Checking in with Olivia Holt and her new show ‘Cruel Summer’ on Freeform

Kean Almryde

by , Content, Programming & Synergy Manager

From her early days on Disney Channel and Disney XD to Marvel’s ‘Cloak and Dagger’ on Freeform, Olivia Holt has been part of the Disney family for years. She’s returning once again to Freeform as the star of their brand-new series, ‘Cruel Summer.’

Throughout the years, we’ve loved having Olivia visit her #HappyPlace – the Disney Parks! From Pixar Pier at Disney’s California Adventure Park to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios; and even performing in the 2018 ‘Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade’ special on ABC.

In anticipation of Tuesday’s 2-episode premiere of ‘Cruel Summer’ on Freeform, I checked in with Olivia to see what she could tell us about her new show and look back at some of her favorite memories from visiting the Disney Parks.

Q: Cruel Summer is a brand new series on Freeform, what can you tell us about your character and the show?
A: Cruel Summer is a really unique show. It takes place over three years in the 90s and the way we tell the story is non-linear with two different shifting perspectives – one is my character’s, Kate, and the other is another girl named Jeanette Turner. Something pretty shocking happens between these two girls, which starts a lot drama and begins a very wild journey for the two of them and everyone involved.

Olivia Holt and the cast of ‘Cruel Summer’
Olivia Holt and the cast of ‘Cruel Summer’

Q: Cruel Summer is set in the 1990s. What was your favorite 90s trend to see recreated on the show?

A: A lot of the fashion was my favorite. Everything from the cool sneakers to the wedge heels to the high-waisted jeans and the crop tops. I loved it all.

Marvel’s ‘Cloak and Dagger’ stars Aubrey Joseph and Olivia Holt in front of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom (July 2018)
Marvel’s ‘Cloak and Dagger’ stars Aubrey Joseph and Olivia Holt in front of Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at Magic Kingdom (July 2018)

Q: Which attraction at Walt Disney World Resort is your favorite?
A: Oh! I am very confident in this answer. Big Thunder Mountain Railroad!

Olivia performing during the ‘Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade’ (December 2018)
Olivia performing during the ‘Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade’ (December 2018)

Q: What has been your favorite memory from past visits to Walt Disney World Resort?

A: Spending Christmas there with my entire family. I think I was about 10 years old and I remember staying at the Contemporary Resort. We bought a little tiny Disney Christmas tree with Mickey Mouse ornaments all over it. Waking up Christmas morning in our hotel room and spending the day in the park was such a special experience. It was so magical and felt like one of the best Christmases.  

Olivia Holt with Rapunzel (December 2018)
Olivia Holt with Rapunzel (December 2018)

Q: Which Disney Parks character do you always have to get your picture with and why? 
A: Rapunzel. She is my favorite Disney Princess. If you ask me any question about her I know the answer. I know all of her songs. I’m a big, big fan. I’ve actually cried multiple times meeting her at the park.

Olivia Holt

Q: Well thanks for taking the time to chat with me! I’m so excited to watch Tuesday’s premiere of ‘Cruel Summer’ on Freeform!
A: I loved it. I got to answer some of my favorite questions about my favorite place!

Tune in Tuesday, April 20th on Freeform to see Olivia in her new series, ‘Cruel Summer.’ Watch new episodes next day on Hulu.