Movies & TV / Columns
Tatiana Neva On Starring In The Wide West, Working With Alexander Nevsky
Image Credit: Alexander Nevsky and Joe Cornet
The 411 Interview: Tatiana Neva
Tatiana Neva is an actress, producer, and stunt performer that has been working in both TV and movies, according to her IMDB page, since at least 2012. Neva has appeared in such TV shows as The Journeys (2012), Destiny (2013), Rush Hour (2016), Six Feet Down Under (2015-2016), and The Mindy Project (2017), and in such movies as Miles Away (2015), Dances with Werewolves (2017), Tales of Frankenstein (2018), and Taken from Rio Bravo (2024). Neva’s latest movie is the western The Wide West, starring Alexander Nevsky and directed by Joe Cornet and currently available exclusively on the Xumo streaming platform. In this interview, Neva talks with this writer about making The Wide West, working with Nevsky and Cornet, working in the western genre, and more.
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Bryan Kristopowitz: How did you get involved with The Wide West?
Tatiana Neva: I had the pleasure of working with Alexander Nevsky (lead actor/producer) and Joe Cornet (director/co-star) on another western feature film, Taken from Rio Bravo. So, when they began working on The Wide West, they offered me the role of Sybil Malone. Naturally, I was thrilled to join the cast and am incredibly grateful for this opportunity. I truly enjoyed playing this character!
BK: How did you approach your character Sybil Malone?
TN: Approaching Sybil Malone was both an exciting and intricate process. Sybil is a woman who stands out in her small town; it’s obvious she isn’t local. Her movements, speech, and style are all different, and she certainly draws attention wherever she goes. As a single woman in the Wild West and an entrepreneur who owns a clothing store, she’s very social and makes it a point to visit the local saloon every day. That’s where the town gathers — both locals and visitors alike — and it’s her chance to network with potential customers.
Sybil dresses up every day, intentionally standing out from the crowd. For her, every dress is more than just clothing; it’s an advertisement for her business. Each piece becomes a conversation starter, and every conversation could potentially lead to a sale or a returning customer. So, Sybil both fits in and doesn’t belong at the same time. She is a woman of mystery — everyone knows her, but no one truly does.
Sybil is strong, independent, and determined, but in a very feminine way, which made it interesting for me to find this balance and show that a woman doesn’t have to be masculine to be tough. She can exude inner strength through her resilience and yet still move through life with a sense of style and femininity. To bring her to life, I focused on finding that balance between toughness and elegance. I spent time thinking about her past experiences, how they shaped her, and how she would respond to the events around her. I also leaned into the time period of the film, ensuring that my portrayal of Sybil was grounded in the social and emotional context of the western genre.
To create this character, I did an in-depth character study, which is essentially like an investigation into every detail I could find in the script. The story was already there. I just needed to uncover it. Even the origin of her name gave me clues about her family history, and once I had those details, I felt I knew who Sybil truly was.
It was a thrilling process of discovery, and once her persona was outlined, I understood her story. I have to say a huge thank you to Natalija Nogulich, my acting coach for the role, who helped refine my portrayal of Sybil. She’s incredibly perceptive and helped me dive deeper into understanding the layers of Sybil, allowing me to truly merge with her. I’m also grateful to Alexander Nevsky for arranging this mentorship. It’s invaluable to have such a great mentor, and it really made all the difference in bringing Sybil to life.
BK: Describe your working relationship with director and co-star Joe Cornet.
TN: Working with director and co-star Joe Cornet has been an absolute joy. Joe is not only a very talented filmmaker and actor, but also an incredibly kind and soulful person. He has a natural depth and empathy that allows him to connect with people on a meaningful level, and our conversations—often spanning a wide range of topics—are always thought-provoking and enjoyable.
This was the first time I saw him take on the role of a villain, and he did it masterfully, with a sense of elegance and nuance. He’s like a Bond movie villain set in the Wild West—cool, composed, and charismatic. His character, much like the rest of the lead cast, stands out and has a unique presence. The camera truly loves him, and his charisma fits the role perfectly.
As a director, Joe showed great trust in my acting ability. He gave me the space and freedom to truly explore my character and express myself fully, which I deeply appreciated. That kind of creative trust makes the process incredibly rewarding and allows an actor’s imagination to flourish. I remember him saying, “Don’t worry—if I don’t like what you’re doing, I’ll let you know. I love everything you’ve done so far, so keep going.” That kind of encouragement really means a lot.
This was our second project together, and I’m very proud of what we achieved. I feel truly grateful for the opportunity to work with such a wonderful and talented team, and I look forward to many more collaborations in the future.
BK: What was it like working with Alexander Nevsky, who plays Max?
TN: Working with Alexander Nevsky was an absolute pleasure. He is one of those people who always delivers the best results. His presence exudes a sense of stability, which immediately makes you feel confident and reassured that everything is going to come together perfectly. Alexander is not only a multi-talented class act, but also highly intelligent. He has so much to offer, both on and off screen.
For someone as accomplished as he is — being one of the biggest stars in his home country of Russia, an internationally acclaimed action actor, and a three-time Mr. Universe titleholder — Alexander remains incredibly grounded. Despite his massive success, he’s one of the sweetest, most friendly people you’ll meet. He strives to make everyone around him feel comfortable and at home, and that positive energy really sets the tone on set.
He’s incredibly talented, charismatic, professional, supportive, and truly a joy to work with. On camera, he has that kind of movie magic that makes celebrities so magnetic. When Alexander appears on screen, it’s hard to take your eyes off him. He creates a strong gravitational pull that draws attention effortlessly. At the same time, he’s very respectful to everyone, making the entire experience not only enjoyable but also highly collaborative.
On top of all that, he undeniably looks incredibly cool with a gun, brings a commanding presence, and delivers that rugged, action-hero energy that perfectly fits the genre — exactly what you want in an action-packed western.
I truly love working with him and have nothing but great memories from our time on set.
BK: What was it like working with Nick Baillie, who plays Judge Dwight?
TN: Working with Nick Baillie was a true privilege. He deserves high praise for his multilayered performance — he brought an incredible blend of stoicism and courage, balanced with a deeply human sense of vulnerability. There were so many dimensions to his character, and he portrayed each of them with remarkable skill and subtlety. Truly top-tier work.
We were all very happy to have him on the team. Nick was consistently professional, tactful, and well-prepared. He was incredibly supportive and helpful on set, and his polite, pleasant demeanor made him a joy to be around. It quickly became clear that we could trust his acting instincts. Every scene with him flowed effortlessly.
He’s the kind of scene partner who brings authenticity and depth, elevating not only the moment but the performance of everyone around him. His presence helped create a space where natural, honest expression could thrive. Nick is both very talented and genuinely kind, excellent both in character and out. I truly enjoyed working with him and look forward to seeing more of his work in the future.
BK: What was it like working with the sumo wrestlers Hiroki Sumi and Takashi Ichinojo?
TN: Working with the elite sumo wrestlers Hiroki Sumi and Takashi Ichinojo was a truly humbling and enriching experience. Both of them are not only top champions of sumo but also exceptional human beings. Despite the challenging filming conditions — we were in the middle of a heatwave with intense heat — Hiroki and Ichi showed immense stoicism and dedication. They never once complained and were always willing to push forward, demonstrating the quiet strength and unwavering discipline that sumo wrestlers are known for.
In their home country of Japan, they are revered celebrities, admired on a god-like level — as the film puts it. Yet, they carry themselves with remarkable humility and respect. Their approach to everyone, no matter their role, was filled with the utmost politeness, grace, and a sense of great honor. It was a profound reminder of the values that are so deeply rooted in Japanese culture — honor, respect, integrity, and humility — all of which they embody effortlessly.
I have long admired Japanese culture, especially its emphasis on these values, and to witness them firsthand through Hiroki and Takashi was truly special. It was an honor to be part of a project that brought together the ancient wisdom and disciplined spirit of Japan with the bold, untamed energy of the Wild West.
Hiroki and Takashi are true champions — not only in sumo but also in the broader arena of human excellence. Their professionalism, work ethic, and grace are a testament to the best of what they represent. I feel deeply privileged to have worked alongside them and am truly grateful for the opportunity to share this experience. They did an exceptional job, and their presence was invaluable to the project.
I’d also like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to Andrew Freund, co-producer and co-creator of the project, for his incredible work and expertise in Japanese culture and sumo. His deep knowledge and passion played a huge role in shaping the film into what it is today. Andrew also helped us bridge the language barrier and ensured a smooth filming process by stepping in to assist with directing the Japanese portions of the scenes. His contributions were truly invaluable.
BK: What was it like working with Kaz Kobayashi, who plays Taka?
TN: Working with Kaz Kobayashi was a truly enjoyable experience. He’s incredibly polite and professional — always ready to shoot at a moment’s notice, with a consistently positive attitude and impeccable manners. His professionalism quickly earned the respect of both cast and crew.
Kaz brings a compelling presence to the screen, combining grace and intensity in a way that feels both powerful and natural. His sword-fighting scenes were especially impressive. The crowd was literally gasping. He gave an outstanding performance, and collaborating with him was seamless and genuinely rewarding.
BK: What was the hardest part of making The Wide West for you as an actor? What was the easiest?
TN: The hardest part was probably all the outfit changes. My character, Sybil, appears across six days in the script, which meant I had six different outfits—one for each day. Some days only involved one quick scene, so the changes were minimal. But on other days, there were multiple scenes shot out of order, and I had to run back and forth to the trailer to switch outfits. Each costume had a lot of intricate details, so the process wasn’t exactly quick or easy.
The easiest part was working with our cast and crew. We had such an amazing team, both in front of and behind the camera, and collaborating with them was truly enjoyable. It made the whole experience fun.
BK: What is your favorite scene in The Wide West?
TN: My favorite scene is the one at the store during the gang’s attack on the town—when Sybil’s gun misfires and Max rushes in at the last second to save her life and honor from the attacker holding her at gunpoint. It’s such a high-stakes, emotional moment. I loved it because I got to play the damsel in distress, rescued by a handsome hero.
I usually play strong, independent women who have to look out for themselves, so it was really nice to switch things up and portray a more traditionally feminine role—one where I was protected instead of doing the protecting. I think every woman, no matter how strong she has to be, secretly dreams of that kind of moment. And in my case, I got to bring that dream to life.
BK: According to IMDB, The Wide West is your second western. What do you enjoy about working in the western genre?
TN: Growing up, I always loved western movies. My Mom was a huge Clint Eastwood fan, and we watched a lot of classic westerns together. When I was a kid, my cousin and I would act out scenes inspired by those movies—sometimes with his collection of action figures. So being in a western has always been a dream of mine.
I’ve always been drawn to the cowboy lifestyle—the boots, the hats (I actually collect them!), the horses, and even the skill-based side of things like shooting and archery. Going to a firing range or an archery range are two of my favorite hobbies. I absolutely love the genre and find it fascinating.
Getting to act in a western feels like a childhood dream come true. To me, it’s one of the foundational genres of the film industry—an iconic piece of cinema history. I believe it’s a must-have experience for any actor who wants to explore as many different roles and worlds as possible. That’s why I started acting in the first place—to collect unique, unforgettable experiences. And filming a western in a traditional cowboy town, alongside Sumo champions and a Mr. Universe, is about as unique as it gets!
BK: According to IMDB you’ve worked as a stunt performer and fight choreographer in the past. How did you get involved in stunts and fight choreography?
TN: I was never a stunt double for anyone, but as an action actress, I’ve had the chance to be part of many on-screen fights, so I needed to train in stunts to perform them as authentically as possible. In most of my action projects, I’ve done my own stunts, with the exception of one film where a stunt double stepped in for a staircase fall and a complex double-knife fight sequence. At the time, I hadn’t yet developed the necessary technique for that scene—but I did perform the unmasked portion myself, using one of the knives.
I’ve spent a lot of time training with professional stunt performers because I really care about delivering strong, believable work, and that effort has definitely helped me grow as an actor and expand my skill set.
As for fight choreography, I’ve been lucky to collaborate on the design and development of several of my own fight scenes. My input was limited to contributing to the design of my scenes, in collaboration with my scene partners and the fight choreographers, who kindly invited my input. In some cases, the production team was generous enough to credit me for those contributions, even though I wasn’t the lead choreographer or stunt coordinator. I’m very grateful for that recognition. It’s always a team effort, and I’ve worked alongside some incredibly talented professionals who often contributed just as much—or more—to the final result.
I have a huge amount of respect for the stunt community. I’ve met some amazing people through that side of the industry, and I’m genuinely excited that the Academy finally introduced a nomination for stunt coordination—it’s a great and long-overdue step. A fun fact is that I actually took part in one of the peaceful parades petitioning for this recognition a few years ago, alongside some of the prominent stunt professionals I’ve worked and trained with. It was important to me to show support, not just in words, but by standing with them.
While I don’t consider myself a stuntwoman by trade, as an action actress I can say that stunt performers hold a very special place in my heart. They deserve far more recognition than they usually receive. I deeply admire their talent and character. They truly are some of the most positive, hardworking, fearless, humble, and reliable people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. I feel honored anytime I get to share that credit or collaborate with them.
BK: You’ve worked on several genre type projects in your career, both action and horror. Do you enjoy working in genre entertainment?
TN: It’s true—I’ve had the opportunity to explore a variety of genres as an actor, including action, horror, comedy, and drama. What I love most is the sense of adventure that comes with stepping into each new genre. Every project brings its own challenges, and I really enjoy the growth that comes from pushing myself to try something different each time.
For me, every role feels like a puzzle to solve or a mystery to uncover. As an artist, I’m drawn to the variety. It’s like traveling through parallel worlds in the multiverse. Each one has its own rules, tones, and emotional landscapes. And that constant shift keeps the work fresh, exciting, and creatively fulfilling. There’s always something new to discover, and I absolutely love that.
BK: What was it like working on the TV show The Mindy Project?
TN: It was a really fun and exciting experience. I genuinely enjoyed it! The cast and crew were kind, polite, and incredibly professional. The tone of the episode was lighthearted and playful, which made it even more enjoyable, especially since comedy is one of my favorite genres—alongside action-adventure.
It was also refreshing to work with a female director. That’s something I’ve only experienced a few times so far, so it always feels like a special treat when it happens. Overall, I have very fond memories of being on The Mindy Project, and I’m truly grateful for the opportunity.
BK: Any moviemaking heroes?
TN: Yes—definitely!
James Cameron is an absolute genius and my favorite director of all time. His ability to explore massive, high-concept ideas while also paying attention to the smallest details is incredible. He’s directed so many of my all-time favorite films, and it would be a dream come true to work on one of his sets.
Patty Jenkins is another hero of mine. She’s a female director I’d love to work with someday. What she accomplished with Wonder Woman was amazing—it was such a grand, visually stunning, and emotionally powerful film. Truly epic in every way.
Luc Besson has also had a huge influence on me. He directed one of my all-time favorite films, The Fifth Element. That movie had everything—past and future, good and evil, love and hate—with elements of comedy, drama, romance, horror, action-adventure, sci-fi, and fantasy. It even touched on fashion, literature, and philosophy—all blended together perfectly. I absolutely love it!
And last but definitely not least is Alexander Nevsky—one of my personal moviemaking heroes. I had the chance to watch him up close as he brought a project to life from the earliest spark of an idea. Through relentless hard work, he pulled together all the elements and people needed, and saw it through to completion and release. Watching how he tackled every challenge that came his way was incredibly inspiring. I truly admire his vision, dedication, and work ethic.
BK: Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
TN: Yes, absolutely! I recently played the lead in an action film that’s now in the final stages of post-production. While I don’t have a confirmed release date yet, it’s definitely right around the corner. The current working title is Prey of Wrath.
It’s a high-octane, action-packed story, and I play a female Spetsnaz special agent—something of a cross between Lara Croft, Black Widow, and G.I. Jane. The film was written and directed by Doug Tochioka, and produced by Benny Tjandra. I’m really excited for this one and can’t wait for audiences to see it!
BK: What do you hope audiences get out of The Wide West?
TN: The Wide West offers a truly unique cinematic experience by blending several cultural influences into one film. It’s a treat for fans of traditional spaghetti westerns, as it’s shot in a classic western style—but it also introduces unexpected elements that set it apart.
The fusion of Japanese and European cultures within the Wild West setting gives the film an international flavor that feels fresh and original. While we’ve seen cultural blends in film before, nothing quite compares to a sumo match taking place in a cowboy town. It’s bold, creative, and unforgettable.
Beyond its visual appeal and exciting action, the film also highlights timeless values like courage, stoicism, camaraderie, benevolence, and honor. My hope is that audiences not only enjoy the adventure and aesthetic, but also connect with the deeper message, reminding us of ideals that transcend time and place.
BK: Would you be interested in appearing in a potential The Wide West 2?
TN: Yes—absolutely! I would love to see how the story continues and where the characters go from here. There’s so much potential for further development, and being part of that world again would be an exciting adventure. I’d jump at the opportunity!
BK: Would you have wanted to live in The Old West?
TN: I’d love to visit and experience what it was like to live in the Old West—but just for a while! I really appreciate the comforts of the modern world, like being able to watch my favorite movies or call my friends and family anytime, anywhere.
That said, I’ve always felt a strange sense of familiarity with the Wild West. If past lives exist, I wouldn’t be surprised if I lived during that era—it’s a culture that has always resonated deeply with me. Interestingly, I’ve felt that same deep connection with Japanese culture. It’s another world that feels instinctively familiar, as if I’ve lived there before as well.
So being part of The Wide West, a film that blends both western and Japanese cultural elements, was more than just a creative opportunity. It felt spiritually gratifying, like I was reconnecting with two parts of myself at once. I’m truly grateful for the adventure.
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A very special thanks to Tatiana Neva for agreeing to participate in this interview and to david j. moore for setting it up.
The Wide West is currently available exclusively to stream on the Xumo Play platform.
Check out my review of The Wide West here!
Check out Tatiana Neva’s Instagram page here!
Check out Tatiana Neva’s IMDB page here!
Poster image courtesy of Hollywood Storm. All other images courtesy of Alexander Nevsky and Joe Cornet.
