Jessica Henwick gets a kick out of ‘ Iron Fist’ role
Jessica Henwick doesn’t have to talk much about sacrificing her body for Netflix’s new series Marvel’s Iron Fist. Her Instagram account is worth a thousand words.
“It’s pretty vicious, right?” the British actress says, laughing about bruises she’s posted on social media from playing Colleen Wing, a martial- arts master who runs a New York dojo and helps Danny Rand ( Finn Jones) take on bad guys. But her comic- book throwdowns in
Iron Fist ( streaming Friday on Netflix) and the upcoming The Defenders are just one aspect of a geek- friendly couple of years: Henwick flew an X- Wing as pilot Jess Pava in Star Wars: The Force Awak
ens and cracks a mean whip as Nymeria Sand on HBO’s Game of Thrones.
The 24- year- old Asian actress checks in with USA TODAY about Colleen, Iron
Fist and whitewashing concerns that have plagued her new show.
Q What do you like about Danny and Colleen’s relationship?
A I found it quite a gender swap. Colleen has this dark sense of humor, she can be a little bit bullish, and she’s struggling living hand- to- mouth — all characteristics we’re more used to seeing from male lead characters. Danny’s wideeyed and naïve and innocent — he’s kind of an ingénue.
Q What’s the coolest martial- arts move you can do now?
AA spinning hook kick. I have bad mobility with my hips, and when we started, it would just make me cramp. I can’t do it amazingly well, but I can pass.
Q Iron Fist has always been white in the comics, but many fans were miffed that Marvel didn’t cast an Asian actor. Do you see both sides of the argument?
A I know what it is like to be misrepresented and underrepresented; however I’m also in the show, have seen Finn’s work and I’m Finn’s friend. ... It was like, ‘ Do I want to be a part of a show that’s already getting criticism?’ It is more about Danny’s journey in New York and him finding his identity than it is about Asian culture. But Colleen is a fascinating representation of an AsianAmerican and that was what sold me.
Q So can we expect you back in Star Wars: The Last Jedi?
A I’m contracted for three ( movies), but no, I’m not in the latest one. ( Force Awakens) is to date my favorite work experience. We had this thing where ( director J. J. Abrams) would stop filming in the middle of a take, blast music over the speaker and everyone would have to dance. And everyone did!
Q Game of Thrones returns in July. Anything you want to reveal?
A It’s quite explosive — that’s the word I would use for this season. The Sand Snakes meet some characters they’ve never seen before and the stakes of this season are as big as any previous season we’ve had.
Q What pop- culture franchise is next on your wish list?
AI know my brothers really want me in Star Trek, but I grew up with the Harry Potter books so if the opportunity came, I would kill to be a part of it.