Interview: ‘Max 2 White House Hero’ Stars Francesca Capaldi and Zane Austin

Thanks to Warner Bros. for giving me early access to the film and access to the cast. The opinions I share are my own.

Francesca Capaldi and Zane Austin Max 2 White House Hero

Francesca Capaldi and Zane Austin star in the new movie “Max 2 White House Hero.” I chatted with both of them over the phone about life in Hollywood, school, and what it’s like for the child actors to work with trained dogs.

Francesca Capaldi in Max 2 White House Hero

You may be familiar with Capaldi. She was the star of the Disney Channel show “Dog with a Blog” which ran from 2012 to 2015. And you can’t miss her Rapunzal length red hair. She and I live in San Diego, too! The 12-year-old has been in show business for a long time, and it shows in her poised demeanor – she sounds very mature for her age.

Zane Austin in Max 2 White House Hero

Austin’s boyish enthusiasm is contagious. He grew up and lives in Thousand Oaks, CA which helps him keep his normal activities. The 12-year-old goes to school five days a week until noon, and then goes home and is homeschooled the rest of the day. He is also on a baseball team and plays soccer and golf. Only one of the players on his baseball team is also in the business. “I play with Blake Rosenthanl. He’s in the show ‘Mom’,” he said.

Capaldi attends a private K-8 Charter School four days a week. “Friday’s are home school days,” she said. She’s in 7^th grade and has been at the same school since kindergarten. I asked her if she gets special treatment or less homework since she’s an actress. “No.” she immediately replied. “But I would like less homework,” she added in a serious tone.

The All-New Original Movie Is Available on DVD, Blu-ray™ Combo Pack On May 23, 2017 & currently on Digital HD On May 9, 2017

In Max2, Capaldi plays the daughter of a Russian leader who visits the White House. She had to learn a Russian accent, but this wasn’t that hard since she’s had to learn accents for other parts. Austin plays the role of the first son, and is charged with entertaining the visitor.

Movie Synopsis Duty calls again, and our hero dog Max returns to action in Max 2: White House Hero, the sequel to the 2015 theatrical release. His new assignment brings him to Washington, D.C. to serve on the U.S. president’s Secret Service detail. When a foreign leader arrives with his precocious daughter Alex (Francesca Capaldi), tensions arise between both countries. First Son TJ (Zane Austin), along with Max and Alex, uncover a dangerous plot that puts both kids and both nations in jeopardy. A highly-sensitive mission will push Max’s specialized skills, intelligence and loyalty to the test.

Of course, the dog is the main attraction in this movie. But I learned there are four dogs who perform different duties throughout the film. Dude was the stunt dog; Jager was the working dog; Carlos is the face of the movie and is on the movie poster; and Pax is the action dog. Their favorite is Jager. “He’s the sweetest dog,” said Austin. “He was always coming up to me and giving me kisses.”

Speaking of kisses…

Spoiler Alert! In a scene you’ll see the pair of pre-teens kiss! When asked what it was like to film this part, Austin was quick to answer. “We had to film that like 30 times!” he said. It was such a cute boy’s reaction.

Capaldi, on the other hand, had to explain her sentiments about this scene. “I remember I was really nervous because my mom has always said to me that you only have one first kiss. But like she said, it wasn’t really my first ‘real’ kiss, it was my first on-screen kiss. It doesn’t count because there are five cameras and all these people and lights. It’s not how you envision your first kiss.” How’s that for a mature explanation!

The pair seem to know each other well. During the call, one would defer to other to answer questions and they didn’t interrupt each other.

Finally, I asked both of them what projects they were working on next. Austin just did an Old Navy commercial with Amy Schumer, and Capaldi was named the new face for Clair’s Stores new Tween line.

Catch them both in the new movie “Max 2 White House Hero” available now on Digital HD, and coming to DVD-Blu-ray Combo Pack May 23rd!

“Max 2 White House Hero”

Rated PG

Runtime 1 hour 25 minutes

Released May 23, 2017

Available on iTunes

Available on Google Play Store