Sadie Stanley
Shimmering star on the rise Sadie Stanley stars as Mia in Karate Kid: Legends in cinemas now. we had a chance to meet up when she was in NYC for it’s premiere. our beloved designer and muse Batsheva welcomed us in to shoot at her shop where Sadie selected and styled herself in a few pieces she loved. so scroll on down and have a peek and check our chat about her Karate Kid adventure and what’s up next, becoming more open about her queerness, wanting to act from day one, the forces that ground her, favorite indugences and the importance of a good perfume.
the bare magazine: how was the addition of your role such a great enhancement to the karate kid legacy?
Sadie Stanley: Mia brings a new kind of emotional depth and softness to the Karate Kid universe. There’s something really special about showing how vulnerability and love can exist alongside strength and discipline. Their connection adds a heartbeat to all the action and makes the audience root for the heroes even more.
bare: what was special to you and challenging about playing Mia? what do you hope folks will be drawn to most about her?
SS: Mia’s strength is quieter. She’s kind and sarcastic and charismatic, but not naïve. What was challenging was making her feel grounded in a world that’s so physically intense. I had to find her fire internally. I hope people are drawn to the way she sees people deeply, especially Li. She reflects how love can be a mirror, not just a safety net.
bare: when did the acting bug bite? when did you know it was your love?
SS: I think I was born with the bug, honestly. I was a deeply sensitive kid, and I still am. I felt everything so intensely and that was hard. The films I watched and the books I read reflected that back at me and helped me make sense of it all. I didn’t start professionally acting until I was 16 but before that I was doing musical theatre at a tiny community theatre in my hometown. I fell in love with the process of creating with other people. It was an amazing outlet for me.
bare: we hear you're working on an indie film next - are you looking forward to that experience? what other genres or creators / costars would be on your dream list?
SS: I’m really excited about my next film. It’s a massive departure from everything else I’ve done and it feels like exactly what I want and need to do next. I’m always looking for projects that will stretch me as an actor and as a human.
As for dream collaborators, I’m drawn to directors who approach characters with empathy and specificity - people like Greta Gerwig, Barry Jenkins, Andrea Arnold, or Sofia Coppola. I also love filmmakers who take risks visually and emotionally, like Trey Edward Schultz, Yorgos Lanthimos or Céline Sciamma. Some of my biggest performance inspirations are Angelina Jolie, Viola Davis, and Jennifer Lawrence so if could work with any of them one day, that’d be a massive dream come true.
Bare: we had so much fun shooting with you at Batsheva's store! you styled yourself, and came in with the cutest outfit. describe your personal style and its evolution ...also favorite brands/shopping sites/vintage love.
SS: The shoot was so fun!! It felt so casual and comfortable which was refreshing during all the chaos of press. My personal style is constantly evolving and as I get to know myself better and as I get older. As I’ve become more open with my queerness, I’ve definitely been drawn to adding masculine elements to my outfits. I like texture and color. Some days lean more boho, some more street style, some days I wanna be girly. Most of my stuff I find second-hand.
bare: you had your nyc premiere the night before our shoot you were pumped and excited! you were with one of your favorite people, your manager. has she been a big grounding force in your life? and you seem close to your mom too...please elaborate!
SS: Yes, the premiere was such an amazing night! I had a lot of people I love with me which always makes the experience so much better and eases my nerves. My manager is absolutely one of those people. I’ve been with her since I was 16 and we’ve grown so much together. She definitely keeps me grounded and reminds me what truly matters, and I wouldn’t be where I am if she hadn’t seen potential in me.
My mom is, and always has been, my biggest fan. Her and I spent years staying in sketchy Airbnb’s and flying back and forth from SC to LA just so I could follow this dream and I’m so grateful for her and the rest of my family for the sacrifices they made. I’m so lucky.
bare: what are your favorite indulgences, treats, escapes? (snacks!)
SS: Trashy reality TV. Hot Cheetos and Dr. Pepper. A day at the pottery studio, not checking my phone.
bare: please list your top 6 Bare essentials.
SS:
1. My cats
2. A FaceTime with my sister (the ultimate essential)
3. Lip balm 24/7
4. Noise canceling headphones and my Spotify playlist
5. Perfume (I have to smell good or I’m gonna have a bad day)
6. A sweet treat after dinner or really any time of day (non-negotiable)
photos/glam: tina turnbow using MERIT and Julep beauty
clothing: batsheva shoes: sadie’s own
shot at batsheva’s store and nyc streets
Founder & Editor in Chief - The Bare Magazine
