Actress Shares Her Honest Take on the Craft
Anya Taylor-Joy has opened up about her approach to acting, revealing that despite taking on some of Hollywood’s most emotionally demanding roles, she has never embraced method acting. Instead, she says she believes actors should remain grounded while bringing complex characters to life.
Why She Thinks Women Approach Acting Differently
During a recent interview, Taylor-Joy suggested that many women do not fully immerse themselves in method acting because they often have responsibilities outside of work that require them to stay connected to everyday life. She described acting as a form of “controlled psychosis,” explaining that performers temporarily adopt another person’s mindset while still maintaining control.
Finding Balance On and Off Camera
Taylor-Joy said preparing for a role can sometimes blur the lines between herself and the character she is portraying. However, she credits the people around her for helping her stay balanced whenever she becomes too immersed in a performance.
Collaboration Comes First
The actress also stressed that filmmaking is a collaborative process. She believes actors have a responsibility to create a positive working environment for everyone on set, adding that becoming completely consumed by a character could make it harder to support fellow cast and crew members.
A Career Built on Challenging Roles
Taylor-Joy rose to prominence with The Witch before earning international recognition for her award-winning performance in The Queen’s Gambit. She has since starred in acclaimed films including The Menu, Last Night in Soho, and Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga, establishing herself as one of Hollywood’s most versatile performers.
Busy Years Ahead
The actress is set to reprise her role as Alia Atreides in Dune: Part Three, which is scheduled to arrive in theaters in December 2026. She is also attached to The Lord of the Rings: The Hunt for Gollum, where she is expected to play a new character in the expanding Middle-earth franchise.
A Different Philosophy on Performance
While method acting has long been associated with some of cinema’s most famous performances, Taylor-Joy says her focus remains on preparation, collaboration, and maintaining a healthy separation between her personal life and the characters she portrays.
