KZ: Hi Ravi! What is your favourite thing about your character, Antonio?

R: His big heart. I love the fact that we look alike too, but it means a lot to me to play someone who is so close to his family and is very loving towards them. I think that loving the people who love you back is the most important thing in the world.

KZ: Did you learn anything or gain a new skill while working on this role?

R: I didn’t exactly learn a new skill, but I gained a lot of confidence in knowing that everyone has their talents, and one of my strong ones is being able to change my voice up to match how I think a character should sound, even if the character is a baby, a five-year-old, a surfer kid or a talking squirrel!

KZ: What was the hardest line or scene to film?

R: There really wasn’t anything hard to record in the booth because the directors and engineers were so helpful and great, but recording my audition at home was hard because I had so little time to do it, and the neighbours were mowing their lawn and trimming trees! I kept having to re-do my lines because of falling tree branches.

KZ: When did you first get to see the design for Antonio?

R: It wasn’t until I was in the booth recording my lines. I was amazed and couldn’t believe he looked like me! I think I smiled bigger than I ever had before when I saw him fly through the air with his animals. He is shy but enjoys having a good time – I am the same way – and you can see that in his face and body language. Disney Animation sent me the best book ever (in my opinion) called The Art of Encanto. I can’t recommend it enough – not just for fans of the movie, but for anyone who wants to see how much work goes into creating art.

KZ: If you could speak to animals like Antonio, which animal would you want to talk to the most?

R: I would definitely like to speak to kangaroos! I mean, they hop around all day with their little babies in their pouch! They seem very energetic and fun and I really enjoy playing with human babies, so I definitely would love to play and talk to a kangaroo baby! I would also like to talk to a Pomeranian puppy or teacup poodle puppy. That is a hint to my parents, because that is what I want more than anything!

KZ: If you could have another power from Encanto, which would you want?

R: Dolores has a super cool power! She is not very good at keeping secrets but I am, so I think I would be fine with having that power and not getting into trouble for it. I would love to know when people are talking about me, like during recess at school, for example! We have a very big field and that would come in handy.

KZ: Do you have any hobbies or talents that would surprise K-Zoners?

R: Animating is probably my biggest hobby! I’ll always want to be an actor I think, but I really want to be a director, producer, animator, illustrator and editor too. I have a YouTube channel where I play around with developing all those skills. I’m really getting into cooking and love to make chicken soup! I also need to resume my trumpet lessons – I got so busy I had to stop but I was starting to get pretty good. I’m also a gaming fan – I love Minecraft, Roblox, anything Super Mario related. I have been working really hard with my classmates and friends on a top-secret animated musical project we are voicing, writing, animating and scoring together. It’s really time-consuming, but I love it and it will be very worth it to accomplish something like this together.

KZ: Before Encanto, which Disney animated film was your favourite?

R: Zootopia was definitely my favourite Disney film before Encanto. It was funny, deep and emotional, like Encanto. I like that combination! I’m excited for the series of Zootopia shorts coming in 2022, and of course I would go crazy for an Encanto sequel. I’m also a long-time fan of classic Disney black and white cartoons, as well as Disney shows like Jake and the Neverland Pirates which I grew up acting out in my living room and at the Disney store just for fun.

KZ: What are your top tips for K-Zoners who want to improve their acting?

R: Notice as much stuff around you as you can, like how people talk to each other, or walk, or smile – anything. Those qualities could come in handy when you are figuring out details that make your character unique. I like to write and perform my own skits alone or with friends for fun, so make your own work when you can. It’s definitely worth all the hard work to create something you are proud of, so take things seriously and try your best, but don’t worry too much about being perfect. Remember to always have fun whether you are auditioning, on set, or making up scenes with your friends!

What's your favourite part of Encanto? Let us know in the comments below!

Want to read more of our interview with Ravi? Grab the March 2022 issue of K-Zone, on sale now!

Watch Ravi share a behind-the-scenes secret involving Tom Holland, AKA Spider-Man, and the cast of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew!

Watch Ravi talk about becoming an official LEGO minifig in the first LEGO Star Wars: Skeleton Crew set!

Watch Ravi share a stunt secret from behind the scenes of Star Wars: Skeleton Crew!

Read our bonus online interview with Ravi Cabot-Conyers for Star Wars: Skeleton Crew!