‘ZOLA’ Interviews: Taylour Paige and Riley Keough Talk Bringing A’Ziah King Story to Life

Zola is the long-awaited film adaptation of the 2015 viral Twitter thread told by A’Ziah King a then Detroit “Hooters” waitress. The true story details a chance meeting that leads to an unbelievable epic two-day road trip, that involved sex, murder, and mayhem!

Black Twitter coined the phrase “Thotessy” to describe this story, Ava Duvernay praised A’Ziah saying “Drama, humor, action, suspense, character development. She can write!” First, In the hands of James Franco and Andrew Neel, “Zola” was eventually placed in the care of Director Janicza Bravo and rightfully so! This film received the insight, perspective and TLC it needed to deliver the must-see movie of summer!

I recently spoke to the stars of the film Taylour Paige who plays “Zola” and Riley Keough who plays nemesis “Stefani” to discuss the film and what it took to prepare for their roles.

Paige says she contacted A’Ziah King right away, and they immediately connected on a spiritual and deeper level. She received King’s blessing very early on in the process and that helped put her at ease to get into character.

Riley talks about how she stepped into her role as “Stefani” and the many nuances at play within her character. Riley takes you there, from the appropriation of “Stefani” down to the way she speaks, she cultivated her based on what was on the page and the direction given by Janicza.

The ladies both deliver incredible performances and you won’t have to wait long to see them in action, Zola premieres June 30th in theaters.