Keke Palmer Praises SZA's Acting Debut inOne of Them Days: 'The World Is About to Be Just Gagged' (Exclusive)

Mar. 15, 2025

Don’t snooze onSZA’s big-screen debut inOne of Them Days. Her costar in the comedy,Keke Palmerhails the Grammy-winning singer as a natural.

“The world is about to be just gagged,” Palmer, 31, tells PEOPLE in an interview alongside SZA, 35, and producerIssa Raeconducted in December. “Honestly, it’s so, so good. I really am just so proud of you and the movie. It’s all, to me, a match made in heaven.”

SZA admits she was nervous about adding actress to her list of talents — or, as she puts it, “scared as hell,” “terrified” and “anxious.” Still, it’s a “bucket-list” moment for her, she explains.

“I’m trying something brand new. All I can do is try my best, you know, and thank God for the opportunity and just kinda lean into and accept it as a growing experience,” says SZA. “I have tons of fears of being perceived on camera, talking, my voice [and] being next to Keke, who’s a superstar of so many multitudes.”

SZA and Keke Palmer in “One of Them Days”.Anne Marie Fox/Sony

Anne Marie Fox/Sony

Palmer, who’s been in front of the camera since her child stardom days, says she and SZA first interacted over Instagram DMs (they had a “simple” back-and-forth about “girl stuff,” she says) before meeting in person atSaturday Night Live. Palmer hosted alongside SZA as the musical guest on a December 2022 episode, spawningthat viral “Bad Boys” cuffing season song.

SZA says she felt Palmer was “larger-than-life, unreal and impossible” after accomplishing so many things over the course of her career. However, “then when I met her atSNL, she was so real and possible and present. So funny and enigmatic. Within three seconds of talking to her I was like, ‘Oh, s—!’ I loved it. I wanted more.”

“It’s like looking in a mirror,” adds Palmer.

SZA and Keke Palmer on Jan. 6, 2025.Marion Curtis/Starpix for Sony/Tristar Pictures

Marion Curtis/Starpix for Sony/Tristar Pictures

Their chemistry was “good” from the get-go, says Palmer, but it only grew “stronger” the more time they spent filming together, resulting in a true friendship.

SZA says of her time with Palmer on set, “Every day, 12 hours of real-life conversation. It was like a crash course, like a speed date but very intense.”

“We actually liked each other. We was gonna get married at the end. I was gonna say ‘I do,’ " adds SZA with a smile. Palmer agrees, “It was giving that.”

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Insecurealum Rae, 40, who produced the film via her Hoorae Media company, says Palmer and SZA shine together, on camera and off.

“[SZA] freaking killed it, and watching Keke overextend and be like, ‘Yo, let’s go to each other’s houses. Let’s rehearse. Let’s do this.’ Watching her embrace SZA throughout the process, I was like, ‘This is something that Dreux would do for Alyssa,’ " says Rae. “Watching [SZA] show up and be present and wanting to do the best job possible — and actually doing it — it just made sense and it all fit together.”

One of Them Daysis in theaters Jan. 17.

source: people.com