Julia Butters is a thirteen-year-old actress, who is making a name for herself. Julia began her young career with an episode of “Criminal Minds” and was later cast as Anna-Kat Otto in the ABC sitcom American Housewife. In 2019, she stunned audiences with her performance alongside Leonardo DiCaprio as Trudi Fraser in the Quentin Tarantino film Once Upon a Time In Hollywood for which she received critical acclaim. Since then, she has played Claire Fitzroy in the new Netflix action thriller The Gray Man and will next be starring in Steven Spielberg’s highly anticipated semi-autobiographical film The Fabelmans. Written by Spielberg and Tony Kushner, the film is based on his upbringing with Julia’s character based on his sister.

Cropped Tuxedo blazer by Saint Laurent
Shirt by Sandro
Pants by Theory
Leather cummberband by Saint Laurent

Throughout your career you have worked in sitcoms and dramas. What was it like to take on a more action and thriller movie focused role like Claire in The Gray Man?
I was really excited to do an action movie not only because I love doing my own stunts (if possible, of course) but more so because The Gray Man is different from a lot of other action movies. The characters had heartfelt moments and real emotions that people in real life would have if they went through the same. My character Claire specifically had a lot of vulnerable scenes with Donald and Six, and I think it's important to have moments like that in action movies to ground the audience and remind them that it's more than just “another Thursday” for Claire.

Do you prefer to work in one genre over others?
I am open to experiment with different genres and try new things while I'm young so I wouldn't really say I prefer certain genres over others, but I have a special place in my heart for comedy and drama. And I guess both made their way into The Gray Man.

**Left:**
Beret by Borsalino
Eyewear by DSQUARED2
Top by Genny
Tulle skirt by Vintage
**Right:**
Cropped Tuxedo blazer by Saint Laurent
Shirt by Sandro
Pants by Theory
Leather cummberband by Saint Laurent

Most of your major roles have been in more adult projects alongside a lot of well-known actors and directors. What is it like to be a young person on set working with such established people?
Being treated as an equal to the other actors has always been something I hope productions consider because at the end of the day we're all here for a reason. I mean we're all trying to do our best in the same movie. I always hope that even though I'm young, my coworkers can see me as an actor and (while still considering that I'm a minor) treat me with the same respect as they would treat everyone else working on the project. Of course, it is intimidating to be a child working with such well-known people, but it's important to know that I don't need kid gloves and I understand and love my job.

Tell me about the process of getting cast in The Fabelmans.
I remember working really hard on a self-tape for a scene that was pretty difficult with my acting coach, Kimberly Bigsby, and sending it in on Easter, 2021. Then a few days after I sent it, I realized I forgot to add a slate and a full standing shot to the file, and I freaked out because I was so scared I had missed my chance to do my dream job. But then, on my birthday, Steven called and told me he wanted me to play Reggie Fabelman, and I can for sure say that it was the best birthday present ever.

Beret by Victor Osborne x Asher Levine
Dress by Nikolia
Tights by Collégien
Shoes by Stuart Weitzman

Were you familiar with Steven's life and work before you were cast?
I was such a huge fan, oh my gosh. I had seen most of his movies and had practically memorized the documentary about his life, so when my agent, Danie, told me he was considering me for the role I almost cried because I had always said that working with Steven was my number one dream.

What is it like to work with such a legendary director, especially on a film about his own life? Were you ever intimidated by the role or the project?
I'm always intimidated going into new projects but getting the once in a lifetime chance to represent Steven Spielberg's movie based on his life was one of the biggest, scariest honors in the world. But when I got to set, it really didn't take long for me to make friends and settle in and feel comfortable in the environment. And Steven was always so gracious and kind. When he called cut on a scene where I'm supposed to literally be on the floor sobbing, he came in and gently asked if I was okay, with his hand on his heart, before he gave me a hug.

**Left:**
Silk Tuxedo jacket and shorts by Zimmerman
Shirt by Saint Laurent
**Right:**
Beret by Borsalino
Eyewear by DSQUARED2
Top by Genny
Tulle skirt by Vintage

Do you have any performances or moments that you are particularly proud of in your career?
So far, I'm enormously proud of how I was able to get into such an emotional state for my character in The Gray Man without thinking really sad thoughts or bringing up bad memories or things like that to get myself to cry. For Claire I remember putting my head down and thinking "What is going on in Claire's head right now?" and then diving into that to put myself in her spot.

What are your goals for the coming years? What type of projects would you like to work on?
I would love to write a movie or a short film with my friend McKenna Grace for us to star in and direct together because we are both into making films and not just being in them. But I would also love to work with Steven Spielberg again if he would be willing. Working on The Fabelman's was literally a dream, and I would be honored to join him for another project. And if the Russo Brothers make a sequel to The Gray Man, I would be ecstatic about being a part of it. I believe Once Upon a Time in Hollywood was Quentin Tarantino's last film but if he ever comes around for one last hoorah, I would be more than happy to work with him and get the opportunity to thank him for all he's given me.