Jeanine Mason On The Heart of Wondla

In this episode, Tony Zooms with Cuban-American actress and dancer Jeanine Mason, the voice behind Eva in Wondla. Known for her breakout role in Roswell, New Mexico, Jeanine brings a rich background in dance and theater to her animated performance—infusing Eva with instinct, empathy, and fierce loyalty.

🌱 On Eva’s Nature and Nurture

Jeanine reflects on Eva’s emotional journey, especially her bond with the creatures who raised her. “She has just absolutely been cared for and nurtured by these creatures,” Jeanine shares, highlighting Eva’s instinctive drive to protect others. Her scenes in Lackeys with Rovi are especially poignant: “He is her family,” she says, underscoring the depth of their connection.

💫 Eva and Rovi: The Emotional Core

Jeanine reveals that her relationship with Rovi, voiced by Gary Anthony Williams, was her entry point into understanding Eva. “It really was the pillar for me,” she explains. “What she wants is throughout the whole series… exemplified in her wanting to connect to him and get through his sort of curmudgeony spirit.” Their dynamic becomes the emotional compass of the show.

🎭 Finding Eva: A Masterclass in Collaboration

Jeanine credits the creative team—John Lasseter, Bob Scannaway, Skydance, and Apple TV—for helping her shape Eva across three seasons. “I was so fortunate to have such great, prolific teachers,” she says. Though she had done animation before, Wondla pushed her into new territory, requiring her to track Eva’s evolution across time and space.

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