Even before Sofia Carson was named “Netflix’s first bona fide movie star” by Vanity Fair, her My Oxford Year costar Corey Mylchreest was certain acting with her would ensure their project’s success. “As soon as I knew Sofia was involved, I thought, ‘Here’s a Netflix number one,’” Mylchreest tells Teen Vogue, laughing.
The pair bring yearning and fun to My Oxford Year, a new Netflix romcom with a funny twist and the kind of banter that’s bound to have you kicking your feet and giggling.
The story follows the character Anna De La Vega (Carson), an ambitious Type A woman who chases a childhood dream to move to the UK and attend Oxford University. She’s got everything planned accordingly for her future — until she meets a captivating and witty local professor, Jamie Davenport (Mylchreest), who profoundly changes both of their lives.
My Oxford Year. (L to R) Corey Mylchreest as Jamie and Sofia Carson as Anna in My Oxford Year. Cr. Chris Baker/Netflix ©2024Chris Baker
The film is based on the novel by Julia Whelan, adapted from Allison Burnett’s original screenplay, and it incorporates humor, vulnerability, and poetry into the romcom format.
The two stars start a romance that challenges the importance of growth and stepping out of your comfort zone, which brings the film to life while also gazing at the beautiful scenery that is Oxford. Below, Teen Vogue caught up with Sofia Carson and Corey Mylchreest to talk about their undeniable chemistry, reciting poems and the adjustment to Type A plans.
Teen Vogue: Sofia, you have another executive producer credit this go around. How did you know that Corey was the ultimate person who could co-anchor you in this movie?
Sofia Carson: I have been a fan of Corey since I watched him in Queen Charlotte as King George, and I think we all just were so in awe of him. I was really so impressed with his work. When we were diving into the casting process, I always knew it was going to be him. I traveled to London to meet with a couple of really talented actors, and I think Corey was one of the last ones we met with, and it was instant. As soon as he walked into the room, we just kind of became Anna and Jamie, and that’s such a gift when that happens.
TV: Corey, what would you say you learned from such natural chemistry, and how did you feel that was emulated throughout your characters?
Corey Mylchreest: To trust, once you’ve done that, then even on days where you don’t feel good about what you’re doing, the script slightly changes or the schedule changes, you can just ride the wave [and] that only really happens when you’ve got a partner that you trust and that you’ve already done the work.
