“There’s so much action from the word go”: Anna Leong Brophy on Shadow and Bone season two

Fantasy action series Shadow and Bone, based on the books by Leigh Bardugo, has returned to Netflix for a second season, following young Alina Starkov, an orphan mapmaker, who must face dark forces after she unleashes an extraordinary power that could change the fate of her wartorn world.

The Upcoming had a lovely conversation with Anna Leong Brophy, who plays Tamar, a loyal friend to Alina, about how it felt to join the franchise two seasons in (after binge-watching the first) and the enduring appeal of fantasy shows that allow for escapism but also a back door to explore contemporary issues. We also discussed how she prepared to play axe-wielding Tamar and how the mixed-raced aspects of her character chimed with her own experiences, as well as coverring the fun and challenges of working on the production and navigating the costumes, and creating a close bond with Lewis Tan, who plays her twin brother. The actress further reflected on what it meant to her to see Everything Everywhere All At Once win big at the Oscars and teased her upcoming projects as a stand-up comedian.

Sarah Bradbury

Shadow and Bone season two is released on Netflix on 16^th March 2023.

Watch the trailer for Shadow and Bone season two here: