Actress and comedian Sasheer Zamata finds herself immersed in a year of enchantment. Not only is her uproarious stand-up special, “The First Woman,” on the brink of release on YouTube, but Zamata has also taken a captivating leap into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, assuming the role of sorcerer Jennifer Kale in “Agatha: Coven of Chaos.”
With a notable presence in shows like Hulu’s “Woke,” ABC’s “Home Economics,” and “Moongirl and Devil Dinosaur,” Zamata’s dynamic career extends to co-hosting the podcast “Best Friends” alongside her comedic collaborator Nicole Byer. Distinguished as one of the select few Black women to have graced the Saturday Night Live stage as a regular cast member, Zamata’s influence extends to her role as an Artist Ambassador for the American Civil Liberties Union, advocating for the elucidation of intricate women’s rights matters.
Juggling a multitude of responsibilities, Zamata took a moment to engage with Mashable, delving into the creation and composition of “The First Woman,” while also exploring the significance of witchcraft on the set of “Agatha: Coven of Chaos.”
In shaping “The First Woman,” Zamata drew inspiration from her personal encounters and a tapestry of significant events — encompassing the COVID-19 pandemic, subsequent lockdown, and landmark legal decisions like the overturning of Roe v. Wade and Brown v. Board of Education. This array of experiences provided Zamata with a rich tapestry of material, which she adeptly refined. “As I narrowed things down, a distinct theme emerged,” Zamata revealed. “‘The First Woman’ evolved to encompass dimensions of health, womanhood, and my personal journey.”
“The First Woman” weaves together seemingly disparate experiences — from an unfortunate date to a brunch-related escapade and even the comical necessity of truck nuts — ultimately connected by the thread of women’s freedom of expression.
While fostering humor, Zamata also sheds light on crucial women’s issues, notably the implicit racial bias evident in healthcare. In particular, she addresses the skepticism that medical professionals often display towards women, especially women of color, when discussing their pain. Zamata also shares her own story of being asked to stand during a medical test following a near-fatal car accident. “I’ve held onto that car accident experience for so long without knowing how to incorporate it… because it was quite an ordeal,” Zamata disclosed. “However, as I developed this special, I recognized it as an unmistakable example of medical racial bias.”
Zamata’s fascination with witches and their historical significance plays a pivotal role in shaping “The First Woman,” prompting her to explore themes of female autonomy, empowerment, and body positivity. Citing Kristen J. Sollee’s acclaimed book “Witches, Sluts and Feminists: conjuring the Sex Positive” as a source of inspiration, Zamata delves into the complexities of female sexuality and its historical portrayal. She underscores the ongoing demonization of women’s bodies and envisions the archetype of a witch as that of an independent, empowered woman who navigates her life with autonomy.
Her special not only highlights individuals who practiced witchcraft, but also those who were unfairly labeled “witches” due to their refusal to conform to patriarchal societal norms. Zamata, fearlessly navigating taboo subjects, engages the audience in a judgment-free dialogue about household objects that can provide pleasure, demonstrating her role as a comedian in breaking societal barriers. “Part of a comedian’s role is to explore topics that might be considered taboo or sensitive,” Zamata asserted. “I am at ease discussing my womanhood and womanhood in general.”
Zamata is undeniably enthused about her role as sorceress Jennifer Kale in the upcoming Disney+ series “Agatha: Coven of Chaos.” She deems this mystical narrative alignment with her artistic identity. “I had already crafted content for ‘The First Woman’ before I embarked on the audition process,” Zamata recounted. “Being cast in a show about witches felt like a magical alignment. I discuss it extensively in my special.”
“Agatha: Coven of Chaos,” a spinoff of “WandaVision” — both created by Jac Schaeffer — inaugurated a new chapter of the MCU on Disney+ in 2021. Centered around Kathryn Hahn’s enigmatic witch Agatha Harkness, the series portrays her entrapment within the confines of the small town of Westview, New Jersey, by the Scarlet Witch, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen), during the season finale of “WandaVision.”
Zamata’s character, Jennifer Kale, boasts a significant legacy in Marvel comics, interweaving her story with characters ranging from Man-Thing to Howard the Duck. Zamata acknowledges that her portrayal differs from comic book depictions. “While I conducted as much comic book research as possible, our portrayal of the character deviates from the expectations people might have,” Zamata explained.
Sharing the screen with a notable ensemble, including Patti LuPone as Lilia Calderu, Joe Locke as Billy Kaplan, and Miles Gutierrez-Riley as Billy’s boyfriend Hulkling, Zamata relished the experience of filming “Agatha: Coven of Chaos.” “[The shooting experience] was magical and ethereal, infusing the entire set with a sense of wonder,” she shared. “Crystals and candles adorned the set, and we routinely cleansed the stage. The environment was perfectly aligned with my sensibilities.”
As anticipation builds for a complete nine-episode run of “Agatha: Coven of Chaos,” Zamata’s journey through the MCU continues to captivate audiences. While the series’ plot remains shrouded in secrecy, Zamata’s portrayal of Jennifer Kale, alongside a compelling cast including Debra Jo Rupp and Emma Caufield Ford reprising their “WandaVision” roles, promises to add a layer of complexity to the evolving narrative.
Though the series’ storyline is veiled in mystery, fans are left to speculate on its trajectory. The incorporation of cast members from “WandaVision,” coupled with the uncertain fate of Wanda at the conclusion of “Doctor Strange: In the Multiverse of Madness,” fuels the possibility of revisiting Westview and witnessing Agatha’s escape from Wanda’s influence.
In the realm of MCU security measures, Zamata shares her experience, likening it to Emilia Clarke’s engagement with Marvel Security during her work on “Secret Invasion.” “I received the same instructions that Emilia did. ‘Avoid taking photos in hotel rooms, as they may track you down.’ I was so cautious with physical scripts. Once I was done, I would simply hand them over to a producer.”
When asked about her readiness to embrace the MCU, a monumental franchise with a widespread global following, Zamata responded resolutely, “I’ve been longing to be part of [the MCU] for years. This opportunity is simply perfect.”
“The First Woman” is scheduled to air on the 800 Pound Gorilla website starting August 15, adopting a “pay what you want” model, allowing viewers to contribute $2 or more for early access before its free release on YouTube on August 29.
“Agatha: Coven of Chaos” is slated to premiere on Disney+ in 2024.
