For Genneya Walton, the path into acting began not with a script, but with movement. A trained dancer from the age of six, her early experiences in performance instilled a sense of discipline, emotional awareness, and fearlessness that continues to shape her work on screen today. From her first role in An American Girl: Isabelle Dances Into the Spotlight to standout performances across projects like Daredevil: Born Again, #blackAF, and the Darby and the Dead, Walton has built a career defined by range and curiosity. Rather than settling into one lane, she is drawn to roles that challenge her creatively, physically, and emotionallyapproaching each character as an opportunity for both transformation and self-discovery. As she continues to evolve, her work reflects not only a commitment to the craft, but a desire to push beyond comfort and step into the unknown.

Genneya, you've built a career across television, film, and live performance. How did you first discover acting, and what early experiences shaped the artist you are today?

My first love in the creative world was dance. I started when I was 6 years old and that was my first introduction to the industry and my personal gateway into becoming an actor. Not only did it allow me the opportunity to land my first role that required me to dance along with acting for the first time in An American Girl: Isabelle Dances Into the Spotlight, but it also taught me so many lessons that I got to carry through my transition into acting. The dance industry is a different beast and I certainly had to grow some tough skin both literally and figuratively. Very early on I had to learn how to put myself out there, release the fears of being seen, and go for the things I wanted. The amount of emotional connection, artistry, dedication, teamwork, and discipline needed to succeed there I think really helped set me up to navigate the acting world. That first acting role really opened my eyes to new possibilities of creative expression and truly changed my life.

Your credits span projects as varied as Daredevil: Born Again, #blackAF, and Darby and the Dead. What draws you to roles that live in such different worlds?

One of the most fun parts about this job for me is getting to step into the shoes of others and experiencing things that I might not have otherwise. It's so fun to discover the realities of different characters while simultaneously learning new things about yourself along the way. As humans, we are ever-changing and I personally never want to confine myself into one type of role, or do what is comfortable all of the time, both in life and in my career. I want to expand my horizons in every way possible and do things that will continue to challenge and excite me.

Season 2 of Daredevil: Born Again has been out for several weeks now and audiences have had time to fully sit with the season. What has it been like watching the response unfold since its release?

It's been so much fun getting to see the audience's reactions to the new season when I scroll through socials or get personal messages. From reading the first scripts to now it has really been quite the journey and has been so lovely to see how everything has come together. We really hit the ground running. The stakes are higher, the action is more brutal, and the storylines progress in such a compelling way that I am so proud of. It's such a joy to see the love and care the audience has for the show and its characters.

Marvel projects often come with passionate global audiences and intense attention to detail. How did it feel stepping into a universe with such an established legacy?

To say it has been an honor would be an understatement. This was a goal of mine since 2017 and was so affirming to me that anything is possible. The Marvel universe is such a dream, and of course I had my moments of fear peek through, but excitement overrode the worries once 1 allowed it. The entire team on the show was tremendously helpful, and getting to start this journey with Michael Gandolfini (Daniel Blake) from the very beginning made the experience so special, and gave me the readiness to take on this project.

Now that viewers are watching the season, what were you most excited for audiences to discover about your character?

I was most excited for people to gain a deeper understanding or bigger picture for BB's motives. At the end of season 1 we found out that she was playing both sides and in this season we get to see that unfold. I really love her relationship with Daniel and a lot of her journey is played out through that connection. A new and exciting interaction between her and Karen Page also solidified more things for BB and the audience. I'm thrilled with the direction that she goes this season and it was so fun to play.

Looking back on the experience, what challenged you most about working on Daredevil: Born Again, either emotionally, creatively, or physically?

BB is unlike any character I've gotten to play so far. If I share the first thing that came to mind though, I would definitely say that filming in the mask and padded suit for the City without Fear bits was the most challenging, both physically and creatively. I must say those suits get HOT and claustrophobic. I've always heard about it, but they were not joking haha. Creatively, it was very collaborative with the writers/showrunners/directors and we got to play around with the physicality of this a lot. Stepping into that suit and mask was a new experience for me and added so much to the process that landing on a choice of interpretation definitely stretched my acting muscles.

Action-driven storytelling often requires precision, stamina, and presence. Did your dance background help prepare you for the pace and physicality of a project like this?

I definitely feel like it helped! We don't get to see BB throw any punches or do much movement like other characters do in the world of Daredevil, but I feel like the body awareness that comes with being a dancer for sure helps me find the physicalities of BB and any other characters that I play.

You've worked alongside acclaimed talents including Eddie Murphy, Tracee Ellis Ross, Halle Berry, and Angela Bassett. What lessons have you taken from sharing space with such performers of this level?

What I have found across the board from working with all of those industry legends is that they carry themselves on set with such a strong and commanding presence, yet they're also so kind. They approach their work with such freedom and creativityalways open to feeling things out and trying new ideasand cultivate a space that invites exploration and possibility. It's everything I aspire to embody as I continue to grow in my career.

CREW CREDITS:
Talent: Genneya Walton
PhotoBook Editor-In-Chief: Alison Hernon
PhotoBook Creative Director: Mike Ruiz
Photographer: Tatiana Katkova
Makeup: Rose Grace
Hair: Takisha Sturdivant-Drew
Styling: Marissa Pelly
Tearsheets by Daniel López, Art Director, PhotoBook Magazine
Interview Questions by Joaquina Dima, Contributor, PhotoBook Magazine

"I Want to Constantly Surprise Myself": Genneya Walton on Growth and Stepping Into the Unknown