You may know Jennifer Stone best for her role as Harper on Disney Channel’s Wizards of Waverly Place, but her new movie is going to be all about a different kind of magic! The actress just announced that she has signed on to a film called Santa Girl, that follows Santa’s teenage daughter Cassie as she heads off to college in the non-magical world. Celeb Secrets caught up with Jennifer to get the scoop on this new project, and find out how she feels about teaming up with a fellow Disney alum on this movie: Jason Dolley! Check out our exclusive Q&A below.
Celeb Secrets: Congratulations on the new movie role! Can you tell us what it’s like being part of a creative re-imagining of Santa’s classic and beloved story?
Jennifer: Thank you! I love the idea of playing someone that wants to be more than just the Santa Story. My character wants to be her own person not just the next generation of Christmas cheer!
Celeb Secrets: What’s something about your character or the story that first interested you in the movie?
Jennifer: I love Cassie’s individuality and strong will. It’s hard to disagree with your parents, but when it comes to your life you have to fight for what you believe in.
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Celeb Secrets: Is there something about Cassie’s journey that you can relate to yourself?
Jennifer: I can relate to wanting to step out on your own and define what your life is going to be for you. Both my parents aren’t really artistic and they still struggle with the idea of me pursuing acting for a living. I think they would be more comfortable with me having a more traditional job. They just love me and don’t want to see me struggle, but to me everything worth having is worth fighting for.
Celeb Secrets: Do you have any favorite holiday time traditions in your own family, or any holiday movies that you love watching each winter?
Jennifer: I am a bit of a classicist so I always watch It’s a Wonderful Life and Holiday Inn on Christmas night. My absolute favorite tradition is bake day with my mom. We get together and bake Christmas goods while listening to Christmas carols. Then we pass out all our baked goods to the neighbors.
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Celeb Secrets: If you could tell the story, what do you think Santa’s family would get up to if they journeyed into our real world?
Jennifer: Oh goodness! I just picture a whole lot of misunderstandings leading to a lot of comedy in error. You know when your grandparents or parents try to work Facebook? I feel like the Clauses in our world would be pretty similar.
Celeb Secrets: How do you feel about having a little Disney Channel universe reunion working with Jason Dolley on this project?
Jennifer: I’m so excited to finally work with Jason! He and I have been friends since I was 13 and have been wanting to work together for a while. He is such a great actor and even better person.
Celeb Secrets: What does it mean to you that Harper is still such an important character to fans, all these years after Wizards of Waverly Place?
Jennifer: It means so much to me! I never thought as a kid actor I would affect people like Harper has, but she really has become an icon for uniqueness for some. I am honored to have affected anyone’s life for the positive. I think Harper helped a lot of people feel less alone in thinking outside the box.
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Celeb Secrets: We’ve seen you had quite a few WOWP cast and crew reunions lately, what has it been like seeing so many family members again, all grown up?
Jennifer: It’s really cool to touch base with each other as time passes. We just get to see how everyone is growing and that is a beautiful thing to watch family grow like that.
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Celeb Secrets: What are some of your career bucket list items that you would love to work on?
Jennifer: I would love to be on Shameless and to work with David Fincher. I try to stay pretty open to all different kinds of projects, but I love that show and David Fincher is my favorite director.
Celeb Secrets: Since we’re Celeb Secrets, would you be able to share a fun secret about yourself fans maybe wouldn’t know?
Jennifer: I try to be a pretty open book, but fans might not know that I love tattoos. I’m fascinated with the history and artistry of tattoos. I even design tattoos for fun, on the side.
