Autumn Reeser has become legendary as a Hallmark actress and executive producer, starring in many of the network’s films. Yet, as she shared with me in a phone interview, Junebug is a project she cherishes.
Autumn stars as Juniper, a 40-year-old book editor who needs a wake-up call from her complacent life. Instead of writing children’s books, she edits them. She had a really good boyfriend named Ethan, but there was no spark.
In “Junebug,” Autumn is given a second chance at life when Juniper’s eight-year-old version of herself visits, and Juniper reminds her of the importance of having fun and following her dreams.
Junebug is unlike many Hallmark movies, and Autumn shares why it resonates with many viewers.
“It’s easy to relate to because most of us sometimes get complacent or think things are good enough, but deep down inside we want something deeper. Is this good enough for your eight-year-old self? , or will she want you to achieve your dreams?
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Autumn said she’s been developing Junebug for five years and loves movies that take on deeper psychological issues with a candy coating.
“Usually, a child has an imaginary friend, but this time it’s the child that the adult sees. Essentially, she’s the only one who can talk and can see her. So as an actor, playing that contrast was very interesting.
Autumn enjoys working with her eight-year-old companion Mira Jones (Supergirl).
“Mila is amazing. She really became more alive and blossomed over the course of making this movie. Watching her find Junebug and being her sassy self and allowing her to yell, It’s fun to stomp her feet louder, and it’s hilarious to watch her cause more trouble.
She added that they had always envisioned Meera for the role and people who had worked with Meera before recommended her.
“When they heard we were going to make this movie, they said Mira would be great, and she is. And they were right.
Autumn is also enthusiastic about working with her romantic partner Aaron O’Connell, who plays Alex, a lovable artist with whom she connects. “Well, have you seen Aaron? He’s so beautiful!” Qiu smiled.
“It didn’t take any imagination to make a movie about falling in love with Aaron. He was such a lovable guy, a good man – a family man, a hard worker, a kind soul.
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Autumn added that the entire cast has a great vibe and is passionate about telling the story of Junebug.
“There was a special energy on set and a lot of beautiful synchronicity that I couldn’t even wrap my head around. The magic behind them and everyone who ended up being in this movie and the way it happened, there was always a little element of magic, a little bit Revealed bit by bit.
“I’m really excited for people to see this movie because the magic isn’t just in the story and it’s not just on the screen; it’s in the movie.” Something special was working behind the scenes, too.
Autumn spoke about the importance of being exposed to art from an early age and how it impacted her career.
“My parents were very supportive of my sister and me on the importance of the arts and making us understand that these were viable careers. A lot of kids don’t get that from their families.
“I think a lot of us are told that this dream is too big, that it’s pie in the sky, or that it’s unrealistic. My parents gave me the gift of never saying those words. They always say they believe me.
Since Junebug involves Juniper being inspired by her eight-year-old self and her childhood wishes and dreams, we also discussed what Autumn’s childhood self says about her life today.
“I have kids of my own, so it’s almost like living with my eight-year-old self because they have a lot to say and a lot of perspectives. One day, my son mentioned that he wished I had more time for myself, because I’m trying to promote the film and other reasons.
“I thought that was so sweet. I have a lot of time to myself. Don’t worry. That was such a sweet and thoughtful thing to say to him.
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“I think eight-year-old me would like my life now because I want to be an actor. So, I really hope to realize my childhood dream.
Autumn spoke passionately about the inner child and will co-host a workshop on the subject later in August, as it is one of the film’s fundamental themes.
“It’s reconnecting with your inner child, healing the relationship between your heart and the innocent heart of your inner child. Doing the work of therapy and re-parenting is so important to fully expressing yourself in life.
“I’ve been doing this type of work for a while, but this is the first time I’m making it public. I’m launching a workshop that will start on August 15th. “
Autumn believes that through making films and attending workshops, people can realize the importance of reconnecting with their inner child. She hopes to reach as many people as possible.
“I want to take as many people as possible on this journey with me because they watch these movies and are so inspired. They want to live with them longer and have more contact with them.
“This is a way for them to do that, continue to bring stories to their lives, bring the work that Juniper does to their lives. So we’ll be coaching them on how to do that.
“Junebug” is the perfect opening movie for Hallmark’s summer nights. It’s different from many other movies but still has a romantic and nostalgic quality to it.
It evokes memories of childhood and playfulness that Autumn shares are important to her.
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“It’s funny because play is my motto this year. Seeing all the ways that word comes up and teaching me about the energy of play, and then making this film together, with that intention all year long, was just perfect. opportunity.
“This is another example of how the divine plan works. It’s really beautiful.
To understand what childhood dreams Juniper’s childhood self still cherishes, you need to watch Junebug, where you’ll see how natural chemistry Autumn had with her two main co-stars.
“Junebug” is not just a love movie. It’s about finding yourself and finding joy in life again.
Junebug premieres Saturday, August 3 at 8/7c on the Hallmark Channel.
This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
