Maika Monroe. Remember that name – you’ll be hearing it a lot, after she bagged the lead role in this summer's must-see blockbuster Independence Day: Resurgence. The hyped sequel is in cinemas nationwide from June 24, two decades after the original film that put Will Smith on the map as one of Hollywood's most bankable actor's. We have no doubt Maika will bring her A-game this time around too...
The 23-year old actress has been on our radar since her breakout role in sci-fi movie The 5th Wave earlier this year, opposite Chloë Moretz. And don’t even get us started on her red-carpet looks and beachy LA hair. Blake Lively, watch out…
She'll have to get used to having her picture taken a lot more, as she’s got five films coming out this year – including surfing movie The Tribes of Palos Verdes with Jennifer Garner to coming-of-age drama Hot Summer Nights. Impressive!
Here’s everything you need to know on the rising-star everyone's talking about right now…
1. Her ‘real’ name isn’t Maika Monroe…
She may have old Hollywood initials, but she was actually born Dillon Monroe Buckley. “My birth certificate said Dillon,” she says. “It was probably first or second grade, I was asking my mom if there was any other name she was going to name me, and she said Maika was another one. And I was like, "That's my name.”’
2. She’s A Pro Kiteboarder…
Before she hit the big screen, Monroe was actually a kickass kiteboarder. She started the sport at just 13-years-old, then at 17 moved to the Dominican Republic to train professionally, ranking No.32 in the world in 2013. "I still find the time," according to Maika. “I think for me, it keeps me sane."
3. She’s Said To Be Dating Boyd Holbrook…
She’s been linked to a slew of hot Hollywood actors in the past – from Zac Efron, Taylor Lautner to her Independence Day co-star Liam Hemsworth last summer. But according to US reports the actress is enjoying a romance with Narcos actor and Elizabeth Olsen’s former fiancée, Boyd Holbrook.
4. She’s Your New Favourite Instagram Obsession…
From after party LOLs with her Independence Day co-stars to enacting that Dirty Dancing lift. Great taste in films, too.
5. Wigs Are Her Thing…
The candy coloured bob is back – thanks to these snaps taken by her filmmaker pal Simone Faoro.
6. She’s A Real-Life Scream Queen…
She made a name for herself in indie horror films The Guest and It Follows, and by default because a pro-screamer when action called for it. “I grew up watching really great horror movies that my dad introduced me to,” she says. “I think The Shining is one of the first horror movies I remember seeing. Also, Halloween, Blue Velvet and A Nightmare on Elm Street. There is something so fun about scaring yourself.”
7. She’s In The Next Taken Movie (Sort Of)...
Okay so it’s not actually another Taken sequel (sigh of relief), but Maika is set to play Liam Neeson’s daughter in spy thriller Felt – about an FBI agent (Neeson) who helps to uncover the truth behind a political scandal.
8. Angelina Jolie Is Her Idol…
“I remember always looking up to Angelina Jolie because there's something very refreshing about her and what she does,” Maika reveals. “Celebrities obviously are making good money, and people donate, but there's something about her where she's hands-on and she goes to a place. She's not just, "Oh, here's my money." She's there to make a difference.”
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