"It was very different to any other job that I’ve done"
Gemma Chan has discussed taking on the role of Captain Marvel’s rival.
In a Deadline interview, Crazy Rich Asians star Gemma Chan talked about her experience playing the antagonist in the upcoming film Captain Marvel.
Chan revealed that the role demanded other qualities from her that she enjoyed exploring. “It was very different to any other job that I’ve done,” Chan said. “I enjoyed the physical challenge of it. I had to train for it.”
The 36-year-old praised her co-stars and the rest of the cast. “I loved working with Brie (Larson) and with (directors) Anna (Boden) and Ryan (Fleck) and the rest of the cast,” she said. “They’re all brilliant. I think the caliber of the people and the talent that Marvel can attract is what’s really attractive to me.”
Chan also revealed that she might not be allowed to see the film until it is released. “I haven’t seen it. I’ve heard a rumor that we’re not going to be allowed to see it. I think it’s Marvel policy, so I guess I’ll find out what makes the final cut when I see it with everyone else.”
Although the film was challenging and demanding, the British actress said she had fun being part of the film. “But it was fun to play something completely different. I mean, the makeup side of it was challenging, having to get there so crazily early, and then being one of the last to leave because the derig takes another hour after you’re finished, so that was really tough, but, I loved it. Brie’s a wonderful actress and she’s just a really good sort.”
“I think Marvel’s got such an amazing team. An incredible amount of work goes into it, and they really took care.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Chan discussed Crazy Rich Asians sequel China Rich Girlfriend, which will could centre more on her character Astrid.
“I don’t know exactly what they’re going to do in the sequels, but I think if they want to explore more of Astrid’s back story, the history of her marriage and her relationships, and also what she’s doing with her life, I think it’s really exciting,” Chan said. “You leave her at the end of the first film and you know, anything’s possible. I’ve loved it. I love playing those kinds of parts. What you see with Astrid is not necessarily what you get. There are layers to her. She’s someone who seemingly has it all together, but yet there’s a whole lot of stuff going on beneath the surface.”
Captain Marvel will premiere in March 2019.