It’s a moment Zoë Robins could only dream about growing up in Aotearoa – flying to the Czech Republic to begin a starring role in a multimillion-dollar series that would take her on memorable horse-riding and scuba-diving adventures. But she suddenly found herself riddled with self-doubt.
“It felt too good to be true,” Zoë reflects about landing the part of healer Nynaeve al’Meara in Prime Video’s hit show The Wheel Of Time. “I started second-guessing their decision. I remember being on the plane, getting to Prague and bracing myself for someone to say, ‘Oh, actually, we’re not sure about you.’”
However, trusting she was worthy was exactly what Zoë had to do given that she wanted to become an actress from age 10. Growing up in Lower Hutt with her primary school teacher mum, she felt the rush of performing for an audience for the first time at age 12.
“I remember knowing inherently that was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life,” she tells. “Something clicked and it just made sense.”
It wasn’t long before Zoë landed roles on The Killian Curse and Shortland Street, before getting her first taste of global productions on The Shannara Chronicles and Power Rangers Ninja Steel.
It’s those NZ-based projects the 32-year-old mum credits for helping hone the skills behind her international success.
“Shortland Street’s like an acting school,” tells Zoë. “You’re working with so much text in short periods, so my line-learning became very good! And Kiwi crews are so grounded. We just get on with it and that’s something I’ve tried to take on as I navigate this industry.”
It hasn’t always been easy, given the obstacles that come with showbiz careers. Zoë says periods of waiting and unemployment, plus constant rejection, have weighed on her through the years.
“It requires perseverance, resilience and maybe even a little delusion to keep going,” she laughs. “But on the flipside, I’ve been able to travel the world, form lifelong friendships and do work like I’ve done on The Wheel Of Time, which has been incredibly rewarding, both creatively and personally.”
Zoë says working with Saltburn star Rosamund Pike on the series was a “dream come true”.
“She’s incredible, genuine, kind and has done so much for us behind the scenes,” Zoë enthuses. “She treats everyone with so much respect. It’s amazing to watch how she interacts with people. She recognises everyone has a very important part to play in creating this world. There’s also no ego, which is refreshing.”
The fantasy elements of the series have called for impressive scenes and stunts – and sometimes harsh elements. Actors were reportedly “dropping left and right from heatstroke” while filming season three amid 45°C heat in South Africa.
Zoë only filmed one scene there, so she didn’t face the difficulties her co-stars later told her about, but she notes that the night shoots during chilly Czech winters and underwater scenes were equally challenging.
“I learned to scuba dive, freedive and hold my breath underwater for quite some time,” she tells. “There’s a lot of elements we have to work through, but it does help our performances, even though it may be uncomfortable.”
She also got homesick while filming abroad, especially when it meant being away from her 13-year-old son Kaiyon, who remained in New Zealand while she headed to Prague for season three.
Zoë’s grateful for the family support. Regardless, she says juggling the career high of The Wheel Of Time with parenting is a huge challenge. Ultimately, she believes it’s important to show Kaiyon that she’s pursuing her goals.
“My boy’s such an inspiration and he has big dreams himself. I would do both of us a disservice if I wasn’t chasing my dreams,” she reflects. “No matter what you do as a mum, you’re going to feel guilty about the choices you make.
“You always wonder whether you’re making the right decision for your kids. But it’s important that I continue to chase my dreams and navigate that with motherhood. It hasn’t been easy!”
Kaiyon has inherited Zoë’s love for acting and has filmed some commercials, but he’s currently more focused on sports.
“He’s a massive basketball fan now, so that’s his life!” she laughs.
Zoë’s now awaiting news on whether the show will get a fourth season and see her return to Prague, which she describes as a “stunning, gothic Disneyland” with beautiful architecture. She’s loved showing family and friends around when they’ve visited.
And it’s not just Kaiyon she misses when she’s in Prague – Zoë’s developed a newfound appreciation for Aotearoa’s picturesque greenery.
“I didn’t realise how important that was for me, as well hearing birdsong,” she says. “I miss that so much that I downloaded a playlist of native birds, which is really grounding!”
The Wheel Of Time is now streaming on Prime Video.
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