Gracie Abrams steps into acting with surprise first film role in 'Please'
The singer reveals how reading the script for the movie led her to discover an unexpected passion for acting
Gracie Abrams is entering an unexpected new chapter in her creative life, sharing that she never initially planned to become an actress as she prepares for her first-ever film role.
The 26-year-old singer, who has spent the past seven years building a successful music career, will make her acting debut in Please, a new romantic film directed by Halina Reijn.
Speaking to Vogue, Abrams admitted that acting was never part of her long-term plans.
“This wasn’t something I imagined for myself, but every time I read the script it stimulates something in me,” she said.
Her entry into the project came after a chance creative connection with Reijn, whom she first met around three years ago when the director was working on music collaborations for her film Babygirl.
Reijn later said she immediately felt drawn to Abrams and wanted to stay in touch.
When Reijn began developing Please, she said Abrams was instantly on her mind for the lead role.
The director recalled that Abrams stood out during auditions for her natural understanding of the character and emotional connection to the story.
“I totally forgot it was a business meeting... I wanted to be her friend,” Reijn said, adding that she “immediately” thought of Abrams when writing the script.
While plot details for Please remain under wraps, Reijn has described the project as a romantic film that explores emotionally resonant themes many women can relate to. The cast also includes Tom Burke, David Jonsson, and Connor Storrie.
To prepare for the role, Abrams has been immersing herself in the craft, reading plays, creating character-inspired playlists, and even writing music influenced by the role.
She said the process has pushed her into exploring darker and more complex emotional territory.
Although new to acting, Abrams comes from a family deeply rooted in the entertainment industry—her father is filmmaker J.J. Abrams and her mother is producer Katie McGrath.
She is also in a relationship with actor Paul Mescal, further connecting her to Hollywood’s creative circle.
