Madelyn Keys is excited for viewers to get to know Adriana Russo.
The emerging actress spoke about her leading role on Netflix’s teenage romantic drama series “Finding Her Edge” on the podcast “The Wayne Ayers Podcast.” In the podcast interview, the actress spoke about how she landed the part on the show, how she learned to figure skate for the role, and the show’s central love triangle.
Keys revealed she was cast for the role following a traditional audition process, which her agency forwarded as part of the nationwide search.
“They were looking for the right people all over,” she said, listing Vancouver, Toronto, and her hometown, Ottawa. “I was drawn to the character. I love her. I relate to her. And the scripts from that first audition were powerful.”
The first thing that sold her on Adriana Russo was small, but it was significant.
“I think I looked at it and went, ‘Oh my gosh, I get to open a show with a voiceover.’ And I get a vest that says ‘Russo Rink’ on it. Those were little things I dreamed about. Leading a show someday,” Keys explained.
While Keys was able to skate casually in the country during his youth, the role had a tougher learning curve.
“Did I know how to skate roughly? Yes,” she says. “But real figure skating is another thing. I had never trained formally or worn skates with picks. The professional skates are sharp and can really injure you.”
The training focused on basics, not tricks.
“Crossovers in both directions, forwards and backwards. And learning how to look comfortable on the ice,” she said. “Figure skating is about looking easy, even when you feel like you’ll fall.”
Keys praised the show’s skating coaches and doubles for keeping her grounded.
“They weren’t shy about saying, ‘Nope, that’s not how you do that,'” she said. “I really appreciated it.”
Other memories that Keys recalled included her first chemistry read with Cale Ambrozic (Brayden) and Olly Atkins (Freddie), who played Adriana’s two love interests.
“There were two Bradens and two Freddies in the callbacks,” she said. “What stood out most was Olly’s Zoom setup. He’s a great photographer, and his camera and audio were so clear. I thought, ‘Wow, this is professional.'”
As soon as Ambrozic entered the phone call, however, she sensed a connection.
“He looked exactly how I would have written Brayden. If I could have created him, that’s what he would look like.”
When asked where she stands on the Team Brayden or Team Freddie issue, Keys did not take a side.
“I don’t kiss and tell,” she says with a laugh. “I love that Adriana finds something she likes about both of them. She learns a lot about herself and what is right for her at that particular time. But who knows what will happen in maybe next season.”
One major plotline for the season involves Adriana and Brayden being nicknamed “the hottest couple on ice,” which became a viral sensation.
“While for Adriana, initially, it’s hurtful,” Keys said. “She doesn’t want to share that private moment. There’s a level of insecurity and shame that comes from letting her walls down. And yet, if it means sponsorships and opportunities, she’ll be a little proud of it and use it to her own advantage.”
Keys also discussed Adriana’s complicated relationship with her big sister, Elyse, played by Alexandra Beaton.
“Adriana just wants Elyse to like and respect her.” She added, “As Madelyn, I’m a big fan of Alexandra and want her to like me too. That helps me bring something real to it.”
She added that Elyse’s sternness stemmed from her upbringing.
“She’s spent her life thinking this is the way you become a star for your family. She doesn’t always see how she hurts people.”
Another talked-about moment this season involves Elyse and Freddie sharing a kiss, which Keys claims fans will be surprised to see.
“I don’t think anyone will see it coming,” she said. “But it comes from an emotionally unsteady moment and leaning on familiarity. Even Freddie says it was probably a bad idea. I love a dramatic twist like that.”
Keys predicts that fans will have two topics to discuss.
“There will be comparisons to other skating shows and franchises,” she said. “And whether Adriana made the right choice, or if things could have ended differently for Brayden.”
She also had her say on the controversial choice made by Camille at the end of the
“She did what no one else was willing to consider,” Keys said. “She thinks ahead of almost everyone. And it also sets us up for a possible second season.”
As “Finding Her Edge” gears up to reach a global audience on Netflix, Keys said it still feels surreal to her. “‘It’s wild knowing this character will be seen all over the world,'” she said. “‘I’m keeping my fingers crossed.'” Finding Her Edge, based on Jennifer Iacopelli’s novel, is a Netflix premiere.
