Spies, assassins and Indiana Jones: behind Phoebe Waller-bridge’s new Hollywood move
WHEN PHOEBE WALLER-BRIDGE first arrived on our screens in Fleabag, it was clear we were witnessing the birth of a major new talent. What we may not have anticipated was that Phoebe would use the comedy as a launchpad for Hollywood. Now, though, the award-winning writer and actor is making impressive steps in her A-list journey.
Earlier this month, Disney Studios announced that Phoebe was joining Harrison Ford in the next instalment of the beloved Indiana Jones film franchise. ‘I’m thrilled to be starting a new adventure, collaborating with a dream team of all-time great film-makers,’ the film’s director James Mangold said. ‘When you add Phoebe, a dazzling actor, brilliant creative voice and the chemistry she will undoubtedly bring to our set, I can’t help but feel as lucky as Indiana Jones himself.’ This may not be Phoebe’s first role in a major blockbuster – she provided the voice of a droid in Star Wars spin-off Solo – but it is without doubt her most high-profile booking to date.
‘She is very much in that highest tier of sought-after talent at this point: she was top choice by a mile,’ says a source in LA. ‘Everyone who’s worked with her has attested that she’s a consummate pro and a real perfectionist. This is a huge deal and says a lot in terms of how spectacularly high Phoebe’s star has risen.’
Her reputation as a colleague is widely known. ‘A lot of the time, as directors you get a very privileged view of people – but you can see the people who really care about everyone,’ Gabe Turner, who directed Phoebe in Harry Styles’ music video for Treat People With Kindness told Grazia. ‘Phoebe bought cupcakes for the entire production crew.’
Indeed, Phoebe has become one of the world’s most in-demand names in entertainment. This September, we will finally see her contribution to the Bond series after she became only the second woman in the franchise’s history to join the writing team, for No Time To Die. She is also working with fellow actor/writer Donald Glover on a TV version of Mr & Mrs Smith, as part of her multimilliondollar deal with Amazon Studios. With her next 12 months booked up – Indiana Jones will be in cinemas next July – some are wondering if she’ll choose to head to LA on a more full-time basis.
‘Right now, she’s settled in the UK but there’s talk in Hollywood that she would benefit from moving closer to the action and basing herself in California part-time,’ says a source. ‘There’s a growing feeling that top talent needs to be in it to win it, in terms of visibility and commitment to the area.’ A friend, however, says Phoebe is happy where she is. ‘With the rise of virtual meetings, auditions and press activity, it’s never been easier to build your career from your kitchen table,’ they say. ‘I don’t think Phoebe will ever leave the UK for good. But you’d be a fool to think that could stop her ascent.’