The young star opens up about what it was like to work with Tom Blyth and Rachel Zegler and why he likes to listen to the Rocky theme before going on set.
Fans of the The Hunger Games books and film series have been flocking to movie theaters in droves to catch the latest installment, The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, propelling it to the top North American box offices in its first weekend. The film features Dexter Sol Ansell who plays a young President Snow alongside stars like Rachel Zegler, Peter Dinklage, Viola Davis, Tom Blyth and Hunter Schafer. In an exclusive interview, Young Entertainment talked to Dexter about the audition process, working with a star-studded cast, how he prepared for the role and walking the red carpet.
“When I first started acting, I never thought I would be on the red carpet, it was such a big pleasure, and in The Hunger Games, it was so amazing.”
Please note that while we avoided any spoilers here, we recommend you go to see the film for an added layer of depth when it comes to our conversation with Dexter.
The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes is set 64 years before the events of the first film, following a young Coriolanus Snow, also known as the villainous President Snow, on his way to becoming the leader of Panem. The film focuses on Snow’s relationship with the Hunger Games tribute Lucy Gray Baird, played by Rachel Zegler, during the year of the 10th Hunger Games. Tom Blyth plays Coriolanus, while Dexter plays a younger version of him.
Dexter is an English child actor who has also appeared in the British soap opera Emmerdale, The Midwich Cuckoos, Robin & the Hood and Christmas on Mistletoe Farm. Dexter told Young Entertainment that after watching the first movie of The Hunger Games series, being a part of a big franchise with a huge fan base was unbelievable and a dream come true! He also added that while watching the first movie, he was definitely on Team Peeta.
“When I do acting, anything you ever remember, just shoo it away. You need to be this character, read what they have, read everything about them, read where they live, how they act, what they are.”
Dexter revealed that he auditioned from a London park during the Queen of England’s Jubilee when Hollywood came calling and found out that he got the part two weeks later. He added that he had often worked with Rosa Gotzler, who plays a young Tigris in the film and while he said he didn’t have any scenes with Tom or Rachel, he met them both on set and mentioned that they were both incredibly kind and supportive.
Despite his young age, Dexter has multiple roles to his name already. In terms of his process, Dexter said that he likes to listen to the theme song to the film Rocky to help get him get ready for a big scene. Not surprisingly, Dexter also said that walking the red carpet at the premiere of The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes was the coolest thing he has ever done!
“Every time I go for a self tape or any acting, I listen to the theme tune of Rocky. I watched the movie Rocky and I absolutely loved it and before that, I didn’t have anything, it was just into the audition.”
You can learn much more about Dexter and get a sense of his infectious enthusiasm for acting by watching the interview with him on our YouTube channel. It includes many additional questions about the making of the film, his favorite snacks on set and funny behind the scenes moments!
We would like to thank Dexter for taking the time to talk with Young Entertainment! Make sure to follow him on his Instagram at@dextersolansell (Dexter Sol Ansell (@dextersolansell) • Instagram photos and videos). And while you’re there, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to our channel for the latest news in young entertainment!
