Why Octavia Spencer decided to take on her GIFTED movie role #GiftedMovie

It’s not like Octavia Spencer doesn’t have enough keeping her busy these days. Wonder why Octavia Spencer decided to take on her GIFTED movie role?? With her recent Academy Award-nominated Hidden Figures role and the recent release of The Shack, you wonder how she finds the time to do it all.

On April 7th, the movie Gifted is premiering, and you’ll find Octavia as the kind, over-protective neighbor to a young math genius (McKenna Grace). In typical Octavia fashion, her character adds a touch of humor and depth of emotions that helps shape your love for these unconventional relationships. You definitely know throughout the movie that, if you mess with this little girl, you are messing with Octavia.

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Why Octavia Spencer decided to take on her GIFTED movie role

I recently had the chance to interview Octavia and was especially excited to find out what made her choose this role despite her busy schedule. I knew this story must have a special meaning to her, and her answer to this question was quite touching.

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“I really loved this beautiful story about an unconventional family surrounding this beautiful little girl and the fact that these two family members couldn’t resolve how to raise her. I feel like this is something that people face everyday and maybe if they see it played out on screen that they will be more accepting of unconventional families and how it affects the child. People who are going through similar types of issues in regard to custody battles may now be able to make better decisions.”

-Octavia Spencer

Octavia, you’re pretty awesome. I certainly walked away from this movie challenged by the struggles portrayed in the movie. It also reminded me that there’s no perfect answer when it comes to raising your kids. You just do what you think is best and love them as hard as you possibly can.

More About GIFTED

Cast: Chris Evans, McKenna Grace, Lindsay Duncan, Jenny Slate, and Octavia Spencer

Director: Marc Webb (500 Days of Summer)

Frank Adler (Chris Evans) is a single man raising a child prodigy – his spirited young niece Mary (Mckenna Grace) – in a coastal town in Florida.  Frank’s plans for a normal school life for Mary are foiled when the seven-year-old’s mathematical abilities come to the attention of Frank’s formidable mother Evelyn (Lindsay Duncan) whose plans for her granddaughter threaten to separate Frank and Mary.  Octavia Spencer plays Roberta, Frank and Mary’s landlady and best friend.  Jenny Slate is Mary’s teacher, Bonnie, a young woman whose concern for her student develops into a connection with her uncle as well.

Catch Gifted in Theaters April 7th!

Gifted Movie Poster

Disclosure: Thanks to Fox Searchlight for paying for my travel expenses to attend the press junket for Gifted. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

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