What Being Part of the DC Universe Means to Superman & Lois Star Inde Navarrette
We absolutely adored actress Inde Navarrette as Estela in the final season of 13 Reasons Why, so we were delighted when she popped up in one of our new favorite series, Superman & Lois on The CW.
In the new DC show, Inde appears as Sarah Cushing, a Smallville teenager with a difficult past who happens to be the daughter of Clark Kent's ex, Lana Lang Cushing. We just had to know more, and we got the chance to ask Inde all about the role, and why it's so significant to her. Read the full interview below:
(Photo credit: Kennedy Trawick)
Sweety High: What does it mean to you to get to be part of the DC Universe with Superman & Lois? Were you a big DC fan before all of this happened?
Inde Navarrette: I've developed such a deep appreciation for the DC Universe, truly through the fans themselves. There's nothing more contagious than when people are purely passionate and excited for Superman. When I was 16 and Suicide Squad came out I fell. in. love. There are clips on YouTube on how the cast got into their characters, and it became a comfort video that I continuously find myself going back to watch. Seeing how Margot Robbie became Harley Quinn is one of my favorite parts. Now, being part of that DC Uni, developing my own character is really an exceptional way to begin my career. I'm making 16-year-old me really proud.
SH: How similar are you to Sarah in real life? What things do you think fans of the show would be surprised to hear about you, based on the character you play?
IN: I share some likeness to Sarah. There are moments where life imitates art and I have to step back to completely remove myself to play her. We are both very stand-our-ground women. It might surprise them that I, Inde Navarrette, like to collect rocks everywhere I go? Or that I love skydiving but unfortunately can't go anymore because of COVID.
SH: Is there anything you can tease about what we can expect next from the show?
IN: There is a line from Shrek that I always think about when I think of Sarah: "Ogres have layers."In upcoming episodes, we get to see deeper layers of what makes Sarah who she is right now. Just like every young girl in the world, as we grow we add layers to ourselves. Those layers are built from fears, hardships, insecurities and uncomfortable situations, and then more layers of who we are going to become are based on how we go about handling those fears, hardships, etc. But for all the young people reading this, just know that do what you know is best for you. Not everyone will understand but no one knows you better than you do. So listen to your heart and do what your gut tells you.
SH: If you had to pick one moment as the highlight of your career so far, what would that be?
IN: I think it's what I am doing right now. I have faced more of my fears head-on and have grown into myself on this show than I ever have. The material is phenomenal and the team that I get to work with is so supportive that it's an incredible experience.
SH: What is the toughest thing about your line of work? What's the most rewarding?
IN: This type of job, where you are constantly meeting new people and moving to a new country alone can be challenging. It's tough to lean in to it head first, but surprisingly, it is also the most rewarding. Plus, seeing fans' reactions watching the show—it's amazing. Twitter is my favorite for people's comments about the show. I'm careful with what I read but wonderfully all the feedback has been positive and filled with excitement.
SH: Do you have any advice for people who admire you and want to accomplish the things you have?
IN: Never listen to people when they are advising you to give up on what makes you happy. Never. Listen. To. Them. You know deep down in your bones what you are capable of accomplishing. If you feel doubtful about those capabilities, still never give up. Work through the hole of doubt or down days by doing what makes you feel better. Whether that's a distraction—such as drawing for me—or talking to someone, it is important to remind yourself that you can truly do and be whatever you want to be. Believe in yourself, even on the days where you don't believe it.
Obsessed with all things DC? Click HERE to read our interview with Javicia Leslie, who plays the new Batwoman, Ryan Wilder, on The CW.