Time-Travel Comedy ‘My Old Ass’ Features Unique Dynamic Between Characters
In the new time-travel comedy My Old Ass, Maisy Stella and Aubrey Plaza take on the roles of two versions of the same character, Elliott. One is a young, confident teenager, and the other is her older self.
The casting of the two actors may not seem like a perfect match at first glance, but director Megan Park had a specific vision in mind when selecting them for the roles. According to Park, it was more than just finding a lookalike, it was about creating chemistry between the two characters.
When asked about studying her younger counterpart for the role, Plaza was told by Park that it was not essential to mimic every detail. Instead, the focus was on building a relationship between the characters that felt genuine and authentic. The natural connection between Stella and Plaza was evident from the start, and it helped bring their characters to life on screen.
Exploring Time Travel and Character Development
The plot of My Old Ass unfolds as young Elliott embarks on a journey after taking psychedelic mushrooms, leading her to encounter her older self. The movie leaves it open to interpretation whether this encounter is a result of actual time travel or simply a hallucination. Regardless, the dynamic between the two characters challenges young Elliott’s beliefs and perceptions.
For Park, it was crucial that Elliott exuded a specific energy that was vibrant yet grounded. She wanted a character who was cool, bright, and optimistic—a combination that proved to be challenging to find. However, once Plaza was cast in the role, everything fell into place, with her chemistry with Stella shining through on screen.
Finding the Right Balance in Casting
While finding the right actor for the role of Elliott was a process, once Plaza was selected, everything seemed to align perfectly. The focus shifted from physical resemblance to creating a dynamic duo that could carry the movie.
As Park reflects on Plaza’s portrayal of the older Elliott, she notes the added layer of comedy in the fact that the character perceives Plaza as “old” when she is not even 40. This element adds a humorous twist to the storyline that Park found particularly appealing.
My Old Ass is currently showing in select theaters and will be available everywhere on September 27. Be sure to catch this unique time-travel comedy that offers a fresh perspective on character dynamics and relationships.