August in Canada and the United States can feel like a transitional moment. The bright glow of summer wears thin just enough to tilt into a vague anticipation of fall, but back-to-school energy hasn’t quite arrived yet. To snap out of the mid-summer slump, many turn to a light, sunny escape like Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days. The film’s summer setting makes it a natural fit for the season, and it’s the kind of movie that slides right into the mood of a long, sun-soaked day. In a recent interview, Peyton List, who plays Holly Hills in the Wimpy Kid film and also stars as Emma on Jessie, offered thoughtful reflections about both projects, sharing how she approaches acting and what each role has taught her.
Asked what sparked her interest in acting, List traces the moment back to a vivid early memory. When she was four years old, her mother took her to see the Broadway show Wicked, and the experience left her spellbound. The magic she felt on that stage planted a seed that grew into a lifelong passion for performing, driving her to pursue opportunities in front of the camera and on stage alike.
When comparing Emma from Jessie with her own persona, List notes clear parallels and intriguing differences. Both she and Emma have a passion for fashion, and List actively collaborated with the wardrobe department on Jessie to help shape Emma’s distinctive style. Her hands-on involvement reflects a creative instinct that crosses from character work into personal taste, enriching her performances with authenticity.
On a typical day on the Jessie set, List describes a rhythm that keeps energy high and the work enjoyable. Mondays begin with table reads, followed by what she fondly calls Hard Workin’ Tuesdays. Wednesdays bring executive run-throughs, Thursdays are for shooting, and Fridays close with live audience taping, which she admits is her favorite part of the week. The routine shines a light on the cadence of television production and the camaraderie that makes every long day feel worth it.
Choosing a favorite episode or scene to film on Jessie is tough because each production holds its own charm. If pressed, List mentions the medieval-flavored episode Princess and the Pea Brain as a highlight, partly because it let her play in a different era and even work with pigeons. She also teases Badfellas, an episode not yet aired at the time of the interview, promising that it would reveal a side of Emma never seen before and give audiences a fresh perspective on the character.
When reflecting on the best part of filming a TV show, List emphasizes the people she works with. She praises the cast and crew as genuinely nice and fun, and she notes that the environment never feels like traditional “work” because the collaboration is so enjoyable and supportive. The energy on set becomes a shared experience rather than a grind, which is a rare gift in the industry.
One challenge List identifies is adapting to four-camera coverage. She’s more accustomed to movies, which often rely on a single camera or a small handful. The four-camera setup required her to learn to position her body so all cameras could capture her eyes and facial expressions, a new skill that demanded awareness, precision, and a touch of showmanship. It’s the kind of technical nuance that distinguishes television acting from film, and it ultimately sharpened her on-camera presence.
Turning to Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days, List explains that Holly Hills has a lively, purpose-filled summer planned. She envisions volunteering opportunities, time spent with friends, and athletic pursuits that keep her busy as the season unfolds. For Greg Heffley, the challenge is to make his move to win Holly’s attention before the school year ends, ensuring they can maintain a connection over the summer holidays and beyond. The film’s energy aligns with the carefree optimism of the season, while weaving in the classic humor and misadventures fans expect from the Wimpy Kid series.
Regarding the evolution of her Wimpy Kid character across the films, List suggests that Holly begins as a sweet, approachable girl who catches Greg’s eye. In the third movie, audiences will discover more about her personality, including how she spends her free time, what her family is like, and even meeting her older sister, Heather Hills. The arc hints at deeper layers and richer family dynamics that add texture to the summer story and deepen fans’ investment in Holly’s world.
A memorable piece of wisdom List carries with her comes from an unexpected source. A juice box once carried the message, Be yourself because everyone else is already taken, attributed to Oscar Wilde. It’s a reminder she keeps close: authenticity is the best path when navigating auditions, roles, and life in front of the camera.
Getting to know Peyton List a little better, the interview shifts to lighter notes. Her current favorite songs include Starships, Young, Wild & Free, and Mr. Know It All. She counts her mom as the person she most admires and treks between projects with a mix of enthusiasm and gratitude. She admits that there’s no chance she’ll miss an episode of Jessie or Smash, and she’s even open to trying something new and thrilling like skydiving. If acting were not an option, directing would be her next dream. The breadth of her ambitions underscores a versatile Creative spirit that extends beyond one role or one show.
With that, the conversation wraps up. The message resonates: Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Dog Days is a summer release that invites audiences to spend a sunlit season with Greg and Holly’s world. Fans can look forward to the film’s warmth, humor, and the endearing dynamic that has drawn viewers into Peyton List’s performances across multiple projects.