Avianna Mynhier brings fearless Paloma to life in Armorsaurs, the new Disney+ action sci-fi series blending live-action and CGI dinosaurs. Filmed in South Korea and inspired by the original Korean production, the show follows five teen pilots chosen to defend Earth from alien threats. In this interview, Mynhier opens up about performing in a VFX-driven environment, the importance of strong female representation for young audiences, and how the project expanded her horizons both personally and professionally.
Armorsaurs blends action, sci-fi, and CGI dinosaurs. What first caught your attention when you read the script and realized you’d be part of this universe?
The scale! When I first read the script for Armorsaurs, I could immediately see how ambitious it was — armored dinosaurs, alien threats, underwater battle sequences. It was such a massive endeavor. But what really stayed with me beyond that first impression was that it had heart. It was about five young people learning how to trust themselves and each other under pressure. That sincere emotion mixed with high-concept sci-fi made me want to jump in immediately.
You play Paloma, one of the five teen pilots chosen for the Armorsaurs Program. What was your process for building this character, and what do you admire most about her?
At the beginning of season one, we see Paloma as sassy, sarcastic, fashion-forward, a little difficult. Then, by the end of episode three, we see how deeply intelligent she is. I admire her ability to be all of herself, not just the parts people expect. We are all so multifaceted, but it takes bravery to step into your fullest potential. Paloma learns that her intelligence is her superpower and she steps into it throughout season one, then expands on it in season two.
The series highlights themes like teamwork, courage, and growing into leadership. What do you think young audiences can learn from Paloma’s journey?
I think Paloma’s journey is what makes her loveable and relatable. She didn’t start out being good at everything! Growth is a natural part of the process. Even if you start out nervous, unsure, or defensive, you can put effort into evolving into someone that is truly confident, capable and dependable.
Filming took place in South Korea as part of an international production. What was that experience like for you, and what moments stood out the most?
Filming in South Korea was essential for our production, as our show is based on the South Korean original show Armored Saurus that came out in 2021. We got to see so much of the world and toys they had already built. Plus, working with our Korean camera crew elevated everyone’s game. They moved with such precision and pride. Off set, some of my favorite moments were karaoke nights with the cast, cruising along the Han River, exploring the city, eating new food. I fell in love with South Korea – I truly can’t wait to go back for season 2 this April.
Armorsaurs combines live-action with heavy visual effects. Was it challenging to perform while imagining creatures and environments that would be added later?
It was definitely a challenge! We were just in a green room, so everything from dinosaurs, to spaceships, to evil robots, was imagined. You have to commit to the wonder of it all. There’s no halfway ha! There’s also a technical precision required. The marks, eyelines and scale decisions have to be clear and exact. It’s a combination of imagination and technicality all at once, which I genuinely love.
Paloma is a strong female character in a show aimed at kids and teens. How important is that kind of representation to you?
It’s essential. All children need to see themselves represented on screen in all kinds of roles. It’s much easier to desire to be an astronaut, CEO, or president if you grow up seeing your identity pictured as one on TV. Your brain and subconscious process it as a real option for your life.
Looking at this moment in your career, what does being part of Armorsaurs mean to you personally and professionally, and what do you hope audiences take away from the series?
Being in a global Disney+ show like Armorsaurs is an honor. It’s such a departure from the grounded drama work I was doing on The Walking Dead and Blue Ridge. It’s pushed me in ways I hadn’t experienced before. Plus I adore making television for kids – the imagination, joy and wonder involved is unmatched. In my personal life, living and filming this show abroad in South Korea catalyzed so much growth. It’s broadened my horizons and expanded my sense of self.
I hope audiences feel joyful and electric! I hope the series sparks living room re-enactments and couch cushion command centers. I hope kids grab their Armorsaurs toys and say, “Okay, but what if Blaze does this next?” Then I’d feel like the world has landed — when it stops belonging to us and starts belonging to the audience. If children take the characters and build their own missions, plot twists, and heroic moments, then we’ve done something right. We didn’t just make a show, we sparked a universe in their imagination.
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