Dressed to kill

Ana de Armas on No Time To Die’s subversive femme fatale…

How did you get involved?

Cary and I met probably two years before James Bond for a different project that didn’t materialise. But I guess we connected, because he called to say he was thinking of me for a character that wasn’t on the page yet, but she was Cuban. It was very flattering and very exciting.

How would you describe Paloma?

Paloma is something else. She’s way more complex. She had another dimension. She has a different attitude about her, and a different way she carries herself, and a different background, and all of those little things that – when you’re writing a female character in a movie like this – matter, and make her different. She has a purpose, and she speaks her mind, and she gets nervous, which makes it really real, and really fun for me. I’m doing my version of a Bond girl.

Were you convinced by the Cuba set?

It was pretty accurate! They did an amazing job. I wish we had done it in Cuba for real, but it still felt very special to me. For a movie like this to have a bit of Cuba in it, and then the entire world is going to see it – it means a lot.

Was it a challenge performing action scenes in that dress?

Trust me, it was not the easiest thing in the world! That dress, and carrying those guns… it was challenging, and the weather was really cold. I was enjoying it, but I also wanted it to be over so much [laughs]. And on top of that you have the most prepared crew in the world, so all you’re thinking is, “I hope I’m not the one who fucks it up!”

Did you see a different side to Daniel after working together on Knives Out?

Completely different. When you get to set, and see how comfortable he is, and how much domain he has over the whole production. It’s incredible.

Did you get the sense you were working on a landmark Bond film?

Absolutely. What Daniel has done with the character is very special. I was lucky enough to be there on the last day and everyone was very emotional. But we all need some closure in our lives at some point.

How have you found playing Marilyn Monroe for Blonde?

It was terrifying. I didn’t know much about Marilyn – just everything on the surface. When I met Andrew

[Dominik] I started reading and listening to her. I discovered someone with a big soul, and a lot of pain, and a lot to tell. I got very attached to her and her story, and gave it my all.