WondLa is the animated television adaptation of Tony DiTerlizzi’s trilogy of children’s science fiction novels that shares the same name. It is a coming-of-age story that follows a teenage girl named Eva 9 and her search for a home on the exotic and strange planet of Orbona.
In the new season, Eva 9’s journey could be over as she finds one of the last human communities. However, nothing is at it seems and she soon finds herself conflicted between saving the human race or her family, both found and blood.
Recently we spoke with WondLa lead star, Jeanine Mason, who voices Eva 9. She discussed her feelings and approach with the character so far and teased what aspects of season two she’s most excited about.
Eva 9 has grown so much from the naive bunker baby we first met. Mason has adjusted how she voices the character to demonstrate the maturity. “I was trying to be really conscious of even her vocal tone growing up a bit into season two,” she said. “She understands what it’s like to love and to lose. She’s a bit more resilient, loves just as much, but is definitely a little less than an open target. She’s more suited to handle this tough landscape of Orbona and now, New Attica.”
Despite a new experienced Eva 9, she still maintains some of her key attributes. The one Mason relates to most is her optimism. “I love that she goes to empathy and to seeing the best of people as her instinct.” The actress thinks it’s especially important to see that trait on screen for WondLa’s young viewers. “I see how much they respond to that and so it reminds me how important it is, especially moving through the world as an adult interacting with young people, to remind them that it’s a worth it way to move through the world.”
Mason even worked double duty on WondLa. One of the new characters in the second season is Eva 8, an older clone of the protagonist. During flashbacks of Eva 8’s origin story, Mason voiced the character as she first reached the surface of Orbona. Those scenes helped shape Eva 8 and you can see the contrasts between the clones. “By the time we meet her as Eva 8 in present time, you can feel what she’s endured. I thought it was a brilliant choice and something I’m excited for young fans to see. Their relationship build. Their different life experiences have informed the way they see the world and the way they deal with the very real obstacles at hand.”
As much as Mason is excited for viewers to see the relationship between Eva 8 and 9 grow, what she is most proud of is the bond between Eva 9 and surrogate father figure, Rovender Kitt. “It’s a really beautiful storyline. Just so healing for both these characters,” she shared. “I think the world of Gary [Anthony Williams] so it was really exciting to see it come together. We went back and forth so much with different versions shaping that arc for them and I’m really happy where it landed.”
Stream season two of WondLa beginning Friday, April 25, on Apple TV+.
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