Freakier Friday’s Sophia Hammons is Hollywood’s newest leading lady. First, allow her to introduce herself. 

There’s a first time for everything. Your first love – the type that sends butterflies fluttering in your belly. Your first party, red-cups littering the floor and music thumping well into the early hours. Your first time learning how to ride a bike, gravel lodged into every scrape and cut.

They can define your life, in all of their overwhelming, and sometimes-awkward, glory. 

Sophia Hammons – previously seen in the family-friendly fright fest Under Wraps –  has had her fair share of firsts, especially the life-altering type. But as of late, some have gotten a little, well, freaky. “Young Sophia would definitely be freaking out. I’ve been waiting for this for a long time and it’s really a dream come true,” says the Californian actor on her debut leading role in Disney’s most talked about sequel of the year, Freakier Friday. 

She joins the OG cast of 2003’s classic body-swapping chick flick, Freaky Friday, including noughties icons Lindsay Lohan, Chad Michael Murray and Jamie Lee Curtis, in the feverishly-anticipated spin off. Sophia takes on the role of Lily – preppy British fashionista with a wicked attitude and step daughter to Lindsey’s retired rock-chick Anna Coleman. Alongside fresh faces such as Julia Butters (“my friendship with Julia has changed my life for the better”) she’s one of the new-gen actors showing you what a sequel done right looks like  – dare we say the first? This is Sophia as you’ve never seen her before – commanding the screen, legends by her side, up front and centre. 

“It’s an honor, and one of the first times where I’ve felt so proud of something I’ve done,” the 18-year-old reflects.

 And Freakier Friday is only the start. With her and her father buying the rights to two books, she’s looking to achieve a “big goal” by flexing her producer muscle. In the meantime, she’s throwing herself into all things “creative”.  

What we’re saying is, get used to seeing a lot more of this self-professed “theater kid”.

With all of this in mind, we thought we’d help you get acquainted with this star-in-waiting. Think of this as your Sophia Hammons crash course. And, what better way to do so than with Sophia herself unpacking some of the moments that have shaped her path? Strap yourself in for Sophia Hammons’ firsts. 

What’s the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning? 

Get a fat kiss from my puppy, Max, right on my face. 

Who was your first acting role model?

I think Natalie Portman. Her performance in The Professional inspired me to pursue film and TV.  

What is the first movie you fell in love with? 

Probably Disney’s Bolt. I have a memory of singing the song “Barking at the Moon” with my dad. 

What was your first audition for?

My first audition EVER was for Les Mis Jr for a community theatre in Colorado. I remember being so sad that I got ensemble and not young Eponine or Cosette. But it’s totally normal not to book at your first audition ever!

What was your first job?

I think a commercial? I remember when it started playing around the city I grew up in. I was so excited. 

What’s the first piece of advice that stuck with you?

“You miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.” I think my dad is the one who first said that quote to me. 

What was the first concert you attended?

It was Green Day, Fall Out Boy, and Weezer all in one. It was incredible. I’m obsessed with Green Day. 

What is the first album you bought?

I honestly don’t remember exactly which one but definitely one of the kids’ albums by They Might Be Giants. I loved all of those. 

When was the first time you were starstruck?

I don’t know if I’ve ever been starstruck yet. I thought I was going to be meeting Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan but they both have such a sweet energy that as soon as I hugged them for the first time, I felt safe and seen. 

What was your first irrational fear?

Definitely the dark or being alone. Jeez, maybe being in the dark alone. 

What was your first expensive fashion purchase? 

I haven’t really made one yet, but I have something in mind for when I reach a certain point in my life. 

First line that hooked you from the Freakier Friday script?

I think the British accent in general got me pretty hooked. 

Tell us about the first time you met the Freakier Friday cast.

Well, I met Julia Butters first, then Jamie Lee Curtis, then Lindsay Lohan and Manny Jacinto. When I met Julia for the first time, it was cosmic. I’d been a fan of hers for a while, but we clicked so instantly. I think I told her everything about me the second time we hung out. No such thing as TMI in our relationship. 

What was the first thing you did when you turned 18?

Nothing really changed for me when I turned 18. I like to say that I feel like I’ve been 18 for 300 years. 

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Sophia hammons

Photography by Alex La Cruz
Styling by Jordan Dorso
Words by Erica Rana
Hair by Xavier Velasquez at A-Frame Agency
Make-up by Jen Tioseco at A-Frame Agency
Fashion Assistant Jake Villegas
Videography by Mylo Butler