26-year-old Alexandra Shipp has been bubbling in Hollywood for a minute now. She played the title role in the Aaliyah biopic and took over for Halle Berry as Storm in X-Men: Apocalypse.
And Shipp is on the cusp of even more stardom playing Abby Suso in 20th Century Fox’s movie adaptation of Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli. As I’m sure you already know, the movie has been rebranded as Love, Simon and will be released — or coming out, if you will — on March 16th.
Jorge Lendeborg (Nick), Nick Robinson (Simon), Alexandra Shipp (Abby), and Katherine Langford (Leah) star in Twentieth Century Fox’s LOVE, SIMON. Photo Courtesy of Ben Rothstein.
Abby Suso is a character that is strong in her convictions and knows how to hold her own. One of the most memorable scenes from the book is when she lets Simon know (in the sweetest way possible) that she isn’t to be messed with. Especially when it comes to matters of the heart. Her vibrancy also shows in a separate scene where she and the rest of characters get a little drunk. Homegirl knows how to have fun! (Oh, and she likes her coffee with milk.)
I had the incredible opportunity to interview Alexandra. Nerves flew sky-high on the day of the interview. But Alexandra quickly put me at ease and soothed me while the conversation went on. It helped that her adorable dog barked playfully in the background of the phone call.
Alexandra is just as charismatic — maybe even more so — than her character Abby. Shipp was born in Phoenix, Arizona, where she was taught love and acceptance through her school classmates and the strength of her mother. She admires actress Viola Davis and would love to star alongside her one day. As a woman of color, the representation she brings to the table in Love, Simon is monumental.
The entire story of Love, Simon is based on identity. Alexandra wants to tell young women that see this movie that their love can come in all forms and that we must accept those who are different than us. And to that, I say: hell yes, Alexandra!
(Shipp also hinted that Storm will have a huge presence in the upcoming X-Men sequel Dark Phoenix — which is sure to get fans excited.)
Alexandra is a shining light of person whose presence in the media space is not to be overlooked.
This incredible video reveals just how vibrant, caring, and woke she truly is:
.@AlexShipppp spoke on the racial diversity of the cast of @lovesimonmovie. "These actors encompass these characters. It's not a matter of skin tone, it's a matter of talent and artistic representation." pic.twitter.com/dF4Bdkzz6L
— taylor (@cornbreadsays) March 10, 2018
Love, Simon Comes Out March 16th. Don’t miss it.
For more, check out: “Why Teens Are In Love With Love, Simon” or “Stop Doubting The Importance of Love, Simon to LGBTQ+ Youth“
Cover Image Courtesy of 20th Century Fox
