Rainbow Wedell: The Art of Protecting My Heart

Film

The conversation takes place after a binge-watch of School Spirits, a series that becomes instantly absorbing from its opening episode. That same pull carries into this exchange with Rainbow Wedell. She speaks openly about the parts of herself she protects, the stories she feels drawn to right now, and the life she is slowly building beyond the work. The answers feel unguarded, shaped by curiosity rather than certainty, and rooted in a genuine interest in people and experience.

How would you describe yourself to someone who has never seen your work, without mentioning acting at all?

I travelled around a lot as a kid. I love subtlety, and I think I bring a lot of my life experiences into my work. I like travelling, meeting people from different cultures, and experiencing life as much as I can. Every sort of human emotion possible. I like to bring all of that into what I do.

What is something people always assume about you that is completely wrong?

Claire, who I play,  is very bitchy, she’s kind of a mean character. So a lot of people who watched School Spirits season one think that I’m mean.

How is it for you navigating that, when people assume you are like the character?

It’s actually really fun. It’s fun to meet people and then exceed their expectations.

What is a small, ordinary moment in your life that actually means a lot to you?

Coffee in the morning. Especially without scrolling. Just the morning itself. I love mornings.

How do you have your coffee?

I change it up. During winters, I’ll have an oat cappuccino or latte, and in the summer I’ll have an iced americano, or a long black, as we call it in Australia.

When did you first realise you wanted to be a storyteller, not just a performer?

I started acting when I was really young, but I had to take a break because I didn’t know what I wanted. My parents put me into it, so I wasn’t sure if it was my dream or their dream. I stopped and went to university for a bit, and that’s when I found this new fire. It became something that was actually my passion, a real love for art and storytelling, not just performing. That was probably around when I was nineteen.

What did you study at university?

Biomed, health sciences. I didn’t graduate, but I studied for a couple of years.

What part of yourself do you protect the most and why?

My heart. I don’t take a lot of things to heart. I don’t take offence easily. I try to stay happy and positive, and not a lot of things are able to ruin my mood.

What kind of stories feel urgent to you right now?

Real human stories. Real emotions and feelings. I want to step into the shoes of someone who has experienced a lot, whether that’s pain or joy, or both. I’m drawn to really in-depth characters and stories.

If you could write a role for yourself, who would that character be?

I’d love to be in an action movie. I want to play a warrior, a very strong female character.

What makes you want to do that?

I’m super athletic and I love sports, so I really want to do my own stunts if possible. I’d love to do something like a boxer film or a warrior princess role. Something feminine but very strong. I’m also really inspired by thriller roles, anything a bit Florence Pugh-ish. Strong women like that really inspire me.

What do you think people misunderstand about what success actually feels like?

I think people assume you automatically become happy. But happiness doesn’t come from money or success or achieving things. It comes from within and from self-discovery. You’re not suddenly happy just because you’re successful.

Since School Spirits, how has life been for you?

It’s been really fun. Landing a series regular role is a lot of actors’ dreams, and it’s opened up a whole new world. I’ve made so many new friends, and my first time in LA was for the season one premiere. It’s been a really exciting experience.

What do you want more of in your life that has nothing to do with your career?

I really want to travel more. I want to meet people from every walk of life and every country. I love travelling and culture. I want to learn languages and make clothes. I love fashion as well.

What is your favourite place you have visited?

Japan. I love Japan. I’ve been there so many times, including for New Year’s. I think it’s somewhere everyone should experience. If you haven’t been, you have to go.

Where do you want to revisit?

Finland. I went when I was three years old. I’m half Finnish, but I haven’t been back, so I’d love to revisit it as an adult.

Would you rather speak to animals or speak every human language?

Speak to animals. I can learn languages, but I could never learn how to speak to animals.

Claire is a character people have strong feelings about. How do you feel when audiences react so intensely to her?

I love it. Someone has to be the antagonist and bring the drama. In season one, I loved that some people didn’t like her. She has an arc that I’m really excited for people to see. When you play an antagonist, you understand why they do what they do, and you want to vouch for them. I’ve loved being able to explore Claire and show the world what I’ve always seen in her.

School Spirits deals with identity, legacy, and how people are remembered. Do you often think about how you want to be remembered?

I honestly have no idea. I just want to be a light in people’s lives, in any capacity. If I can help people along my journey, even in small ways, that’s what matters to me.

Describe the emotional energy of the new season in three words.

Horror. Suspense. Unexpected.

Tell me one behind-the-scenes memory you will always keep?

We had night shoots where everyone was completely delirious. Spencer (MacPherson) had about four Red Bulls, we were all buzzing, and it was chaos in the best way. Another time we were shooting in Vancouver and there was a bear on set, which was terrifying. Outside of filming, me, Milo (Manheim), and Spencer watched almost all of Lost together while we were shooting.

If you could study something other than acting, what would it be and why?

Psychology. I love people and how the brain works. I can usually understand everyone’s point of view, which makes it hard to stay mad at people. I think that’s why I’d love to be a sex psychologist.

What do you see for yourself in the future?

I honestly have no idea. I don’t know where I want to live or exactly what I want things to look like. I want to keep acting, but I also want to direct and produce. I love being behind the camera and understanding how everything works. I’m interested in anything creative, storytelling, film, art, fashion, and making clothes. I just want to be happy. I want to explore different parts of the world before figuring out where home is.

School Spirits Season Three is out now on Paramount+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Hx7kbgJeiE

Photographer Sarah Krick

Styling Oretta Corbelli

MUA Kimora Mulan

Words & Interview by Philipp Raheem