Mina Sundwall
Gorgeous Mina Sundwall stars as Penny Robinson in the hit Netflix adventure series “Lost In Space.” (The third and final season of the trilogy is streaming now.) The show is a reimagining of the pioneering sci-fi series of the same name that aired on black-and-white TV screens across America in 1965. Recently, we had a chance to chat with the wise-beyond-her-years actress about how her character has inspired her, and how her time on the show helped her evolve into who she is today. On a slightly lighter note, we also dished about food, fashion, beauty and her Bare essentials. Keep your eye on this young woman—her curiosity and talent know no limits.
The Bare Magazine: What messages are you hoping viewers will take away with them as the "Lost in Space" trilogy comes to a close?
Mina Sundwall: First and foremost, this show is about a family who looks out for each other no matter what. The Robinsons have been through some crazy twists and turns throughout these three seasons, but they never let their own pride or self-interest deter them helping others. Even when it’s an entire colony. Everyone’s empathy for one another is driven by a common goal of finding home and peace. I think the world could use some of that empathy right now.
Another layer (you can decide for yourself whether this is connected to empathy), is that there are women in every role without questions attached. The show is set 30 years in the future and has assumed a reality where gender equality in the workforce is not even a conversation. We don’t have a “female doctor” and a “female scientist,” we have a doctor and a scientist. When it comes to survival it doesn’t matter who does the job; what matters is that whoever is doing it does it well. This is also something that I think we could learn from, and maybe it would help solve some problems we are facing now…
Bare: As you look back at your LIS experience, in what ways have you grown and evolved both personally and professionally?
MS: When I started the show I was 15 and I just turned 20; I spent formative years and had some major life changes while I was on that set. I actually applied to the university I currently attend at the round table in the Jupiter 2 Hub (fun trivia). Personally, I’ve been able to learn from the incredible adults around me; my parents, our cast and crew, everyone who has survived my endless questions … I grew up watching people who are kind, hardworking, and caring. That has influenced a lot of what I value, and helped me grow into the person I am right now.
Professionally, the scope of Lost in Space is so big that it was like an intensive masterclass in different aspects of filmmaking. I learned about VFX pre-, during, and post-production; trained for stunts that I had never done before (in water, rock climbing, wirework); learned how to maintain stamina and energy to work every day for 6 to 7 months at a time; and absorbed as much as I could of the acting and collaboration skills from the adults in our cast and crew. In season 1, I made the switch from high school requirements to an environment that expects professionalism no matter your age, and since then I have grown in ways that help me understand what I can bring to set and how to use my voice.
Bare: In what ways did your character Penny Robinson inspire and influence you?
MS: Something I’ve loved about Penny since the beginning is that she never puts up a front for anyone, even if it would be easier for the sake of fitting in. She isn’t a rocket scientist or action hero, but she’s a guide. Her power is in empowering others. Staying true to who she is, even in the uncomfortable moments, was the catalyst for her own “hero’s journey” this season. I try to call back on that in my own life.
Bare: Have you had some stage experience ... is it something you'd like to explore further?
MS: Yes! I’ve always adored theatre and it’s something I would love to explore more deeply. I took Shakespearian and Contemporary Drama classes at RADA over the summer and loved every second of it.
Bare: How about directing ... does that intrigue you? Anything we should keep an eye out for?
MS: I’ve recently dipped my toe in the directing pool, and it’s a world I cannot wait to explore. There is a level of responsibility and problem-solving with directing that I find exciting. When you are acting, the world you read on the page is not necessarily the world you walk into when you see the sets. I’m looking forward to experiencing a new way to tell stories.
Bare: On our shoot you have great knowledge of a range of music going back to the 60's, grunge and goth. How did you get so well-versed at such a young age?
MS: Hahahaha. My parents! When I was growing up my dad would play music every morning. Lots of Radiohead, Queen, The Police, Dire Straits ... It’s because of them ☺
Bare: What is on the menu these days? We hear you love to cook—what do you love to dish up?
MS: Absolutely. If I’m not working, I’m probably cooking something. Because of the time of year I anticipate lots of holiday-influenced meals. Half of my family is Swedish, so I’m very excited for Lussekatter and a Smorgasbord. Lately I’ve also been making a pistachio-crusted-salmon and an apple crumble that I could probably eat everyday forever.
Bare: Can you share your 20-year-old go-to makeup and skincare routine? Do you like playing with your hairstyle and color?
MS: My makeup routine is minimal to say the least … I’m not a fan of having a ton of product on my face. Most days I don’t wear any makeup, but if I do it’s usually to enhance my natural features – maybe some concealer and mascara ... Not much else. I’m boring!
My skincare routine is also pretty minimal: lots of water, wash my face once or twice a day, oils that help hydrate the skin, gua sha to relieve tension in my face, and a Vitamin C serum in the morning. It isn’t for a lack of trying … I just don’t know what I’m doing beyond that. Hah!
Bare: How would you describe your personal style?
MS: My personal style varies; it’s indicative of what I’m interested in at the moment. I thrift most of what I wear, and I’ve found some pretty funky pieces over the last few years. Right now it’s a lot of vests and button downs. I love a good vest.
Bare: List your top 5 life's BARE essentials.
MS:
- my family and friends (is that cheesy?)
- my dog (also cheesy)
- a good book
- something to get excited about. For me, this is often something I’m writing or a script I’m reading. Something that makes your heart go pitter-patter.
- A stress ball (so I don’t bite my nails…)