PopHorror Let's Get Scared
Let’s face it, Tubi originals are very hit or miss. Sometimes, however, you get a gem. Takeout (2025) is a newly released film, and it made waves in my mind (my review). I had the chance to interview N’kone Mametja, who stars in the movie as “Nova.”
Read on for the interview!
PopHorror: How long have you been acting
N’kone Mametja: It started when I was about 11 or 12 years old. I was cast in a kids’ show, and something just clicked. The passion for acting was instantly ignited. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to become an actor.
PopHorror: I noticed the characters kind of always stayed in a group. Was it hard to work off everyone’s energy?
N’kone Mametja: Not at all. Everyone was so present in every scene that it felt so real. Because of that, it was actually easy to feed off everyone’s energy.
PopHorror: I can see everyone’s terror in their eyes. Was there a certain moment that gave you the chills?
N’kone Mametja: Oh yes, there were a few moments. One was when Damien’s character, Grady, stared Nova down in the scene where she spills coffee on him. Another was when they lock eyes as she serves him fries. This is after she finds the doll in “his” car. Damien played those moments a little too well, hahaha.
PopHorror: How did you personally feel about the chaos that ensued very quickly? Was it easy to find the energy to put into the film?
N’kone Mametja: I felt excited to be part of a story that’s chaotic in a way that keeps audiences glued with all its twists and turns. When I got cast as Nova, I remember thinking, “How am I going to maintain such high emotions and high stakes?” I had never worked on anything with this level of intensity before, let alone as a lead. At first it was challenging to imagine myself in those situations, but once we started filming, I prayed for guidance and allowed myself to be fully present.
PopHorror: Do you think you will stick to the horror genre, or do you want to spread to other genres?
N’kone Mametja: I want to explore a wide variety of genres. I love challenging myself and diving into unique characters. I’d absolutely like to do more horror because it’s so much fun to shoot, but I’m also eager to branch into sci-fi, action, comedy and fantasy.
PopHorror: Your character seems like a bruiser with a ton of street smarts. Is there any truth to that?
N’kone Mametja: Nova is definitely hardcore, but that’s not me. We might share one or two similarities, but overall, we’re very different people.
PopHorror: How long were you on the set? Was it daily?
N’kone Mametja: We filmed every day, usually from around 4 p.m. to 4 a.m., except on weekends. The final week was a little easier, with days running from about 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
PopHorror: What pushes you as an actress?
N’kone Mametja: My faith and knowing that I have a God-given gift worth sharing motivates me deeply. My family and loved ones also push me to grow, not just as an artist, but as a person. Their support keeps me going.
PopHorror: What would be some encouraging words from you for someone who may not want to chase their dreams?
N’kone Mametja: Put in the work and show up for yourself. Trust what you believe in, and don’t lose hope in your dreams.
PopHorror: Are you working on any upcoming films?
N’kone Mametja: I do! One of them is Love & Wine, which comes to Netflix on December 5th, 2025. It’s a rom-com filled with romance, laughter and of course, wine. I play one of the best friends of one of the main characters, a loyal (and slightly diva-ish) medical intern at her local hospital. Viewers are definitely in for a treat!
You can find Takeout streaming on Tubi.
