The following interview contains potential spoilers for “Tyson’s Run.”
The film opens up audiences' eyes to the life of anautisticteenager named Tyson (Major Dodson).
From there, the teen tries to talk his parents into letting him compete in a local marathon.
He just needs them to believe in him first.
How was preparing for this different from preparing for something fictional like “Stargirl”?
Did you base your character off of a real person?
I definitely did a good amount of research to get into how somebody on the spectrum thinks.
The spectrum is very large, and people can be on all parts of it.
Specifically to the Tyson character, he’s hyper-smart, and he’s more socially awkward.
We got to rush!"
There was so many little things that I’ve learned that really helped me understand the Tyson character.
You have to figure that out.
Do you feel like this movie impacted you differently since you’re also a parent?
You go to so many different lengths to see to it your child feels okay in all aspects.
Definitely, the mama bears come out in me more so when I’m working, for sure.
No, for sure.
I’m a mom, too, so I get it.
It changes everything for the best.
It’s this new level of filter we have in life and understanding.
Your character deals with a lot of guilt throughout the film that adds tension in her marriage.
Do you feel like you’ve ever played a character like this before?
Yes, I have.
I’ve played this character a couple times.
If they’re not really being dealt with, it gets worse and worse.
She’s really put herself on the lowest part of the priority list.
She now has to fight for her kids.
Going back to being honest and communicating, in general, in relationships is king.
What I like about this film is that it gets messy, and that’s life.
A lot of times in films, you don’t see that.
These cathartic moments really are life-changing for people.
Mostly “Just Friends.”
I get “The Butterfly Effect.”
It was so cute, and he did it.
I’m like, “Go ahead.
That’s adorable.”
I’ve read some Internet rumors that a “Just Friends 2” might be happening with Ryan Reynolds.
Would you ever be up for a sequel?
I would definitely be up for a sequel.
[Laughs]
I know you’re working on Season 3 of “Stargirl.”
Is there anything you’re free to tease about the new season to us?
You do find out at the end of Season 2, that it’s called “Frenemies.”
That’s the subtitle of the season, and that’s the feeling of this new season.
It feels a little bit like a whodunit, like “Clue.”
I don’t know how much I’m allowed to tease, but we’re shooting the finale now.
We’re wrapping up Season 3, and it’s a really amazing big finale.
I’m excited for this new season to air.
What’s next for Amy Smart?
I want to know what you haven’t tackled yet together that you would love to do.
What’s your dream project to work on together?
We both love the gardening aspect, building aspect, the furnishings aspect.
That seems like a really simple way of creating a better, healthier home where you sleep.
There’s some truth to some of the green products for sure.
We got into that, and I think it’s I don’t know.
That’s a really good question.
I think that would just be so fun.
Yeah, it is really fun.
It’s fun having both.
It’s fun having careers separately.
It’s really fun having this company together, because it’s very personal.
Amy Smart’s newest film “Tyson’s Run” is now playing in theaters.
