Maia Jae Talks About Her ‘Gen V’ Season 3 Hopes And Her ‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come’ Role

She’s such a standout!

One of the scene-stealers in ‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come’ was the raging ex Francesca, played by the one and only, Maia Jae. Every role she takes on is a testament to her versatility and incredible acting talent.

We had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Maia about meeting Kiefer Sutherland, her iconic fight scene, and more!

When did you first realize that you wanted to pursue a career in acting?

M: “I was actually scouted as a child, which led me to believe I could make an honest career out of performing when I grew up. I consciously fell in love with the art form again as a teenager when I was surrounded by artists of various mediums at my arts based high school in Toronto.”

Congratulations on your scene-stealing role in ‘Ready Or Not 2’! Are you a horror movie fan, and if so, do you have an all-time favorite?

M: “Thank you! Horror has always been a form I admire as it allows artists to explore the extremes of the human condition and encourages creative freedom and risk. In recent years, ‘Hereditary’ would top my list as I was absolutely horrified by it. A few years later, I was lucky enough to work with Toni Collette on ‘Wayward’ and was grateful to learn she’s not nearly as terrifying in real life haha.”

Everyone is still talking about your fight scene with Samara Weaving! What was that filming process like, and how did you train to die on camera?

M: “It was so fun! Matt and Tyler are so innately collaborative and open as a director duo which made the insanity of the scenes freeing to work on. We were lucky to have some time for rehearsals too with stunt, safety, and weapon coordinators, to ensure we looked like we knew what we were doing, especially with my very unique ‘weapon of choice’, no spoilers haha.”

Fueled with jealousy and vengeance, Francesca is definitely one of many villains of this movie (sorry). When you take on your next horror film, do you want to continue owning this villainous energy, or would you want to play the courageous hero?

M: “Francesca is definitely a vengeful ex.. and it was ridiculous fun to double down on that character trope. For future roles, of course, I’d be open to playing some form of a monster again in another horrific world, but also, would be interested in doing the reverse, and can imagine enjoying trying to save the day for a change.”

If you were in Francesca’s shoes and had to get through all of the maniacs to get the High Seat of the Council, do you think you’d succeed?

M: “Nope. Definitely not with her long hair and long bridal sleeves. Francesca definitely doesn’t stand a chance, especially with her subpar shooting skills. I believe she would just be continuously blindsided by her uncontrollable anger.”

With ‘Ready Or Not 2’ and your previous projects, you are definitely not a stranger to working among a star-studded cast. Have you ever been starstruck on set before, and with who?

M: “Thank you! I’d have to say it was probably when I met Kiefer Sutherland for the first time while working on his show ‘Rabbit Hole’ a few years ago. My sisters and I were superfans of the ‘24’ series growing up and so a part of my childhood-self screamed when I saw the one and only Jack Bauer in the flesh for the first time.”

We have got to talk about ‘Gen V’! Aside from you and your character both pursuing acting, do you think you and Justine are alike?

M: “Haha! Fortunately I don’t think Justine and I have too much in common. I recall the writers of the show being pretty surprised actually when I flew in from Toronto for the LA premiere to learn that I wasn’t a real life valley girl or LA influencer. Justine is an extremely fun gal to play though, for sure, no complaints there.”

Everyone wants Season 3 so badly! If greenlit, what about Justine would you like to see explored more?

M: “I would love to see her use her powers! We know she has super strength based on the fact that not even the strongest Supes on campus can truly hurt her and so far, has proven to be indestructible. But I think it’ll be so much fun to see what she’ll serve back once she gets the shot to show off.”

Make sure to watch Maia shine in ‘Ready or Not 2: Here I Come’, available now in theatres!

Photo Credit: Reto Sterchi

Je’Kayla Crawford– Founder and Director– Je’Kayla has been a journalist for years and decided to start a publication of her own, New Scene Magazine, back in October 2020. When not helping her team and working on their print issues, you can find her watching a movie on Netflix or baking using a viral TikTok recipe.