Inde Navarrette is reflecting on the remarkable new chapter of her career following her breakout performance as Nikki in the horror hit Obsession.
During a wide-ranging conversation with Variety’s Tiana DeNicola, the actress discusses the film’s unexpected success, the attention surrounding her performance and the opportunities that have followed.
Navarrette admits that she never expected Obsession to become as successful as it has. That freedom allowed her to take significant creative risks with Nikki, delivering a physically and emotionally demanding performance that has quickly established her as one of Hollywood’s most closely watched rising stars.
Despite the sudden increase in attention, she is attempting to remain grounded. Navarrette says that returning home to her family — and still having ordinary responsibilities such as washing the dishes — helps separate the excitement of premieres, fashion events and publicity from her everyday life.
The actress is also being deliberately selective about what comes next. Rather than immediately accepting every major opportunity, she wants to protect the trust audiences placed in her through Obsession. Her long-term ambitions extend beyond acting, with Navarrette revealing that she also hopes to write and direct.
One of the interview’s biggest revelations concerns Marvel Studios’ upcoming X-Men film. Navarrette confirms that she met with director Jake Schreier, although she carefully avoids suggesting that the conversation has led to a confirmed role.
She praises the character-focused approach Schreier brought to Thunderbolts and explains that she grew up watching the early 2000s X-Men films. Asked which mutant she would most like to play, Navarrette selects Mystique, recalling her childhood fascination with the extensive prosthetic transformations used to create the character.
Navarrette also addresses online fan-casting connecting her to Felicia Hardy, better known as Black Cat, in a future Spider-Man project. While she appears amused by the speculation, she makes it clear that she would be excited to join the Marvel universe in some capacity.
The growing awards conversation surrounding her Obsession performance is another subject she is approaching cautiously. Navarrette describes it as an honour simply to be included in early Oscars discussions, while recognising that a nomination would not determine the value of her work or the film’s achievements.
Away from cinema, video games remain one of her greatest interests. Navarrette previously streamed on Twitch, but deleted much of her archive after worrying that the content might prevent people from taking her acting career seriously. She now looks back on that decision with some amusement, particularly as older clips continue to resurface.
She reveals that she is currently playing God of War Ragnarök and remains especially enthusiastic about the Resident Evil universe. Navarrette has also been approached about voice acting in a video game and hopes to begin with a smaller project before exploring the medium further.
The interview offers a relaxed and personal look at an actress experiencing a dramatic career breakthrough while attempting to retain the interests, relationships and creative instincts that shaped her before Obsession.
Watch Inde Navarrette’s full Variety interview below.
