HOLR sits down with Ana Sophia Heger to talk about the emotional depth of her role, her bond with Egerton, and balancing life as both actor and kid.

At just 11, Ana Sophia Heger delivers a breakout performance in She Rides Shotgun, drawing early comparisons to Natalie Portman in Léon and Dafne Keen in Logan. Starring alongside Taron Egerton in the gritty Lionsgate drama, Ana plays Polly—a tough yet vulnerable girl reconnecting with her estranged father while on the run.

In this interview, Ana reflects on the emotional complexity of her role, the meaningful bond she shares with Egerton, and the delicate balance of growing up while pursuing a career in acting.

Your performance in She Rides Shotgun has already drawn comparisons to roles like Natalie Portman in Léon and Dafne Keen in Logan. What was it like stepping into such an emotionally intense and layered role at this stage in your career? 

Thank you for the comparisons! Playing an intense role was something I’ve been looking for for a long time. There aren’t a lot of roles like this written for kids, so when it came along, I was really excited and happy to get a chance to play a layered role like this.

You play Polly, a fierce and vulnerable girl reconnecting with her father while on the run. What helped you tap into Polly’s mindset, and what part of her did you relate to most? 

When I read the script with my parents, I couldn’t believe all the crazy circumstances Polly has to face. And she has to depend on her dad, whom she hasn’t seen or heard from in 5 years. I did my preparation by reading through the script and really trying to understand what the character is about. I just try to live as the character and feel what I imagine she’d be feeling. I don’t have that many similarities with Polly. I love that, because I’m always looking to play somebody different than myself. The way that I relate to her is when she forms the bond with her dad and realizes she’s always loved him that much and wanted him in her life. I’m so close with my dad that it was easy to relate to that part.

What was it like building an on-screen bond with Taron Egerton, and what did you learn from working so closely with him? 

It was amazing working with Taron. Immediately when I first met him, I could see what a kind and happy person he is. You can tell he really loves working, and that inspired me to see how focused he is, but also to see how much fun he has.  He really guided me in staying focused, but also remembering to have fun between takes and not let the heavy material get inside my head. It’s just pretend. We had the most fun. I’m so grateful to him for guiding me and taking such good care of me.

Director Nick Rowland is known for his emotionally charged storytelling. How did he help guide your performance?  

Nick is amazing! Yes, he’s all about the emotions! I got nervous for a few big scenes I had. Nick was always able to talk me down, and he would remind me why I’m there, and that I’ve already reached the emotional heights in the auditions and rehearsals. He would always remind me that I belonged there, even when I would doubt myself. Nick was always so encouraging and always wanted to keep me happy and, of course, safe. He would talk about the scene with me, and remind me about Polly’s fears she’s had and maybe kept inside of her.. And then to just let it out when she figures out what’s really going on.

She Rides Shotgun marks your first major dramatic lead. How did this role challenge you creatively, and how do you think it’s helped you grow as an actor? 

I was so excited when I found out I booked it! But then it started to sink in that I would be with all these really famous, great actors. And I had never done a role like this before, or this big of a role. My dad is my coach, so once I booked it and knew I’d be going to New Mexico, we worked on it every day. I took notes in my journal of thoughts I believed Polly would have. I was thinking harder about Polly than I’ve ever thought about a character, and I felt everything for her. How scared and sad she would be, but then how strong she becomes. I just held onto those thoughts. And then when I got to set, it just really came to life for me, being there with everyone and seeing them in character, it was just magical. Yes, playing Polly definitely helped me grow as an actor. It gave me confidence again when I sometimes doubt myself or think I might not be good enough. I’m reminded I can do it. I can make strong choices and execute them when I put my mind and heart to it.

Off-screen, you love tennis, tumbling, and spending time with your younger brother. How do you balance your life as a young actor with just being a kid, and do you think those parts of your life influence your acting in any way?

My parents and I are really selective about roles, so that gives me plenty of time to just be a kid. I love acting, but I also really love my other activities too, and my family reminds me it’s really important to keep that balance. I waited 5 years for a sibling, so even though my brother can be annoying, I love him so much and love hanging out with him. He’s really funny and weird and adorable. Yes, I think those parts of my life help me as an actor, because being yourself and having close relationships help you relate to characters in different ways, or feel for them in certain ways. Sports help too, because it’s about striving to get better and better. Acting is like a sport in that way.

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Published by HOLR Magazine