'Moxie' Star Alycia Pascual-Peña Is Actually a Lot Like Her Character Lucy IRL

Emerging 21-year-old actress Alycia Pascual-Peña portrays one of the most pivotal roles in Netflix's newly released high school film Moxie. Directed by Amy Poehler, the streaming giant's movie adaptation of Jennifer Mathieu's 2015 novel of the same name tackles ongoing social issues, including gender inequality and sexual harassment.

Editor's Note: This article contains spoilers for Moxie.

Pascual-Peña's character Lucy Hernandez is the new girl in school. She is also the first student to stand up against golden boy Mitchell Wilson (Patrick Schwarzenegger), who harasses her at the cafeteria. Vivian Carter (Hadley Robinson), the protagonist, is a witness to that unfortunate incident but says nothing. When running into Lucy later on, Vivian even advises her to simply ignore Mitchell, adding that he's probably not dangerous but "just annoying."

"You know that annoying can be more than just annoying, right? Like, it can be code for worse stuff," Lucy replies to Vivian. "If you keep your head down, he'll move on and bother somebody else," Vivian says, not getting Lucy's point. Not wanting to start a debate, Lucy thanks Vivian for her concern and declares in one of the most memorable scenes of the film: "I'm gonna keep my head up, high."

Following this encounter and conversation, Lucy's passion for activism, as well as her outspokenness and resilience ignited a fire inside Vivian. With an underground zine titled Moxie, she even starts a school-wide revolution against the patriarchy. Together, Lucy and Vivian explore new friendships with other students, who join forces to dismantle sexist norms.

To coincide with the premiere of Moxie, we spoke to Pascual-Peña about how she resonates with Lucy, her thoughts on Afro-Latinx representation within the entertainment industry and more. Read on for our interview.

While you're at it, here's everything you need to know about the cast of Moxie.

Your character Lucy Hernandez is the perfect example that women can stand up for themselves. In what ways are you similar to her in real life?

I have been so blessed to play a character that I could viscerally connect with. It was such a cathartic and liberating experience to play a role that allowed me to completely be myself. Lucy and I are similar in too many ways to count. When my mami first read the lines with me before I had auditioned for the role, her exact words were, "Have they met you? Because this is you." We immediately envisioned me playing Lucy. Lucy’s passion for activism, commitment to others, loyalty, outspokenness and resilience are all traits I possess in my personal life.

Have you experienced something similar to what happened to Lucy at the beginning of the film? 

I have experienced being demonized and degraded for speaking up in a classroom more times than I can count. Throughout my entire academic career, I continuously felt like people were trying to suppress my voice. But I’m grateful to come from a family that has always inspired me to be proud of who I am and unapologetically use my voice. So in those moments where I felt belittled, I would remember that truthfulness and justice are much more important than people’s opinion of me or acceptance. I wouldn’t let peers or teachers silence me, I fought for what I believed in even when it was difficult to do so.

When it comes to opportunity and equality, what kind of challenges have you had to go through as an Afro-Latinx talent?

As an Afro-Latina, I had to deal with my community being entirely ignored by the media. I never saw roles written for Afro-Latinos. People within the industry continuously tried to put me in a box and disregard the intersectionality of my identity. I also dealt with microaggressions and racism because I have always taken pride in my Blackness even though it resulted in me being "less capable" of playing Latina roles. As an artist, I am still trying to dismantle the idea that the Latinx/e and Black community only looks a certain way.

"I think my generation will continue to create change by being vocal and holding people accountable. Perspectives will continue to shift if we are willing to speak out, have transparent conversations and take courageous actions."

In the movie, Principal Marlene failed to acknowledge Lucy’s harassment problem with Mitchell. As part of Gen-Z, what do you think you and your peers can do to further educate yourselves and others on social issues?

My generation must remain hopeful, engaged and dedicated to the work. It’s important that we learn from the generations before us while also striving to improve upon the work which they did. We must be more inclusive and imaginative. I think my generation will continue to create change by being vocal and holding people accountable. Perspectives will continue to shift if we are willing to speak out, have transparent conversations and take courageous actions.

What other kinds of roles do you see yourself playing down the road?

I am looking forward to telling more stories that allow for individuals to feel empowered, enlightened and seen. I am also excited to take on characters that challenge me as an artist. I haven’t yet had a role that was very unlike my own personality, so I am interested in exploring new aspects of my artistry.

Who are some actors you hope to work with one day?

I am inspired by so many wonderful actors, but some that immediately come to mind are Viola Davis, Angela Bassett, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Regina King, Zendaya, Rita Moreno, America Ferrera, Amandla Stenberg, etc.

What other projects are you working on for the rest of the year?

I am focused on growing as an individual and artist. I want to continue to learn. I am also preparing for an indie film and Season 2 of Saved by the Bell.

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