After Eva Ariel Binder auditioned for Apple TV+’s series Dear Edward, she didn’t hear anything two months. The rising star found out her friend had gotten a callback, resulting in Binder almost moving on from the show. “Then, out of nowhere, I got a call and they said, ‘Can you do a callback with creator Jason Katims?’ So, I did it, and we worked through the scenes and talked about them. He loved that I hit on the little nuances and it was amazing and awesome. A week later, they said you’re going to meet Jason in Santa Monica. I went straight from school and we talked for an hour and a half. They told me about Shay’s background, the commitment of Shay. He said, ‘This is what is happening. Are you in?’ And I said, ‘Of course!'” the 14-year-old exclusively tells GRAZIA USA.
Binder was manifesting — even relying on her crystals, as she’s a huge enthusiast — the role would land in her lap, and fortunately, one morning her mom ran into her room to deliver the good news, with her manager on the phone. “I was screaming, jumping and twirling. It was insane. We actually caught it on camera in our living room,” she quips. “Even my dogs were jumping up and down like, ‘What is happening?'”
In the series, which is based off the book of the same name, follows Edward Adler, a boy who survives a plane crash that kills every other passenger, including his own family. Edward (played by Colin O’Brien) is forced to move in with his Aunt Lacey (played by Taylor Schilling), and Shay (Binder) happens to be one of the aunt’s neighbors.
“I really love Shay,” she says of the character, who is obsessed with roller derby. “She’s so layered. I love work that’s layered and serious, and with that, there’s so much in between the lines and throughout the scenes,” she shares. “There’s a lot of different storylines, but after the crash, everyone treats Edward like a plane crash survivor — except for Shay. He longs to have his life back, so I feel like that’s one of the bigger reasons he’s drawn to her. They become best friends and they go through a lot of emotional roller coasters together. Shay is very tough and gritty on the outside, but on the inside, she’s very sensitive and knows she doesn’t have many friends.”
One of Binder’s favorite parts is getting to do her own stunts. “I had to learn how to roller derby before the role since I couldn’t skate at all,” she reveals. “I was really, really bad! That was fun. I had three lessons for three weeks prior to filming, and then I practiced every single day. I went to New York and practiced every single day. Eventually, I got pretty good.”
Though learning a new hobby can be intimidating, Binder made sure to get it right. “It excited me,” she says. “I was motivated and practicing every day. I was a bit nervous when I was filming the roller derby scene, but I had fun!”
Additionally, working with Schilling, Connie Britton and other A-listers is something she’ll never forget. “I had some scenes with Taylor, and she’s an incredible actor. She’s a natural and so easy to work with,” she gushes. “She’s probably one of my favorite actresses I’ve ever worked with so far in my career. When I heard Taylor was going to be in it, I was like, ‘That’s insane!’ I was freaking out. When I filmed with Taylor, I felt like those were some of the best scenes I had done because she’s so incredible. I am inspired by her, and I hope to be as good as an actor as her one day.”
But the most challenging part for the actress is connecting to Shay’s vulnerability. “My mom helps me to get a grasp of what she’s going through and we talk through it,” she says of her process. “We work on the script and the scenes, and then when I get on set, I let it all go and it flows.”
Fans have quickly connected with the series, and Binder is “so honored” to be a big part of the show. “I’m so thrilled by the response. This is my first series regular role, so all of this is new to me. I am loving this new experience!”
Ever since Binder was born, she’s been immersed in the industry since her dad owns a post-production sound company, so it’s not surprising she wanted to venture into Hollywood. “When I was in preschool, my mom would teach little kids little musical theater numbers,” she recalls. “We ended up doing one with Broadway dancers and singers.”
From there, her mom got Binder an agent and she started booking a lot of national commercials. “I then did theatrical gigs and got a part in Grey’s Anatomy,” she says. “I then started to understand I wanted to do this for the rest of my life.”
Now, it’s been “surreal” to be recognized by others. “It melts my heart and is so cool. But I want to inspire people to know it’s OK to be yourself. It’s OK to reach out. I want them to know it’s OK to be yourself, it’s OK to be unique, it’s OK to be different. I know sometimes people can feel alone, but there’s always someone to help you during tough times. Dear Edward shows how a stranger on the street can help you through anything.”
Going forward, Binder has a long list to complete, including working with Nicole Kidman — one of her favorite actresses — in addition to starring in a Marvel movie or an action movie. “I want to star alongside Angelina Jolie and do more drama work — and hopefully Dear Edward gets picked up for season 2!” she says. “The highlight of my career so far has been Dear Edward. I’m so honored to be in this show. I’ve learned so much.”
Dear Edward is now streaming on AppleTV+.
