Paper Boi, played by Brian Tyree Henry), and their friend Darius (Lakeith Stanfield).
However, now its time for thecritically acclaimed comedyto turn its eye toward the shows lead female character.
2016 has been big a year for Beetz.
Credit: FX
That movie was the thing that allowed me to fully transition into acting, she tells EW.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: WithAtlantaandEasy,this must be really exciting time for you.
How are you handling it all?
FX
ZAZIE BEETZ:Im feeling good, I guess.
I was like, Ah, things arent going to change.
They kept pushing it, and as I predicted it, things didnt really change that much.
I have more Instagram followers and stuff like that, but nothing out of my realm of management.
But insecurity still exists.
I actually just watched the sixth episode [Value].
I thought parts I did well and parts I did really badly.
Im glad I can really say that I feel like Im part of something good.
What was your audition forAtlantalike?
Oh my god, it was so quick.
I know this is the worst thing to say, but I actually thought I did a bad job.
Then later that same night, I found out I had booked it.
And he was like, Oh, okay.
So in terms of my discovery story, I guess his friend discovered me.
Youve already seen this episode.
What did you enjoy about it?
The first half of the episode is pretty interesting.
That energy comes through in a way.
Even though we met once or twice before, there was a familiarity there.
Its also a big part of how its cut and stuff like that.
I felt good about that initial half.
Then, the second half: I sometimes feel like I self-sabotage.
I sometimes feel that in the episode where Im like,Oh, I couldve pushed more here.
I take a stab at keep that in my head.
I can do better, and I want to do better.
Im young, so it gives me opportunity to grow.
Do you agree with that description?
Yes, I guess in saying that it does make sense.
This episode was also Donalds first time directing.
How was he as a director?
Oh, hes so loosey-goosey.
He got what he wanted and moved on, and it was really fun.
We [felt] vulnerable together in a way, which was nice.
What do you love about playing a character like Van?
I really want to be a mom, so thats a big, very superficial connection to the role.
Shes a full person.
I struggled becauseAtlantais being billed as a comedy [and] I dont really identify as a comedian.
Was it a stretch for you play a mother?
How did you go about getting into that mindset?
So its nothing thats foreign to me and Im very comfortable around children babies in particular.
Its fascinating working with young children.
You have to catch her before she, like, falls out of the bed.
That will interrupt a scene, but that just adds reality to a scene.
Looking back on this first season, what did you enjoy most about working on this show?
When it premiered, we had this after-party.
It was kind of a weird night.
It was fun, but it was weird.
I was crying, but I do that all the time.
Connecting is my favorite part.
Atlantaairs Tuesdays at 10 p.m.
