Newcomer Mica Ricketts On Starring In Blitz

One of Screen International‘s 2024 Stars of Tomorrow, Mica Ricketts stars as Jess in Blitz, now streaming on Apple TV. We sat down with Mica to hear all about it, plus what’s next in the pipeline.

Mica Ricketts in Blitz. (Apple TV)

Interview: Mica Ricketts

Hi Mica, how’s life going at the moment?

It’s going good. I’m so excited that Blitz is now out in the world and just prior to the release I moved from my hometown, Nottingham to London – so a very busy and exciting couple of months I’ve had.

You can currently be seen in Blitz – can you give us an elevator pitch for the film?

A boy’s journey, set during the 1940s Blitz era and what extents this young boy will go to, to reunite with his mother.

How did it feel when you got the role?

It felt so crazy, like levels of excitement and relief I’d never known. And I was very nervous but I think it was nerves of having to wait just over a month to shoot and I was so ready to start!

You play Jess – how would you describe her?

Jess is a fighter and a hustler and knows what she must do and what her family have always done to survive. Be that good or bad (more bad than good), but she has a heart and she is young and struggles with having to make some ruthless decisions. She does have a lot of empathy, which really shines through in the film.

What was filming like?

The set was amazing! And the cast were stellar. I loved every second of it. It was so fun and creative and the fellow cast members I was blessed to work with made my time such a special experience.

Who was your favourite person to work with?

I can’t say I had a specific person that I favoured working with – I adored them all. But I just loved working with Elliot Heffernan, Stephen Graham, Kathy Burke, Chris Chung, Josef Altin and, of course, Steve McQueen!

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

To be honest, the entire experience was so fun. I loved filming in the Pool Club, because the sets were just incredible.

What has been your favourite project to date?

It would have to be Blitz. It was such a profound point of my career to be cast in a film of such a high calibre and is allowing me to really progress with my career.

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

Nothing I can speak on just yet, but it’s exciting the possibility my next job could be!

Earlier this year, you were named as one of Screen Daily’s Stars of Tomorrow. How did that feel?

It was incredible to feel such validation as an actor and a sign of how my hard work is paying off and that I’m really heading in the right direction, to be given such a title along with the other named ‘Screen Daily Stars of Tomorrow’. It was such a brilliant cohort and I felt very lucky.

How did you celebrate?

Yes, we had an events evening hosted by SDST, and I did indeed celebrate possibly with one glass of wine too many!

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

I loved working with Alison Oliver and Freya Parks – both have been my love interests from Best Interest and Here We Go, and I have made great connections with both talented women.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

I have learned so much from so many different people that I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Everyone has equally helped shape the actor I am today.

What’s your dream role? 

It will always be to eventually play Catwoman.

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

I’d love to do more of a comedic drama type of film.

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

Actor, Dev Patel. Director, Luca Guadagnino. Writer, Quentin Tarantino.

If you could give advice to your 15-year-old self, what would it be? 

That it pays off. Don’t focus on the element of time or allow that to add pressure and keep going.

How can we all live a little bit better?

With empathy always. For yourself and for others.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally? 

I’m always working towards as much as possible work wise. And personally, nothing too grand but just trying to have a great Christmas!

Mica Ricketts Recommends…

I’m currently watching… Silo

What I’m reading… Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… Buried Alive on the BBC

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… We Live In Time

Favourite film of all time… Pirates of the Caribbean

Favourite song of all time… Bon Jovi’s ‘Always’

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Sam Fender

My ultimate cultural recommendation… To visit the Nest Bar in Marylebone at the Treehouse Hotel because the view of London is amazing

Cultural guilty pleasure… A Lunchable

WATCH

Mica Ricketts stars in Blitz, streaming now on Apple TV. apple.com