On-Set Interview with Elizabeth Banks – What to Expect When You’re Expecting

By: Ashley

When I was in Atlanta this September, I stood at the back of a huge convention room filled with hundreds of pregnant women… or were they? Sound crazy? That’s because it was! Thanks to an invite from Lionsgate, I was able to go on set as they filmed a pee your pants HILARIOUS scene from the coming soon movie What to Expect When You’re Expecting (this analogy might be funnier for those during pregnancy or suffering from a post baby bladder!). A few other bloggers and I had the chance to watch one of the stars, Elizabeth Banks, in action before we sat down and talked with her for a bit about her role as a mom both on and off the screen.

In the scene, Elizabeth Banks plays Wendy. This character is a mom who has a dream of what a breeze pregnancy will be since she has so much information and insight into the whole process. Wendy runs a specialty boutique in the heart of Atlanta called The Breast Choice where she is a proud supporter of breastfeeding and all things baby. According to Banks, Wendy, “learns that pregnancy is such a different experience for everyone,” and you really see her journey as “she learns not to judge.” I often write about all of those things I thought I knew before having my own son, so that is a character I think lots of moms can relate to!

Sitting in the hall of the Georgia World Congress Center, surrounded by women with baby bellies (both prosthetic and real), Elizabeth Banks graciously offered a few minutes of her time. I was amazed at how genuine and down to Earth she was (not to mention INCREDIBLY funny). Since Elizabeth had literally JUST finished filming another movie 4 days before she started filming What to Expect she talked about her life as a working mom. She works to spend as much time with her son as possible. She considers herself lucky that he’s able to come to work with her, but said she does like every working mom and does the best she can. In an interview with WhatToExpect.com Banks added that she wants Felix (her son) to know that she is passionate about something.

Among the wit, sarcasm, and off the cuff jokes that Elizabeth shared with us, one of my favorites had to be when she was asked about her favorite “go to” book for parenting advice. She adamantly believes that we “don’t rely enough on common sense!” I really agree with her attitude that things happen and you have to learn as you go.

When I asked Elizabeth what had changed for her since entering mommyhood, her response was one I think we can all relate to. “I am learning so much more about the capacity of joy. I didn’t know it was possibly to have this much joy in (her) life.” Sure we all have our not so great moments, but when it’s all said and done, isn’t that the truth? Our kids do bring us joy!

My experience visiting the set of What to Expect and meeting a Hollywood star was amazing. A big thank you to Lionsgate for inviting me and having us out for such a great adventure. Next stop? May 18 to see What to Expect when it lands in theatres! If Elizabeth Banks is ½ as funny on screen as she is off, you might want to make sure you don’t drink too much soda, if you know what I mean! 😉

What to Expect When You’re Expecting pops into theaters May 18 just in time for Mother’s Day.

Travel expenses were covered by Lionsgate.