‘ACTING IS ABOUT BEING FEARLESS’
JODIE COMER OPENS UP ABOUT KILLING EVE COMING TO AN END AND SURVIVING IN HER INDUSTRY AS A YOUNG FEMALE STAR
She saw her career change forever when she was cast as the Russian assassin Villanelle in the show Killing Eve, achieving critical acclaim around the world and scooping a number of awards.
Now, with the show’s fourth season set to be the last, Jodie Comer admits she’s finding it hard to come to terms with saying goodbye to the iconic part. “I’ve just had so much fun. I’ve been in such strange, funny situations and have met some amazing, amazing people.”
Jodie, 28, has also recently turned her attention to the big screen, starring alongside Ryan Reynolds in the new film Free Guy. She also has a lead role in the upcoming Channel 4 flick Help.
Here, the Liverpudlian star opens up about her instant connection with Sandra Oh, her future career and working alongside Stephen Graham...
Hi Jodie. What will you miss the most about playing Villanelle when Killing Eve comes to an end?
Oh gosh, don’t say that out loud! [Laughs] I’ve just had so much fun and I’ve learnt on this job that as long as there’s a truth in what you’re saying, acting can be big and can be bold. It can be in your face and it can be a bit ugly and it can be all of these different things. I’ve just had so much fun.
How has working with Sandra Oh elevated the experience for you?
What’s incredible is sometimes you get to set and you can meet someone and there’s just a really strong connection. And I feel like I felt that with Sandra the moment I auditioned with her – those relationships where you don’t have to say an awful lot, but then when doing the material it’s all kind of fizzing away. She’s been incredible to me. When the show started, I remember her and the writer Phoebe [Waller-bridge] were like, “This show could be kind of a big thing! We’re just warning you so you can prepare yourself.” So she’s always kind of put her arm around me in that way.
How difficult is it to strike that balance between comedy and drama?
I think what I’ve learnt, the hard way, is the moment you try to play comedy, it’s not funny. It’s trying not to think of it from the outside in and just think of the character, think of the dialogue. And it’s about being a little bit fearless with it.
You recently got to work with Stephen Graham on the film Help. What was that experience like?
It was amazing. I also embarrassingly slid into the writer Jack Thorne’s DMS when I was on Twitter and I told him that I wanted to work with him. And then simultaneously, without even knowing, Stephen had got in touch with Jack and was like, “Jack, will you write something for me and Jodie?” And then it just became this thing.
What is your dream role?
I don’t necessarily have a dream role. What I’d like to continue is trusting my instincts. I feel like when you find yourself in a good position, and you’re considered successful, there are so many opportunities that can come your way that may not necessarily ring true to you but could bring you [something]. I think for me it’s actually about continuing to work with people who I truly admire and want to learn from.
What advice would you give to young actresses?
Keep your head down, focus on what you’re doing and don’t expect it to all be here tomorrow.
What have you been watching on TV over the last year?
Normal People, I May Destroy You, I Hate Suzie… I’m also obsessed now with Call My Agent on Netflix. That’s something that I’m really enjoying as well. It’s been an incredible year for television.