Mina Sundwall
Mina Sundwall, who landed her first role at age of 8 months as a kidnapped baby, is best known for her starring role as Penny Robinson in the critically acclaimed Netflix series “Lost In Space,” currently streaming its third and final season. Mina can also be seen in a recurring role on DC's “Legends of Tomorrow,” portraying Lita. She is known for the role of Maya Kellner in the feature film "Freeheld” among an all-star cast including Julianne Moore and Steve Carrell; Justine in the romantic comedy "Maggie's Plan" alongside Greta Gerwig and Ethan Hawke; and Francesca in Tara Subkoff’s indie horror movie "#Horror." Born and raised in New York City, Mina is half Swedish and half Italian.
Top and Jacket by Cinq à Sept
Skirt by MARKGONG
Tights by Hue
Earrings by Erickson Beamon
Tell us how you got into acting?
I have always felt a need to tell stories. As a kid I would put on elaborate shows for my parents (I’m an only child; is it obvious?). I grew up in New York and started on shorts and thesis films for graduate students, then moved into indie films and was cast in “Lost in Space” when I was 15.
Tell us about playing Penny Robinson in “Lost In Space?” What do you like about Penny and are there any resemblances to yourself?
Innately there are a lot of similarities between us, Penny and myself; I noticed it the first time I read the pilot. We don’t always fit into our surroundings, we worked through the twists and turns of teenage years at the same time, we both love reading and writing, we value authenticity, this season especially represented that. Penny grew independence and maturity during the time-jump from last season in ways we hadn’t seen from her before. She is much more responsible, self-aware, and in charge of situations that she would have avoided in past seasons. Coming out of the pandemic I found myself growing in a similar way. Isolation was a frightening concept, but it allowed space for a newfound growth and independence that I am excited to continue exploring.
Left:
Blazer by Come On at Flying Solo
Dress by Cinq à Sept
Boots by AGL
Earrings by Erickson Beamon
Right:
Top by Haotong Eleanor Zheng at The Confessional Showroom
Shoe by Barollo at The Confessional Showroom
Have you always been into Sci-Fi movies/TV shows growing up? If so what would be your favorites?
I wasn’t always interested in sci-fi when I was young but have really gotten into it the last few years. I love “Blade Runner,” “Alien,” “Brazil,” “Moon,” “Arrival;” the list goes on and on.
Any surprises for the third and final season of “Lost In Space,” you want to share with our readers?
If you haven’t seen this season yet… SKIP AHEAD. I’m glad that the Robinsons finally make it to Alpha Centauri, although we absolutely destroy the place as soon as we get there (no surprise there). I hope it’s very boring for them for a long time.
For me personally, Penny’s robot was a highlight; an underlying theme of the show has been trying to figure out how and why the robots are able to cooperate with humans, and Penny representing that it’s a matter of empathy is an insight into her emotional intelligence, and on how welcoming something before judging it can lead to pleasant surprises.
How did you prepare for this role-playing Penny?
I immediately binge-watched the original show, which I loved. Our writers say that this “isn’t a season 4 of the original, but a reimagining,” so I didn’t watch with the intent of recreating, but instead to draw on some of the characteristics that make each generation of Penny so special.
For the scenes themselves, I make a playlist as a reference for a character’s mindset. Penny has lots of AJR, Queen, Jon Bellion. I used that when going through the scripts.
Gloves by MARKGONG
Sweater and pants by Silvia Tcherassi
Blouse by LK Bennett
Earrings by Erickson Beamon
Corset by Paloma Soledad
What is your dream role?
I love roles that transform you: something distant from my personality. I would love to play a vicious serial-killer-badass or a female-driven reimagining of Fight Club. Alternatively, I am multi-lingual and would love to expand to international cinema.
What are some of your hobbies?
Outside of acting I have a passion for different cultures and travelling. I love to explore what is just outside of my comfort zone. As Trevor Noah says, “travelling is the antidote to ignorance.” I’m a psychology major in university, which ties into it as well.
Left:
Jacket by Cinq à Sept
Shirt by SelfConfidence XIV at Flying Solo
Earrings by Erickson Beamon
Right:
Dress by ace&jig
Blouse by Nazarene Amictus at The Confessional Showroom
Jacket by C+plus SERIES
Any advice you would like to give to aspiring actors/actresses?
It’s always better to try something and fall flat on your face than be too scared to try at all. The difference between making a choice that doesn’t work is small, but the difference in what you’ll learn is massive.
Don’t get too wrapped up in it; it can be all-consuming. Let it drive you, push you, and test you, but don’t let it take away the other parts that make you unique. Have as many experiences as you can; the more experiences, the more information you have to draw on. Explore your feelings. And most of all, don’t forget to take care of yourself. It can be easy to forget that a healthy mind and body are your strongest tool in the middle of 24/7 comparison and accessibility. Take a moment to breathe when you need to.
Social Media.
I am @minasundwall on everything!
Left:
Blazer by Come On at Flying Solo
Dress by Cinq à Sept
Boots by AGL
Earrings by Erickson Beamon
Right:
Top and Jacket by Cinq à Sept
Skirt by MARKGONG
Tights by Hue
Earrings by Erickson Beamon
CREW CREDITS:
Photographer: Michael Creagh
Talent: Mina Sundwall
Fashion Stylist: Alison Hernon at Agency Gerard Artists
Hair: Li Murillo
Makeup: Hiro Yonemoto for M·A·C Cosmetics
Photo Assistant: Felicia Abban
Fashion Styling Intern: Melissa Kaiser
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Associate Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview by Alison Hernon, Editor-In-Chief, PhotoBook Magazine
Shop Mina’s Look:
