For Rainbow Wedell, the journey to becoming a central figure in the supernatural mystery School Spirits was less of a straight line and more of a global odyssey. Born in Queensland and raised amidst a nomadic childhood that spanned numerous countries, Wedell credits her early exposure to diverse cultures as the foundation of her worldview. “Getting to live in different places and experience new cultures opened her eyes to how big and diverse the world is,” she tells GU. This upbringing instilled a deep curiosity and an appreciation for various perspectives that now informs her approach to every character she inhabits. “I think that has influenced both who I am as a person and how I approach storytelling,” she explains.
Despite her early start in the industry, Wedell eventually took a deliberate step back to study health sciences. This hiatus was not a departure but a necessary recalibration that allowed her to rediscover her passion for performance. “Taking time to study health sciences was really valuable for me, but during that period I realized how much I missed acting,” Wedell reflects. While she found value in her academic pursuits, the pull toward the set remained undeniable. “Stepping back gave me a renewed desire for it and ultimately made me love it even more,” she adds.
The true turning point in her artistic commitment came through a combination of literature and timing. During the isolation of the pandemic, Wedell found herself immersed in Larry Moss’s book, Intent To Live. “The way he writes about acting and the craft completely shifted the way I thought about it,” she says. “It reminded me of why storytelling matters and why actors do what they do.” This moment of reflection, paired with the rare opportunity to focus entirely on her growth without the typical distractions of the industry, served as the ultimate catalyst. It was during this period of self-reflection that she laid the foundation for her eventual casting as Claire.
In the world of School Spirits, Wedell’s portrayal of Claire has sparked intense interest and some creative speculation from the show’s dedicated fanbase. One of the most amusing theories she encountered suggested that a moment of vulnerability in the second season was a precursor to her character being body-snatched. “I know it would be difficult to act, but Peyton makes body-snatching look so fun and iconic, I hope I get to try it one day,” Wedell jokes. Interestingly, her path to Claire began with an audition for the ghost character Rhonda. Preparing for a spectral role required her to explore the weight of unresolved history and silence, a perspective that proved surprisingly useful for playing a living character like Claire. “That preparation helped me think more about what’s going on beneath the surface of a character, even when it isn’t being said out loud,” she explains.
Wedell’s creative process is often sensory, relying on music to access the emotional landscape of her characters. “Certain songs really help me tap into the emotional world of a character,” she notes, mentioning that “Messy” by Lola Young was a significant influence while working on Claire. Beyond sound, she finds that physical shifts, like wearing specific clothing associated with a character, help bridge the gap between herself and the script. This grounded approach extends to her personal life and self-care. Rooted in her Australian upbringing, she views sun protection as a “non-negotiable” necessity. For maintaining her signature curls, she relies on silk pillowcases or a bonnet, noting that “it’s made such a difference in keeping my curls intact and reducing frizz.”
Looking toward the future, Wedell remains open to the vast possibilities of the industry. While she has successfully navigated the supernatural teen drama genre, her ambitions lean toward horror, action, and any narrative that feels grounded in genuine human connection. “Honestly, I want to do everything,” she says. “More than anything, I want to be part of stories that need to be told. Ones that make people feel something and connect with the characters in a genuine way.” Whether she is exploring a gritty indie project or a high-octane action film, Wedell is driven by a desire to inhabit roles that allow audiences to feel something real and lasting.