It’s heartbreaking no other black woman has won Oscar in 20 years
rise above obstacles.
“That’s what most people relate to because we all struggle in that way at some point. We’re struggling to survive and get it right and show up for ourselves and for our family.
“So there were so many things about it that felt like what I instinctively knew.
“My job was how I could convince the producers who had the rights to this movie that they should let me reimagine it for a middle-aged black woman and how I could play this fighter and how I could tell this story.”
Halle came up with a different slant – reshaping the world it was set in, the characters and the neighbourhood – and pitched it back to the producers.
She was surprised when they agreed, then tasked her with finding her own director. In the end, she trusted herself to take on that role too.
In the Netflix movie, which has yet to be given a release date, Halle plays disgraced martial arts fighter Jackie Justice.
Her comeback is blocked by a fearsome opponent known as Lady Killer, played by real-life UFC women’s flyweight champion Valentina Shevchenko, 32.
INSPIRED
Kyrgyzstan-born Shevchenko showed Halle the ropes and the pair became great friends. But filming was pretty tough, to say the least.
Halle cracked two ribs when she was floored by a knee to the chest during a climactic showdown.
Mum-of-two Halle – who immersed herself in jujitsu, judo, taekwondo and kickboxing for the role – said: “When you do your own stunts as I do, you have to accept there will be accidents.”Halle launched her own production company in 2014 and hopes young black actresses may take the directorial reins too.
Asked what inspired her to take creative control, Halle says: “I’m inspired to see so many women of colour writing, producing, directing, telling our own stories from our own guise, our own lands, daring to do so.
“And I’m also inspired by those who aren’t of colour who are supporting those of colour and helping them realise these opportunities and supporting them along the way. So it’s starting to feel better.”
X-Men star Halle draws on her own real-life tribulations when playing complex characters. Divorced three times, she has faced lawsuits, custody battles and bitter break-ups.
She says: “Every time I get those roles, I have a cathartic experience and some healing from my own self. And I get to share parts of myself that are hidden.”
Her latest role may involve fractures in the most physical sense of the word. But if there’s anyone who knows about triumphing against the odds, it’s Halle Berry.
Role was for a white girl aged 25... I convinced them to let me play it STAR HALLE ON HOW SHE LANDED NEW MOVIE PART