Jessica Henwick currently finds herself in a position not unlike the character she plays in the new A24 tragicomedy How to Make a Killing. In the film, directed by John Patton Ford, Henwick portrays Ruth, a woman who abandons the frantic world of high fashion for the quiet life of an English teacher.
It is a role that seems to mirror Henwick’s own shifting priorities. While she has spent years as a mainstay in major franchises—including Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and the Marvel Cinematic Universe—she is increasingly drawn to the smaller, more deliberate world of independent filmmaking.
Moving away from the “Dream Big” trend
In a wide-ranging conversation with the Hollywood Reporter, Henwick spoke about the cultural pressure to constantly aim for more. She noted that many recent films have emphasized a “dream big” philosophy, but her character offers a different perspective.
“I definitely subscribed to it for a really long time,” Henwick admitted. “And that drive and discontent has got me to where I am. But, ultimately, would I be happier if I was not so driven? Yeah, maybe. No one talks about the beauty of simple living.”
She believes that Ruth’s choice to “dream small” is actually a reaction to a real-world movement. “I think that’s why ‘slow life’ is such a trend online at the moment,” she said. “So Ruth is speaking to a movement that is happening right now.”
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Henwick’s interest in the “slow life” extends to her professional goals. Following a BAFTA nomination for her short film Bus Girl, she is now focused on securing funding for her first feature-length project as a director.
She explained that she is currently going through a process of figuring out what she actually wants from her career. “I really relate to the idea of acting versus the reality of acting,” she told the Hollywood Reporter. “I am trying to get my debut feature funded right now, and it makes me so excited thinking about it. I’ll always love acting. It’s my first love. But the idea of writing and directing does light me up.”
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For many fans, the big question remains whether Henwick will return to her role as Colleen Wing in the Disney Plus series Daredevil: Born Again. While her co-stars from the original Netflix series have begun to appear in the new show, Henwick confirmed that she is not currently part of the cast.
“I’m not on Daredevil: Born Again,” she stated clearly. She did, however, visit the set to support her former colleagues. “Seeing Charlie [Cox] in the suit was so nostalgic and fun. He’s just so perfect in that role. I’m really excited for the fans. They’re going to be happy.”
Despite her desire to move behind the camera, Henwick’s acting slate remains full. She is set to appear in the third season of the Apple TV+ series Silo and a new Netflix limited series, Vladimir, opposite Rachel Weisz.
She also recently wrapped production on a comedy-thriller starring Taron Egerton. While the film is currently titled Everyone Wants to F** Me*, Henwick expects a more polite name by the time it reaches the public. “I expect the title to become Everybody or Everybody Wants Me,” she joked. “There’s no way that they will put that on a bus stop.”
