Rising actress Erika Swayze is stepping into the spotlight with her standout role as Livia in School Spirits Season 3 — and if early episodes are any indication, fans are in for a wild ride. During her conversation on Pop Culture Unplugged w/ Elias, Swayze opened up about landing the role in an unexpected way, joining an established cast, and why viewers may end up feeling sympathy for her mysterious character.
⭐ Highlights From the Interview
She booked the role without a callback
She was starstruck working with Jennifer Tilly
Livia is “calculated” but emotionally layered
Fans will likely have mixed emotions about her character
She’d love Livia to join the mystery-solving crew in future seasons
Landing the Role Without a Callback
Swayze revealed that her casting story was anything but typical.
“I just got sent the audition, put myself on tape, didn’t hear anything… and then I was offered the role. I was like, are you sure you didn’t want a callback?”
That surprise booking set the tone for what she describes as a “dream come true” experience joining the series.
Joining an Established Cast
Coming into Season 3 of a hit show can be intimidating, but Swayze admitted her fears quickly disappeared once she met everyone.
“I was kind of like the new kid at school, so scared. But as soon as I met everyone at the first table read, I realized I had nothing to be scared about. They’re so lovely. It really does feel like stepping into a family.”
She also praised co-star Peyton List, who she shared tense scenes with:
“She’s such an incredible actor and so nice. I was like, ‘How am I going to be mean to this girl?’”
Understanding Livia: Mean Girl or Misunderstood?
One of the biggest questions fans have is whether Livia is truly an antagonist or something more complex. Swayze hinted there’s much more beneath the surface.
“She’s very calculated and likes to be in control, but like anyone she has a social mask. There’s a reason she acts the way she does.”
She emphasized that viewers shouldn’t judge her character too quickly:
“They might not like her at first, but I hope they grow to like her.”
Themes That Define Her Storyline
For Swayze, Livia’s arc centers on emotional realism rather than simple villain energy.
“There’s a big theme of trust. She feels like she’s lost trust from people she thought were her friends… that really takes her off guard.”
This layered emotional perspective is part of what drew her to the role in the first place.
Starstruck Moments on Set
Even seasoned performers can have fan-girl moments. For Swayze, that happened when she learned who would play her character’s mother.
“When they told me it would be Jennifer Tilly, I was still in shock. I was so excited to meet her.”
What Surprised Her Most About Filming
While audition sides only showed Livia’s surface personality, Swayze said filming revealed deeper dimensions.
“When I was working on set and learning more about her, I realized she has these two sides. She’s not just one way — like anyone you meet.”
Looking Ahead
If the show continues, Swayze already has hopes for her character’s future direction.
“I’d love to be part of the Scooby-Doo pack. They’re so fun. I’m open to anything.”
And like fans, she’s eager to see how everything unfolds on screen:
“Reading it on the page is so different than seeing it fully made. I’m excited as a viewer too.”
Final Takeaway:
Erika Swayze’s Livia isn’t just a new character — she’s a wildcard. With hints of hidden motives, emotional depth, and possible redemption, her storyline is shaping up to be one of Season 3’s most intriguing arcs.
✅ For more exclusive cast interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and TV deep dives, stay tuned to Pop Culture Unplugged.