If you could leave your regular life behind for a fairy tale, would you? The School for Good and Evil protagonists Agatha (Sofia Wylie) and Sophie (Sophia Anne Caruso) would certainly say yes. In the Paul Feig–directed movie, premiering Oct. 19, the best friends find themselves in an epic battle after they are swept away to the magical School for Good and Evil. Agatha and Sophie’s enchanted new academy trains the heroes and villains of your favorite storybooks to maintain the balance of good and evil the world over. 

That’s a big responsibility — and the just-released trailer and first-look photos of The School for Good and Evil prove its heroines are more than up for the job. 

Helen Sloan/Netflix

Sophia Ann Caruso, as Sophie, ponders her next move.

Sofia Wylie (and her hair gems) as Agatha. 

“Their dynamic feels so real and I think so many young girls will relate to their individual stories and how they connect, struggle and ultimately grow to appreciate the depth and love of what it means to be a friend,” Caruso tells Tudum. 

The bond between the girls is clear in the trailer and first images from the film, which include a photo of Agatha and Sophie holding hands and sharing a look of determination (seen above). Agatha’s gown might remind fans of fairy tales of a certain princess known for pumpkin rides and mouse friends. But was that on purpose?  

“I got to have a couple of meetings with [costume designer Renée Ehrlich Kalfus] prior to production, where we both shared our thoughts on Agatha’s journey throughout the movie,” Wylie says. “We wanted her clothing choices to reflect her internal state of growing confidence and strength.” 

Keep reading for a full glimpse into the looking glass of what you can expect from The School for Good and Evil. 

What do you want viewers to know about your characters — both individually and as friends? 
Sofia Wylie: Both of the girls have strengths that complement each other. When one of the characters is faltering, the other is there to pick them up. And yes, while they might fight and argue, at the end of the day, they love each other! 

Sophia Ann Caruso: I’m excited for viewers to see an example of friendship between two female protagonists [like Agatha and Sophie]. The movie is full of magic, but the real heart of it and the true magic is their love. 

Tell us about playing on-screen BFFs. How did you work on your chemistry as Agatha and Sophie? 
Wylie: Through spending time together on and off set, we just grew a natural friendship which helped translate on-screen. 

Caruso: I met Sofia first via Zoom and, even over a call, I knew her and I would make great friends. She lit up my laptop screen with a beautiful presence and she brought that light with her to set every day. We worked so closely and, over the course of months of shooting, I got to understand her goofy sense of humor and, to be honest, I didn’t have to invent chemistry... it was just there. 

Did anyone in production tell you about the fairy-tale inspiration for your characters?
Caruso: On my final ball gown, I always felt like a warrior-princess. The silver hand embroidered and beaded panel feels as if St. Joan walked a runway. 

Did you have to wear corsets during production? If so, how was it? 
Wylie: Yes! I had quite a few corsets and it was amazing. While they could be uncomfortable at certain moments of the day, it was also so much fun for me. I’ve always loved gowns and princess dresses, so getting to wear some of the most beautiful dresses I’ve ever laid my eyes on was magical.  

Caruso: Every day. Every damn day, I was in a corset. I think I have one costume that doesn’t have some sort of cinching or interior boning. I certainly finished the film with better posture than before. 

The set looks so elaborate in photos — and in the movie. What surprised you most during filming on them? 
Wylie: How practical everything was. Like the sets were made to be used and interacted with. The details put into each one were also so incredible. I wish a separate movie could be made just to show the sets fully.  

Caruso: In pre-production, I got to see the sets being built and a lot of the imagery of what the final product would look like. I knew how much detail and artistry was going into them, but, when I saw the final product, my jaw truly dropped. Once I was in the scene acting and playing out the story, I was truly transported. I’ve never worked on a set this beautifully built. 

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.