What can the audience expect from the continuation of the Sergius Against Evil Spirits series? Is the follow-up more intense or stylistically different from the first film?
The franchise stays true to its core: Sergius battles evil spirits, with humor and adventure woven throughout. Katya, Sergius, and Krakin keep fighting the dark forces as effectively as they can. The spirits themselves grow more varied and inventive, introducing many fresh creatures into the mix.
Some scenes feature the actress in striking, slimy makeup. How was that look created, and how uncomfortable is it to wear the mask?
The toughest moments came during Katya’s transformations, a realm the performer had not explored before. It’s a long, demanding process: an initial face cast, packing the face with a material like gum, then applying a cast and waiting through the procedure. The process lasts about an hour and a half. Prosthetic makeup follows, with plastic cream notoriously difficult to use. Application can take four to five hours, and the makeup is worn for the entire shift. Silicone components stick to the skin, causing sweat, and the hands must wear special prosthetic digits, which cannot touch anything. In short, it is incredibly challenging. Viewers should know that during those evil spirit renditions, the experience was as physically taxing as it looked on screen.
The collaboration with Roman Mayakin, familiar to audiences from the TV series The Sweet Life, is discussed. What is it like to work with a familiar partner on a new project? Is there a sense of family on set, and are they friends in real life?
Roman Mayakin and the performer have long shared a working and personal bond, even coordinating through a common representative. He is lively and brings a lot of energy, occasionally prompting moments of lighthearted mischief on set. Working with him feels incredibly natural; he comes across as relaxed, warm, and almost like a big brother.
Are there any distinctive traits of Roman that stood out during their collaboration?
The project itself is unique and cannot be compared to others; seeing it in person is essential. The novel is vast and singular, and its magic is best appreciated when experienced live.
One of the series’ cast members, Dmitry Krasilov, passed away recently. How is his memory honored?
With great affection, Dmitry is remembered as easygoing, friendly, kind, and highly professional. His loss is deeply felt and unquestionably poignant.
Filmmakers have increasingly drawn on Russian folklore in recent years. How important is this trend for the country and for younger generations?
Looking back at older interviews, there is a nostalgic note about the lack of folklore adaptations in recent times. The wealth of folklore characters exists in abundance, and it is encouraging to see this wealth finally being brought to life on screen. The hope is to create not only police-centered stories but also series rooted in folklore, a playful nod to tradition.
What is the narrator’s favorite Russian folk tale and which character resonates most?
The favorite tale is Kolobok, and the beloved character is the fox from the stories.
Is it possible to connect with a controversial character known for an improper lifestyle? Can such roles be understood or justified, or is that optional?
The key question is who might judge the character as unsuitable. Everything is relative. To portray an antagonist convincingly, one must understand the motive. Loving the character is not necessary; one must simply grasp why the actions occur.
There was also involvement in the TV series Daryl Dixon, a spin-off from The Walking Dead. What was that experience like, and how did the project come about?
A representative for international projects sent samples, followed by face-to-face testing in Paris, which led to the role. The experience provided a chance to work in a different environment.
What did that experience teach or grant?
Primarily, it offered exposure to performing in a foreign language. English was spoken on set, and songs were performed in French. Remembering three songs in French proved taxing, as the language was unfamiliar. Gestures aided memory, turning every phrase into a physical cue. It was a demanding yet rewarding learning experience, and it stands as a proud professional milestone that demanded discipline beyond prior work.
The performer is noted for a striking appearance. Has there always been acceptance of this look, or was there a desire to change it?
Acceptance has never been universal. Many people, including actors, feel a pull to alter appearances, but the belief holds that some flaws give a unique flavor. The stance here is not to chase an ideal image, but to stay true to the real, expressive self, avoiding a Barbie-like transformation.
As a child, the performer trained at a ballet school, facing strict dietary rules and body scrutiny. Was there a tendency toward being overweight?
There was a tendency in childhood toward heavier weight. In truth, pursuing excellence in sports and ballet comes with significant limits. If a child’s mental health is the priority, it might be wise to rethink intensive training. Sacrifices are part of the journey, and results require them.
Is there justification for strict restrictions in ballet and sport for young athletes, given their mental and physical strain?
The question is complex. Ballet shaped a resilient mindset. The drive to persevere remains strong, even when workouts overwhelm and life feels like nonstop work. That resilience has become a core trait, though balance is necessary to avoid burnout.
Figure skating now stands as a popular path for many champions. Would that sport be advisable for a child?
Figure skating is exceptionally demanding and risky. If there were children, the choice would be to avoid that sport for safety reasons.
Has laziness ever blocked efforts, whether in exercise, projects, or study? How is procrastination handled?
When fatigue sneaks in, rest is essential. There was a recent realization that constant work with no breaks for two years is unhealthy. A quieter pace and more rest are now valued, recognizing that sustainable progress beats burnout in the long run.