Rachel Boudwin on Her First-Ever Leading Role as Whitney in the Wattpad Adaptation, Boot Camp
After the unprecedented success of Wattpad novel adaptations including The Kissing Booth, After and Through My Window, today, Aug. 2, marks the release of the eagerly anticipated novel-turned-film, Boot Camp.
Based on the beloved Wattpad book of the same name by Gina Musa, which has been downloaded more than 26 million times, this thrilling rom-com tells the empowering story of Whitney Carmichael. Whitney is an anything-but-sporty teenager who goes to a body empowerment camp, only to develop forbidden feelings for her personal trainer, Axel (played by Riverdale's Drew Ray Tanner). With the film out today in select theaters in the U.S. and Canada, as well as on Prime Video, Apple TV and on-demand, we got the chance to speak with actress Rachel Boudwin, who starred as Whitney in her first-ever leading role. Read our full interview with her below.
Sweety High: When did you discover your passion for acting? Was there any specific a-ha moment that made you realize it was the path for you?
Rachel Boudwin: Ever since I could remember I felt the desire to perform. When I was 5, I auditioned for my first school musical, Grease. After I put on that poodle skirt there was no going back for me. When people would ask what I wanted to be when I grew up, I would say "movie star" even through my stutter. Although, pursuing a career as an actor in my hometown wasn't exactly common nor a practical life choice. Not to mention my ironic fear of public speaking, body image issues and a speech impediment. Despite all of that, I continued doing musical theater and dance classes throughout my childhood but it wasn't until late high school that I decided to give my dream a chance. Junior year, I took a film class and fell in love with movie-making. In high school, I went through a rough patch where the only thing that brought me happiness was watching movies. I knew nothing had ever made me feel the way performing did and nothing ever would. So the summer between junior and senior year I begged my dad, once again, to let me audition for a talent agency in Seattle. He was hesitant, given that years prior my grades had never been good enough, but lucky for me, there are no grades during summer! Thankfully, I ended up signing with an agency and taking acting for film classes every Saturday. That next summer, after barely graduating, I packed my bags and headed off to Hollywood to give that pipe dream I had when I was five a real shot and become a "movie star."
(Photo credit: Stephanie Girard)
SH: Were you familiar with the Wattpad novel Boot Camp before you signed on for the film? Did you wind up reading it in order to prepare for the role?
RB: Every girl my age was familiar with Wattpad. Obsessed even. When I was auditioning, I had no idea the film was based on a book, which I think actually helped me in my audition process, because I immediately pictured Whitney as myself. After having the pleasure of reading Gina Musa's novel, I fell even more in love with the story. It wasn't hard to see why over 27 million other readers related to Whitney like I did. For a lot of Wattpadders, Boot Camp was one of the first books they read on the platform, and I am so honored to be a part of it.
Also read about: Joshua Colley on His Background in Musical Theater & Playing Hook in Descendants: The Rise of Red
SH: What can you tell us about your character, Whitney? What is her role in the film?
RB: I can whole-heartedly tell you that I saw myself in Whitney. At that point, I had never read a character description that I felt resonated with me so personally. Whitney was exactly who I was in high school, except smarter because she actually got straight A's. Similarly to myself, Whitney starts off as introverted, self conscious and fully content living in her own world. She finds comfort living in her fantasy world, like the books she reads, until she is forced to confront her fears. In an effort to escape her high school bully and childhood crush, she decides to take charge of her life and reinvent herself by signing up for a body empowerment summer camp. I think Whitney's role in this film inherently guides the audience to see themselves in her character. We can all relate to feeling overly conscious of ourselves and wanting to change our lives for the better. Whether you're a 11 year old girl trying out for the soccer team or "a 67 year old guy who's scared of getting older" as my dad said, a certified Whitney stan.
SH: How similar are you to her in real life? What would you say are your biggest similarities and differences?
RB: I don't think it was a coincidence that my first big role was a character that I saw as myself. Two years ago, when I booked Boot Camp, I was just coming into my own. I had just come to a place in my life where I was the most confident and happy I had ever been, so when this project came along, I knew I understood Whitney's journey throughout the film. It hadn't been long since I was that girl tucked away in her room but I had gained the knowledge of how hard it can be to change your life for the better. Throughout filming, Mackenzie (director of Boot Camp) and I would constantly check in with each other about where Whitney was in her story. We would ask ourselves, "Is this Whitney or Whitney 2.0?" even about the smallest gesture. I would say one of the biggest things I have in common with Whitney is our aversion to sports yet intense competitiveness. I can thank my older brother for that. Although Whitney is smarter and funnier than I ever will be, our biggest difference lies in her fierce braveness that I am still trying to find in myself.
(Photo credit: Stephanie Girard)
SH: What was your most memorable moment from the set?
RB: Boot Camp was truly the most memorable time in my life so there is a lot to choose from but I would have to say the moment we all knew it could be something special was when we were filming a scene sneaking out of the camp. It was early in the shooting process and it was almost as if we all felt like we were back at camp as kids and making friends we would have for life. When Whitney is asked why she's at the camp she responds, "to make friends." I think both Whitney and I did that summer.
Also read about: JP Karliak Talks Bringing Marvel's First Non-Binary Lead Mutant, Morph, to Life in X-Men '97
SH: Is there a certain part of the film you can't wait for fans to see when it releases?
RB: There's a scene between Whitney and Willow towards the end of the film that was one of my highlights while shooting. That scene speaks to the true message of the film and I think fans are going to really enjoy the evolution of their relationship. And for me, I get to look back and see when I knew Rachel Boyd was going to be one of my real-life best friends.
SH: Is there anywhere else we see your work right now?
RB: Boot Camp has been my first leading role. In fact, I had never even been on a union set before! So if you want to see me and several other gorgeous faces, go see Boot Camp Aug. 2!
(Photo credit: Stephanie Girard)
SH: Is there anything else you'd like to add?
RB: I would love to shout out to everyone that has helped me get to this point. Gina Musa, for creating Whitney and the story I keep so close to my heart. Gemma Holdway, for writing an incredible screenplay that I immediately fell in love with. My cast, for their friendship, support and lifelong memories. Mackenzie Munro, my director who became my big sister these last two years and allowed me to trust her around every twist and turn. Donna Shudde, my first agent who believed in me from the start. And of course my dad and brother, because I wouldn't be here without them.
For more insights from our favorite rising actors, click HERE to read our interview with Morgan Dudley on her role as Ella in Descendants: The Rise of Red.