Gracie Abrams lands first acting role despite never planning film career

Gracie Abrams has said she never expected to become an actress as she prepares for her first acting role after spending seven years building her music career.

The 26-year-old singer will now be make her acting debut in Please, a new movie directed by Halina Reijn. Speaking to Vogue, Abrams said acting was never something she planned to do.

"This wasn't something I imagined for myself, but every time I read the script it stimulates something in me," she told the magazine in a recent interview.

Abrams first met Reijn about three years ago. At the time, the director was looking for songwriters to help with music for her film Babygirl.

Reijn then recalled that she quickly liked Abrams and wanted to stay in touch with her. When she later started writing Please, she immediately thought of the singer for the lead role.

Reijn admitted Abrams impressed her during auditions because she understood the character well and connected strongly with the story. 

"I totally forgot it was a business meeting... I wanted to be her friend," Reijn told the outlet about their encounter, adding that when she started writing the script for Please, she "immediately" thought of Abrams for the lead character.

Details about the film's story have not been revealed yet. However, Reijn said it is a romantic film that explores experiences many women can relate to.

To prepare for the role, Abrams has been reading plays, writing songs inspired by her character and creating playlists. She said the process has led her to explore some dark and emotional ideas.

The movie is also expected to feature actors Tom Burke, David Jonsson and Connor Storrie.

Although acting is new for Abrams, she comes from a family with strong ties to Hollywood. Her father is filmmaker J. J. Abrams, while her mother is producer Katie McGrath. Abrams is also in a relationship with actor Paul Mescal.