Sofia Carson, dressed elegantly in a sleek black pantsuit paired with a ruffled white shirt, brought grace to the premiere of her latest film, the action thriller Carry-On. Released on December 13, 2024, on Netflix, the film marks Carson's exciting entry to the action genre and has quickly garnered attention.
And who can blame her? "I had always wanted to do an action movie," Carson said. "When I read the short description of what this film was, I was immediately hooked and so drawn to it because I love female characters in action films, especially when they’re not damsels in distress." Carson plays the role of Nora Parisi, the director of operations at Los Angeles International Airport, who unexpectedly finds herself at the center of a terrorist plot on Christmas Eve.
Carry-On follows the story of Ethan Kopek, portrayed by Taron Egerton, who finds himself blackmailed by the mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman). The stakes rise when Ethan is forced to let his fiancée’s life hang by a thread as he must allow a dangerous package to board Flight 0610, threatening to release Russian nerve gas onboard. "Even though her life is at risk the whole film... she saves herself, and I love being able to tell this story," Carson explained.
The film, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, combines high-stakes action with significant emotional depth. Set against the backdrop of Christmas, the narrative explores character dilemmas, love, and sacrifice. Critics have drawn comparisons to classic 80s B-movies, recognizing its fast-paced thrills and holiday charm. "It owes more to movies like Speed and Phone Booth," stated one reviewer, though they noted some plot flaws.
The dynamic between the leads was palpable. Carson shared, "It was incredible working with Taron. We met during our chemistry read, and instantly, it was like we became Nora and Ethan. It was very, very organic." This powerful connection is showcased as the plot unravels, pushing both characters to their limits.
Carson's collaboration history with Netflix also hints at her promising future. With Carry-On as her sixth project with the streaming giant, she has forged what she describes as a family-like relationship with Netflix. “My first film with them was back in 2018, Feel the Beat, and since then, I've done five films, two of which I've executive produced,” Carson noted, highlighting her growth as both actress and producer.
She made her executive producer debut with the 2022 film Purple Hearts. "I was presented with the film and had the opportunity to bring Cassandra Salazar to life," she recalled. Carson expressed her desire to push forward with more projects where she can take creative control. "I love what I do so much. I am very involved... it's been such a beautiful collaboration because Netflix reaches the homes of more people than any other platform, so it’s such an extraordinary gift to be on it.”
Her passion extends beyond traditional roles. Carson, who identifies strongly with her Colombian heritage, also sees the potential for bilingual projects. "I’d love to explore roles in Spanish, as many incredible directors create art from Spanish-speaking countries such as Spain and Mexico." It's clear her aspirations are just as dynamic as her performances.
Advocacy is central to Carson’s identity. Being a UNICEF ambassador is, to her, the most important role of her career. "Knowing our voices can truly impact someone is everything to me," she reflected. This commitment to philanthropy adds depth to her media presence.
Creatively, Carson hasn’t forgotten her musical roots. Recently, she collaborated with Andrea Bocelli on the holiday classic, “White Christmas,” bringing her full circle to her childhood dreams. "To be able to release a song as iconic as White Christmas at this time of the year is really beautiful," she said. It’s apparent how much she values these opportunities to blend music and acting, showcasing the diverse talents she possesses.
With all the excitement surrounding Carry-On, fans and critics alike are eager for the film’s success. Carson’s performance, combined with the gripping narrative and impressive cast, is likely to leave audiences on the edge of their seats this holiday season. There’s even speculation around the potential for a sequel, with Taron Egerton commenting on the uniqueness of the story's premise. "It kind of needs a really innovative, creative idea to feel like it’s worthy ... but yeah, why not? Sequels work for Die Hard, so who knows?"
Fans can catch Carry-On streaming now on Netflix, celebrating the film’s thrilling storyline and supporting the remarkable talents of Sofia Carson and Taron Egerton. With such multifaceted involvement both on screen and off, Carson's future appears bright and impactful.