Anya Taylor‑Joy’s Age While Filming “The Witch”
When Robert Eggers released the critically acclaimed horror film The Witch in 2015, a 19‑year‑old actress stole the spotlight with a haunting performance that launched her into Hollywood stardom. That actress was Anya Taylor‑Joy, and understanding her exact age during production helps fans appreciate the maturity she brought to the role of Thomasin.
Who Is Anya Taylor‑Joy?
Anya Taylor‑Joy was born on April 16, 1996 in Miami, Florida, to a Spanish‑American mother and an English father. She grew up in Argentina and later moved to London, where she trained at the prestigious Guildhall School of Music & Drama. Before The Witch, Taylor‑Joy appeared in a few short films and television projects, but none had given her the platform to showcase her full range.
Early Career Highlights
- 2014 – Guest role in the BBC series Endeavour
- 2014 – Minor part in the indie drama Vampire Academy
- 2015 – Cast as Thomas Thomasin in Eggers’ period horror
The Witch: A Breakthrough Horror Film
Written and directed by Robert Eggers, The Witch (originally titled A New‑England Folktale) is a meticulously researched period piece set in 1630s New England. The film follows a Puritan family that is exiled to a remote farm, only to encounter a malevolent presence in the surrounding woods. The unsettling ending—where the youngest daughter embraces a terrifying fate—has become a touchstone for modern horror.
Production Timeline
Principal photography for The Witch began on March 2, 2015 and wrapped on April 28, 2015. The shoot took place primarily in Canada’s Nova Scotia, chosen for its authentic colonial landscapes. Because the filming schedule spanned the first two months of spring 2015, it intersected directly with Taylor‑Joy’s birthday.
Age on Set
Given her birthdate (April 16, 1996), Anya Taylor‑Joy was 18 years old when filming started
