Rising British actor Mia McKenna-Bruce has candidly revealed she believes she would be taken more seriously in the entertainment industry if she spoke with a "posher" accent. The 28-year-old star, originally from Bexley in Kent, made the admission in a new interview while promoting her latest high-profile projects.
From Kent to Netflix: Navigating Accent Expectations
McKenna-Bruce, who shot to fame in the acclaimed 2023 coming-of-age film How To Have Sex, has two major series launching this year. She stars in Netflix's new Agatha Christie adaptation, Seven Dials, and ITV's four-part drama The Lady. In both, she adopts a more refined accent than her natural Kentish one.
"I feel like I'm taken more seriously or would be taken more seriously if I spoke with a posher accent," she told The Times. The actor, who began her career as a child on Peaky Blinders, confessed to frequently modifying her voice early on. "Slowly I've settled into the comfort of this is my voice," she added, signalling a growing confidence in her own identity.
Leading Lady and On-Set Injury
In Seven Dials, McKenna-Bruce takes centre stage as amateur sleuth Lady Eileen 'Bundle' Brunt, leading a cast that includes Helena Bonham Carter and Martin Freeman. The production was not without its challenges. Speaking to The Independent at the series launch, the actor revealed she suffered a significant injury during filming.
She was forced to shoot a pivotal scene while nursing a broken foot, demonstrating a notable commitment to her craft amidst the physical setback.
Beatles Biopic Secrecy and a Newfound Fandom
Beyond her television work, McKenna-Bruce's career is soaring to new cinematic heights. She is currently filming not one, but four of the decade's most anticipated movies: Sir Sam Mendes's series of Beatles biopics. She will portray Maureen Starkey, the first wife of Ringo Starr, in the quartet of films, each focusing on a different band member.
The ensemble cast is a who's who of young British and Irish talent: Barry Keoghan plays Starr, Paul Mescal is Paul McCartney, Harris Dickinson takes on John Lennon, and Joseph Quinn portrays George Harrison. The films, also starring Aimee Lou Wood, Saoirse Ronan, and Anna Sawai, are scheduled for release in April 2028.
McKenna-Bruce admitted last year that keeping her casting secret was a struggle. "I've known for near on a year, but I couldn't tell my family," she said. "I love them all but they have the biggest mouths in the world." The role also required a crash course in Beatles lore, as she was not a dedicated fan prior to landing the part. "We sang 'Eleanor Rigby' and 'Yellow Submarine' at school, but it wasn't my jam," she explained. "Now, I'm like, Oh my God, The Beatles are underrated. This is good. It's music I'd sit and listen to on the train."
A Reflection on Industry Perceptions
McKenna-Bruce's comments on accent bias highlight a persistent, often unspoken, prejudice within parts of the UK's creative sectors. Her journey from a child actor to a leading lady in major Netflix and film projects, while navigating these perceptions, underscores a shifting landscape where regional voices are increasingly claiming space, albeit with acknowledged hurdles.
Her packed slate of work, from Agatha Christie mysteries to the story of the world's most famous band, marks Mia McKenna-Bruce as a formidable and versatile talent to watch, firmly establishing her as a leading figure in the next generation of British acting.
