaf], and I was like, “I think I got it.” I was very excited because I’d never been to Canada before and I had to go for six months! My family was so excited for me. My mom and I went to a nice dinner with my family.

PC: This character is so different from who you are as an actress. Is that more fun to play? Is that a bigger challenge for you?
Princess: It’s fun because you get to be a different person. That’s why I really love acting in general because you get to play roles that are not yourself and you can be different people in front of the camera. It’s a whole new world and experience. That’s what I really love about it.

PC: There’s great chemistry that comes off the screen between you and the rest of the cast. How were you all able to build that bond and friendship?
Princess: It wasn’t hard. During the chemistry reads, I had to do different takes with different people. But when I got into the room with Daire and Nour, I instantly knew that this was going to be our group and that we were going to be working together. We all knew. We talked about that when we booked it. They became my best friends, and I really loved working with them and the rest of the cast.

PC: This is such a huge franchise to be a part of. What does it mean to be part of this Ghostwriter legacy? What has it been like getting to see the fan response on social media?
Princess: I’m really honored, especially playing Nia. She experiences racism in the series, and I’ve also experienced racism in real life. I’m happy that I get to spread that message to younger girls, especially little Black girls, who also experience things like this and tell them that they’re not alone and how we can become stronger from those experiences and not weaker. I’m very, very excited to spread that message around the world to all the little boys and girls who have gone through that.

PC: You actually answered my next question. The writers have thrown so much at your character and you’ve handled that journey with so much nuance. As an actress, how do you create this space to get into that emotional arc that we see unfold throughout the season?
Princess: Yeah, definitely. Like I said, I had to tap into something I’ve experienced. Throughout elementary and middle school, I did experience racism for my hair, my skin, and my facial features. Someone in second grade told me to go back where I came from. It was hard to experience that, but it definitely helped me throughout my acting because I can tap into what I’ve been through and put it out in the world. It was different to stay in that mode, but it wasn’t hard to tap into it.

PC: Do you have a favorite episode that you filmed? Was there a scene in particular that you were really excited for audiences to see? Which one was the most challenging to film?
Princess: I like the scenes where I had to act as if I was a criminal. Those were definitely very fun. I’m excited for audiences to see more of Nia growing. The Mami Wata scenes were some of my favorites because that arc was so nice. We were on the boat a lot. Mami Wata’s outfit and wardrobe is beautiful.

PC: If you could describe the series in a sentence, what would it be?
Princess: A magical journey where you don’t know what’s going to happen next.

PC: How did you discover your passion for storytelling and the arts?
Princess: My mom introduced me to it. At first, I was like, “I want to be a singer.” She was like, “Well, acting has singing and dancing.” I was like, “Okay, I’ll try it. ” When I did, I instantly fell in love with it. I’ve always loved reading. I loved picking up a book and expanding my imagination and knowledge with it. That’s definitely inspired me to write more. After Ghostwriter, I’ve definitely been writing more. I’ve been writing a short film talking about teenage abuse and what I’ve experienced out here, seeing different things that my generation has been facing, especially around substance abuse.

PC: You’ve had so much success already in your young career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Princess: Definitely when I worked on Wrapped Up in Christmas. That was my first movie. I was in it with Tatyana Ali, Kim Fields, and Jasmine Guy. I was surrounded by a bunch of strong female actors, and I was really blessed because they taught me a lot. I learned a lot from Tatyana Ali and working alongside her constantly. I took a lot of mental notes, and that definitely changed my perspective on acting.

PC: As you look ahead to the next five to ten years, is there a dream role that you’d like to bring to life on the screen?
Princess: I really want to be in a movie directed by Quentin Tarantino. That’s one of my dreams. I love Kill Bill and Pulp Fiction. That would make me so happy.

To keep up with Princess, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Watch Ghostwriter on Apple TV+ today.

Photo Credit: bellasavilleheadshots