From SOCAPA to the Amazon: Samantha Lorraine, a 2023 SOCAPA Advanced Acting alum, leads the live-action adventure as a 16-year-old Dora, now streaming on Paramount+.
SOCAPA alum Samantha Lorraine has taken on one of the most beloved characters in children’s entertainment. She stars as a 16-year-old version of the iconic explorer in Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado, the live-action adventure that premiered on July 2, 2025.
The adventure
Dora, her cousin Diego (Jacob Rodriguez) and their friends trek deep into the Amazonian jungle to find the ancient treasure of Sol Dorado before it falls into the wrong hands. Inspired by adventure classics like Indiana Jones and The Goonies, the film puts an older Dora up against high-stakes challenges, and she meets every one of them with her signature optimism.
Leading the way
Stepping into a title role that generations of kids grew up with is no small thing. A lead carries the story, the action and the heart of the film, and we are thrilled to see a SOCAPA alum leading this adventure. We can’t wait to see where Samantha goes next.
Where it started
Samantha trained in SOCAPA’s 3-Week Advanced Acting program in New York City in summer 2023. Her classmates that summer included Sunny Sandler and Scarlett Estevez, who now star together in Netflix’s Don’t Say Good Luck. Samantha and Sunny also played best friends in Netflix’s You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah. Three alumni from one session, all on screen: that is the kind of summer SOCAPA is built for.
Where to watch
Dora and the Search for Sol Dorado is available on Paramount+ and Nickelodeon. Watch the trailer above.
Your story starts here
SOCAPA’s Acting program trains teen actors in scene study, on-camera work and audition prep, in New York City, Los Angeles and Vermont. Explore the program below.
