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Prepare to be swept away by DreamWorks Animation's latest offering, "Ruby Gillman: Teenage Kraken" hitting theaters on June 30.  On the Trending Stage of VidCon 2023, attendees were treated to an exclusive interview between Juju Green and the talented Lana Condor known for her role in the beloved "To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before" franchise. 

Discovering your true self is a universal journey that we all undertake, a voyage often filled with trials, triumphs, and transformation. The high seas of this journey are never so turbulent as they seem in high school. Condor, no stranger to bringing to life characters that inspire personal growth and self discovery, continues to deliver.   

Condor voices the titular character, a sweet, awkward 16-year-old, who craves to fit into the social puzzle of Oceanside High. Condor's portrayal of Ruby will resonate with many, as her character navigates the complex dynamics of high school, a feeling of invisibility, a crush who admires her only for her fractal mathematical skills, and an overprotective mother forbidding her from swimming in the ocean.  This groundbreaking film promises to captivate audiences with its originality, thrilling plot, and the introduction of the first female lead in a Dreamworks movie. Lana Condor shares her experiences stepping into this role and the potential for a future franchise. 

The movie, featuring an original storyline, reveals Ruby Gillman to be more than just a high school student, but a giant Kraken warrior princess tasked with protecting the ocean. It's a departure from the usual DreamWorks style, and both Condor and Green are eager to see the world's reception.

Condor and Green shared an amusing exchange about their roles. Green, who was surprised with the role of the gym teacher, spoke about his first impression of the character. He fell in love with Ruby's character and thought the gym teacher seemed "pretty cool", never expecting he'd be the one to bring him to life. Condor joked about wishing that happened to her when auditioning for jobs.

When asked about the potential for a franchise, Condor was optimistic. The movie, she noted, leaves the door open for more sea battles and adventures for Ruby. Juju Green jokingly suggested a spin-off featuring his cameo as a gym teacher. Given the positive feedback from VidCon attendees and the buzz around the film, there's certainly potential for Ruby's story to become a mainstay in DreamWorks' repertoire.

Looking back at her filmography, Condor expressed a fondness for DreamWorks' classics, citing "Kung Fu Panda" as a favorite. The conversation veered towards past DreamWorks hits like "Shrek", "How to Train Your Dragon", and the lesser-known "Prince of Egypt", all of which had memorable soundtracks and iconic storylines.

Amid laughter and nostalgia, the discussion also touched on Condor's personal life. She recounted her prom experience—or lack thereof—since she graduated early to pursue acting. However, through the lens of film and television, she's had a taste of the quintessential high school event.

In "Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken", there's also a central prom plot, allowing Condor another chance to live out the rite of passage vicariously. Juju Green, on the other hand, shared a bittersweet memory of being stood up at his own prom, which provided a touch of real-life drama to their exchange.

The pair's interaction at VidCon 2023 was a charming mix of shared reminiscences, reflections on Condor's new role, and hopes for the future. With her portrayal of Ruby Gilman, Condor has not only made history with DreamWorks but also charted a new path for female leads in animation.

Rounding out the Gillman family the film also includes Ruby's over-protective supermom played by Oscar nominee Toni Collette (Knives Out) and her supportive dad voiced by Emmy winner Colman Domingo (Fear the Walking Dead), as well as an enthusiastic uncle, voiced by Emmy nominee Sam Richardson (Veep), a cool younger brother, played by Blue Chapman (Council of Dads), and an iconic grandmother, played by Jane Fonda.

The film also boasts a strong supporting cast that includes Emmy nominee Will Forte (The Last Man on Earth), Emmy nominee Nicole Byer (Nailed It!), YouTube Diamond creator Liza Koshy (Liza on Demand), Ramona Young (Never Have I Ever), Eduardo Franco (Stranger Things), and Echo Kellum (Arrow).

With such an outstanding cast, it promises to be an entertaining exploration of Ruby's journey to self-discovery, her acceptance of a destiny larger than she ever imagined, and the courage to protect those she holds dear. DreamWorks has a knack for creating characters we love and memorable storylines, and it looks like "Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken" could be the next gem in their collection. And who knows? Perhaps Ruby will get a chance to grow up in front of our eyes, much like we've seen other characters do in DreamWorks' long-standing franchises.

Until then, Lana Condor, Juju Green, and the rest of the "Ruby Gilman, Teenage Kraken" team will be waiting with bated breath, hoping that audiences fall in love with their unique sea-faring adventure.