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Megan Lawless stars as Sarah in the hit horror film “Obsession.” “My character is one of four in the main friend group,” the Los Angeles-based actor said. “Sarah acts as a foil to the toxic relationship between Bear and Nikki and is fundamental to the theme of this cautionary tale. She is representative of the loss that comes with obsessive, toxic attachment and how one person's actions can affect far more than just themselves. I love this character and am so glad to play such a fundamental part of this story.”

Lawless keeps fans updated about her work and travels on social media, where her official username is @theMeganLawless across all platforms. This interview has been edited for clarity and length.

Q: How creepy were the sets on “Obsession”?

A: The sets we ended up filming at really informed the tone. Bear and Ian’s homes in the film were wonderful sets. There was such character and grit to them. I stepped into Bear’s house and there was a rawness to it, a set design that felt a bit unsettling, aged and unkempt. Even the bar we used for trivia night was so moody. Vivian Gray, our production designer, killed the set design. It served the story and made every frame darkly beautiful.

Q: As a mixed-race actor, did you feel that it would be difficult for you to get cast in parts because of your ethnicity?

A: That was not a concern on this film. But generally, that thought crosses my mind now and again. I try not to focus on it, because I don’t feel it is a narrative that serves me. The projects that are right for me, whether they are open to any ethnicity or are specific to mixed-race stories, will find me. But of course in auditioning, there are roles and projects I connect to but have doubts I would actually work on because I am harder to match with family members of the same race. But that is OK. Honestly, those are not my stories to tell. And day by day, Hollywood is diversifying and AAPI stories – and even Wasian stories – are being represented.

Q: Where would you like to go that you have never been to before?

A: Taipei, Taiwan. My mother was born there and while I want to go to so many parts of Asia, Taiwan and China are the biggest priorities for me. I want to see where my mom grew up, get in touch with my roots and eat the best Chinese food the world has to offer.

Q: If you could pick a location to film a project, where would it be?

A: I would love to film in Asia. I just have never been and so many countries in Asia are on my list. I’ve been waiting for an opportunity where I can afford to leave home for several weeks. Whenever I make it out there, I would love to stay for a long time. Working on a project for a couple of months would be a perfect opportunity to check that off my bucket list.

Q: Do you have any upcoming trips planned?

A: I am hoping to go to Brazil for New Year’s this year. I had a couple friends do that trip this last holiday season. They had a blast, so now I’ve been influenced and am working on organizing that trip.

Q: What was a trip you took as a child that stands out?

A: I went to Cabo when I was eight years old and I remember it being the best trip ever. We were there for two weeks and we didn’t do much apart from going to the pool and beach. But I made a friend there, a girl the same age as me from England. We would play in the pool all day long. We even kept in touch after. I also remember the Hilton resort we were at was the nicest hotel I had stayed at that point in my life. There were towels folded into animals, a lazy river in the pool and the best breakfast buffet. So fun.

Q: If you've ever gone away for the holidays, which was the best trip?

A: I spent Christmastime in Portugal a couple years back. It was magical and not too cold, which I personally like. [Laughs] I am obsessed with European Christmas markets and all the ways they decorate for the holiday. Since going on that trip, I only want more European Christmases.

Q: What are your five favorite cities?

A: Los Angeles, Porto [Portugal], Venice, New York City, Seville [Spain].

Q: What is your best vacation memory?

A: My best vacation to date was visiting Jamaica with my Jamaican friend, Peter, and several other college friends. He and his family took us around the entire island through the eyes of a local. They were the most generous hosts and we had a beautiful two weeks on the island. But to top it off, we spent the last couple days back in Kingston celebrating Carnival. We spent 12 hours straight, jumping to dancehall in our cute outfits. (is there a word missing? Awkward) It was the time of our lives.

Q: What is your favorite vacation destination?

A: I haven’t been to many destinations twice, because every time I take a trip, I hope to see a new part of the world. But Hawaii is one of my favorites. It’s not hard to get there and I have a couple friends there that can host me.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure when you're on the road?

A: Food, food, food! I allow myself to eat anything and everything I want. Food is such a quintessential part of travel and culture for me. I love trying the most local and authentic cuisine I can get my hands on. I also feel that traveling requires lots of nourishment so I’m not one to be stingy with my snacks while on the road.

Q: Where are your favorite weekend getaways?

A: I’m a big fan of skiing at Mammoth Mountain over the winter. I usually get a season ski pass and try to go as often as possible. For a warmer weekend away, I often go to San Diego or Lake Tahoe. I also love camping and there are so many national parks in and around California. That is one of the reasons I’m in love with this state.

Q: When you go away, what are some of your must-have items?

A: I need my lanolin cream to fight off getting chapped lips while I travel. I also make sure to bring my immunity wellness supplements because the last thing I want is to get sick and I swear by them.

Q: What's the most important thing you've learned from your travels?

A: How to be flexible. I wouldn’t quite consider myself type A or B, because I feel like I fall right in between. I like to be prepared but also leave space for spontaneity. Ultimately, when I travel, I love meeting people and partaking in what the locals do. I’ve really learned to let my plans adjust and seize opportunities that arise. Also, keeping my phone charged. Always!

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(Jae-Ha Kim is a New York Times bestselling author and journalist. You can reach her at www.jaehakim.com, follow her on Instagram and X @goawaywithjae, or read more from her on Substack (jaehakim.substack.com).)

©2026 Jae-Ha Kim. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

(c) 2026 DISTRIBUTED BY TRIBUNE MEDIA SERVICES, INC.