In a delightful surprise for fans of Adult Swim’s genre-bending storytelling, the much-loved Yule Log franchise has made its return just in time for the holidays. Actress and comedian Andrea Laing, known for her role as Zoe, is back and ready to take audiences on another wild, chaotic, and darkly comedic journey. The special premiered on December 6th, with viewers able to stream it now on MAX.

“Reprising my role as Zoe for Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out was a freakin’ blast, especially knowing it’s coming back as a surprise holiday treat,” Andrea shares. “The movie has such a unique blend of dark humor, absurdity, and surrealism, and Zoe is such a fun character to embody within that strange world.”

For those unfamiliar, Yule Log masterfully mixes horror and comedy in a way that only Adult Swim can—unsettling one moment, absurdly hilarious the next. For Andrea, striking that balance as Zoe is all about timing and contrast. “Balancing horror and comedy means playing with the contrast of fear and humor, using timing, absurdity, and emotional grounding to keep the audience engaged. Zoe handles the weirdest twists with a mixture of sarcasm, deadpan humor, and just the right amount of emotional truth.”

While the first Yule Log installment introduced audiences to its bizarre holiday setting and quirky characters, the sequel is said to go even deeper. “Yule Log 2 seems to embrace a more intricate narrative. The sequel introduces a deeper storyline, with characters having more defined arcs and backstories,” Andrea reveals. “For Zoe, that means exploring her personality and relationships in ways that make her feel fresh while staying true to who she was.”

Andrea credits her Jamaican upbringing—and the tension between her cultural roots and her American schooling—for shaping her unique comedic perspective. “The paradox of being raised first-gen Jamaican while growing up in a private Catholic school created this fertile ground for humor. The contrast between these two worlds gave me so much material to work with, both in comedy and storytelling.”

Before her breakout performances in Yule Log and hit projects like Pain Hustlers (alongside Emily Blunt and Chris Evans), Andrea honed her skills in sketch comedy. For her, sketch was the perfect training ground to build her adaptability as a performer. “Sketch comedy teaches you to be quick, flexible, and instinctive. You’re constantly switching between characters and tones, which translates so well to acting in sitcoms, dramas, and even experimental work like Yule Log.”

Working with Adult Swim, a network celebrated for its offbeat creativity, has only deepened Andrea’s appreciation for pushing boundaries. “Adult Swim encourages actors to think outside the box. With a character like Zoe, it means blending comedy, drama, and the surreal to make her multi-dimensional and real.”

Of course, no Yule Log production would be complete without its own off-kilter behind-the-scenes moments. Andrea laughs when recalling filming a holiday movie in the heat of summer. “Filming a Christmas movie in July is… something! But honestly, I’m so impressed with the entire team—from the special effects crew to Casper Kelly and MediaTeam. There are some intricate and unusual costumes, incredible improvised moments, and even nods to classic horror movies that fans will appreciate.”

For Andrea, Zoe has become a perfect vehicle to showcase both her comedic timing and her ability to tap into deeper emotional beats. “The interplay between absurd humor and surprising depth is what makes Zoe special. Life is full of moments where humor and drama coexist, and tapping into that makes her feel real. You laugh with her, but you can also empathize with her in the more serious moments.”

When she’s not delighting audiences onscreen, Andrea is no stranger to adventure offscreen. As the face of Delta Airlines’ 2022 campaign—narrated by Viola Davis—Andrea has had the privilege of globetrotting across the globe, accumulating stories and recommendations for the best places to eat, stay, and explore. “You’ll rarely catch me in one place for too long,” she quips.

With Yule Log 2: Branchin’ Out now streaming on MAX following its December 6th premiere, Andrea is excited for fans to experience yet another unpredictable, holiday-themed thrill ride. Whether it’s heartwarming dinner scenes, unexpected returning faces, or Zoe’s signature blend of wit and resilience, viewers are in for something truly special. “Exploring the unknown is what fuels the excitement for me,” Andrea says with a smile.Catch Andrea Laing as Zoe in Yule Log 2, now available to stream on MAX.

Photo Credits:
Photographer: Ben Cope
Stylist: Jules Wood
Makeup: T’ai Rising-Moore