Anya Taylor-Joy Explains Why She Avoids Extreme Method Acting
Anya Taylor-Joy has opened up about her perspective on method acting, sharing why she believes many female performers take a different approach when preparing for demanding roles.
During a recent interview with Complex News, the 30-year-old actress discussed the challenges of fully immersing herself into a character and described acting as an intense mental experience.
Taylor-Joy explained that portraying another person for long periods can feel like entering a different state of mind, comparing the process to living alongside another identity.
The Queen’s Gambit star said she views acting as a form of “controlled psychosis,” where performers adopt a character’s thoughts, movements, and lifestyle while filming.
She also suggested that women may be less likely to embrace extreme forms of method acting because of responsibilities outside their performances.
“If you’ll notice, women don’t method act because we have things to take care of,” Taylor-Joy said during the conversation.
The actress gained worldwide recognition after starring as Thomasin in Robert Eggers’ 2015 horror film The Witch. Her performance as a young woman facing fear, family conflict, and supernatural threats helped establish her as one of Hollywood’s rising talents.
Despite her success, Taylor-Joy admitted that staying connected to reality is important for her. She credited the people around her for helping her maintain balance during periods of intense work.
The actress revealed that friends and family sometimes use her character names as a way to check in with her when they feel she has become too immersed in a role.
Taylor-Joy added that actors must also consider the people they work with, saying professionalism and kindness remain essential even during challenging performances.
Her comments have renewed conversations about method acting, an approach that continues to divide opinions among performers and audiences.