Photo by: Candice Barley
We caught up with actor Zack Brooks who plays teen heartthrob Philip Leroy in the Lionsgate film Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret? which hit theaters on April 28. The film is an adaptation of the classic 1970 Judy Blume novel of the same name portraying a young girl confronting her early adolescent anxieties and puberty. The film also stars Abby Ryder Fortson, Rachel McAdams, Elle Graham, Kathy Bates, Benny Safdie, Isol Young, Aidan Wojtak-Hissong, and Katherine Kupferer.

As a young actor new to the scene, Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret? marks Zack’s film debut following his first on-screen role in the popular Paramount+ series Tulsa King starring Sylvester Stallone. We asked Zack about the audition process for the film, preparing to play Philip, and more.

Check out our conversation below.

Can you tell us what your audition process was like for Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret?

Zack Brooks (ZB): Yes of course! It was about a year of going back and forth since covid was just getting started. I auditioned twice for the role of Philip Leroy and I was put on hold the first time. Then covid fully hit and I never heard anything again! About a year later, a different casting director was casting for it and they asked for me to audition all over again and I got the part, a second time with a different casting director! I was so excited I was jumping up and down in my room because it was my first movie!

What can you tell us about your character, Philip Leroy?

ZB: Philip Leroy is the cool kid in school that the girls are infatuated with. He’s not always the nicest to the girls but I think that’s what makes the girls like him more, he’s a bad boy. I tried to stay as true to Philip Leroy’s character in the book as much as I could.

How did you prepare to play Philip?

ZB: First, I want to thank Sarah Arrington for being the best onset coach! She really helped me dive even deeper into who Philip Leroy is. Tricks I used to help get into character were listening to the music I feel Philip would like, which was a mix between Elvis Presley and Michael Jackson. I also believe he had a lucky quarter with him so I would always carry a quarter in my pocket!

Zack Brooks. Photo by: Candice Barley

As a young actor, what was it like being on the set of Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret?

ZB: I was definitely scared because it was my first time being on a huge set. It was the best possible film for me to be on because the cast and crew, everyone was amazing, sweet and so caring! They really helped me get comfortable to explore and play with my character.

You also recently played Devin in Tulsa King on Paramount+. As your first on-screen role, what was that experience like for you?

ZB: It was exciting to work on a tv series. I had such a blast filming with Max Casella and Sylvester Stallone! I’ve realized that people like me to play bad boy characters but I promise you that I am not like that in real life! 

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Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret will be available on digital on June 6 and VOD on June 27.

Follow Zack Brooks: Instagram

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