The actress stars as Mary Bromfield in Shazam! Fury of the Gods, the anticipated superhero sequel based on the original DC Comics character, Shazam.
What has been your favorite part about filming "Shazam! Fury of the Gods?" Were there any big changes from the first film?
There’s a big change in this one for me. I still play human Mary but now I also play super Mary. I got to work with both casts from the Shazam family, the kids, and the adults, and it was just so incredibly fun. I mean… I got to play with everyone!
Did you have a favorite superhero growing up?
I grew up on “Batman: The Animated Series” and “Justice League”. I’ve always loved Batman, but Hawk Girl was one of my favorite characters from “Justice League”. They both have this inner strength that I admire. But truthfully, I used Mary herself for reference and had the joy of being able to dive into her beautiful comic book history.
In addition to acting, you were also a director on Hart of the Wild Bunch. How do you approach directing and how have your experiences as an actress influenced this?
It’s been affirming of all the years I’ve had on set. I found myself recalling little problem-solving methods I’d learned from different directors I’d worked with. When I’m acting on a set, I love observing everyone else in their respective roles and understanding how the puzzle fits together. Directing felt a bit like making music - harmonizing everyone together and really making sure everyone’s instrument was carefully being used to serve the story.
You have played a vast array of characters and genres. How do you prepare yourself for a role?
The process differs! With Fall it was quite physical, so I was in a bootcamp leading up to it. For playing super Mary, I was taking kickboxing classes and Taekwondo. When it comes to prepping the material, I like to map out my character’s emotional journey, and be aware of how each segment of the story connects to one another… what came before, what follows. With films generally being shot out of order, it’s a massive help for keeping myself grounded in the story.
Growing up, who were your biggest inspirations?
I’m a big fan of Christian Bale - I love that even when he’s silent, there’s something behind his eyes he’s thinking on. Also, Carey Mulligan, she also has this quality of something more behind the eyes. They both play characters with an inner strength… sometimes proud, often humbled. It’s a dream of mine to work opposite either of them one day.
Do you have a dream role that you have always wanted to play?
A role acting opposite Christian Bale or Carey Mulligan! I’d also love to play in an English period drama. I’m always asking my team for a period piece. But no in all seriousness, I desperately want to play someone who lived. The attention to detail required and the level of study needed in crafting one’s performance when playing a real person… spending time understanding their heart and soul, their actions, their life, I find it terribly poetic. A lofty dream is to play Audrey Hepburn, I just think it’d be the greatest joy, spending time learning all I could learn. It would be sweet to be able to use my ballet background as well.. It just seems like a marvelous job. Can you even call it a job at that point?
Make sure to follow MUD on Instagram for the best conversations with your favorite actors, artists, and internet personalities.