Long before her captivating role in <em>KPop Demon Hunters</em>, Arden Cho made her mark as Kira Yukimura in <em>Teen Wolf</em>. At that time, she was still navigating the early stages of her acting career. “I was such a new actor. I was really green,” Cho shared during Fan Expo Boston. “I feel like I grew up on Teen Wolf.” Stepping into a series with a well-established cast, a dedicated fanbase, and a rich lore could have been daunting, and it certainly was. “There’s so much pressure, right? Because you’re like, ‘I wanna fit in, and I want people to like me.’ But I was also really new and sort of learning on the show.”
The pressure she initially felt gradually subsided as she discovered the joy of portraying Kira and the valuable lessons the character imparted. “Kira was so cool and had such a very different high school experience than I did. I kind of lived out the high school experience I dreamed of having through Kira. And I feel like I learned a lot of confidence from her.” This transformative journey not only shaped her acting skills but also contributed significantly to her personal growth.
Infusing Clumsiness and Charm in ‘Teen Wolf’ with Kira’s Unique Personality
While Kira naturally radiated supernatural prowess, Cho acknowledges that she infused aspects of her own personality into the character. “She adopted some of my clumsiness and awkwardness,” Cho chuckled. “There’s that scene where Kira falls down the stairs, and our writer specifically wrote that in because I would fall on set all the time. I have two left feet. I trip, I get back up, and I’m like, ‘Hi.’” This delightful combination of traits made Kira a multifaceted character: a powerful kitsune with relatable, endearing flaws. “Kira’s awkwardness was a lot of me, but her coolness and her strength and power… that was Kira.” This blend of authenticity and creativity resonated with fans and contributed to the character’s popularity.
What Lasting Impact Did Kira Have on Arden Cho’s Personal Journey?
After immersing herself in Kira’s world and her eclectic fashion choices for several years, Cho reflects on the profound impact that the character had on her. “When you do a character for more than a year, so often it rubs off on you both ways. Kira influenced me, and I influenced Kira.” By the conclusion of her time on the show, she noticed a significant transformation within herself. “I walked away so much more confident, so much more colorful and proud to be who I am. I loved her. She was so bold and different. She wore mixed patterns. I would never do that. But Kira does that, right? She’d do camo print and plaid. And I’m like, ‘Is that allowed? Is that legal?’ But for Kira? Heck yeah.” For Cho, Kira represented more than just a character; she was a powerful symbol of embracing one’s individuality and boldness, even when it felt unconventional.
All six seasons of Teen Wolf are currently available for streaming on Hulu, offering fans the chance to relive the adventures and growth of beloved characters.
