The Unsettling Charm of Cassandra Nova: Emma Corrin Talks ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’
The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is about to get a whole lot more unpredictable. In Deadpool & Wolverine, the highly anticipated Marvel Studios cinematic event, audiences are set to encounter Cassandra Nova, a telepathic antagonist with a chilling past and an even more chilling presence. Played by the multi-talented Emma Corrin, known for their acclaimed performance as Princess Diana in The Crown, Cassandra promises to be a villain unlike any seen before.
In a captivating interview with io9, Corrin dives into the captivating intricacies of their portrayal of Nova, delving into the character’s unique blend of mischievous charm and formidable power.
A Villain Beyond the Ordinary
Corrin reveals that the initial pitch for Cassandra by Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds was the deciding factor in their decision to take on the role. They were immediately drawn to the concept of a villain who defied the conventional tropes of the MCU.
"They wanted her to be a really unpredictable villain. They didn’t want her to be a traditional Marvel villain. They wanted her to be mischievous, cutting, quite charismatic, and coy, and that really got my attention," Corrin shared.
Harnessing Telepathy on Screen
While the portrayal of telepathic powers on screen can often feel limited, Corrin emphasizes that Cassandra’s abilities go beyond the visual spectacle. "It was more, because of her telepathic power, there’s much more of an internal exploration of the character, really."
However, this doesn’t mean audiences won’t see the physical manifestation of Nova’s strength. Corrin reveals that the character’s powers found a unique expression through a combination of prosthetic fingers and meticulously crafted movement. "It got quite physical in terms of using my fingers, I had prosthetic fingers, which were really fun but not very practical," Corrin said. "But yeah, it was more, because of her telepathic power, there’s much more of an internal exploration of the character, really. But still, I managed to have some pretty epic fight scenes, which I’m excited for people to see."
Collaborating on Cassandra’s Movements
The development of Cassandra’s unique movement style, a crucial element in establishing her presence and power, was a collaborative effort between Corrin, Levy, and movement coach Polly Bennett. "It was me, Shawn, and I had an amazing movement coach called Polly Bennett, and, yeah, together we figured out what Cassandra’s moves were going to be," Corrin explains.
Embracing the Complex Past
Cassandra Nova’s connection to the previously established world of the MCU is a significant aspect of her character. Corrin acknowledges the rich history of her character, emphasizing the importance of understanding her origin story — being the twin sister of Professor X and an "Omega-level mutant." "I think it was really important to sort of dive into that and explore it, and then try and bring as much of that into this as I could, so that there are those things that tether the character to the comics," Corrin stated.
A New Kind of Villain in the Pantheon
While Cassandra belongs to the world of Marvel villains, Corrin emphasizes her subtle approach to villainy, a unique characteristic that sets her apart from iconic figures like Killmonger, Loki, and Thanos. "I tried not to think about it, really. I mean, I tried to just dive into this script and this film, and not try and like compare it to others, because I don’t know how useful that would have been. But, um, Cassandra’s very chilled, and she doesn’t come across evil until she is, and I think that’s what is different."
Challenging Deadpool and Wolverine
The daunting task of portraying a villain who can intimidate the likes of Deadpool and Wolverine, characters known for larger-than-life personalities and unconventional methods, required a specific approach. Corrin reveals that the key lay in creating a distinct, unsettling tone for Cassandra, one that differed from the established styles of Wade Wilson and Logan. "I think to switch up the tone. I think Deadpool and Wolverine have tones that we’re very familiar with, that are so much larger than life, and I mean in Deadpool’s case completely audacious and extraordinary. And, yeah, Cassandra brings something very different to the table, which is much more unsettling and unpredictable. Yeah, so it was a really interesting thing to balance those two things."
The Intrigue of Cassandra’s Lair
While Corrin remains tight-lipped about the specifics of Cassandra’s lair, which was teased in the trailer to be located within Giant Man’s head, the mere mention of this idea sparks anticipation for the film’s unique visual tapestry.
A Non-Binary Connection to Cassandra’s Creation
Corrin’s non-binary identity adds an interesting layer to their portrayal of Cassandra. The character was created by Grant Morrison, a prominent non-binary writer, and Corrin expresses their deep appreciation for the connection. "I mean, it’s a huge honor. Yeah, it’s a huge honor to be joining the MCU as a whole. I mean, it’s full of extraordinary characters, most of whom are misfits and a bit different. The stories all explore belonging, right? And how we just all want to belong. So, yeah, it’s very cool."
A Glimpse into Nosferatu
Beyond their Marvel outing, Corrin is set to star in Robert Eggers’ highly anticipated Nosferatu, a reimagining of the classic vampire tale. While Corrin can’t divulge too many specifics, their enthusiasm for working with Eggers is palpable.
"I can’t tease much about that either, very boringly, but it was an incredible experience working with Rob. He’s obviously, like, a very singular, unique auteur, and the way he works was absolutely mind-blowing. Again, a very huge scale of production, and the level of detail and nuance that he can bring out of performers and what his eye catches. It’s fascinating," Corrin enthused.
Anticipation for Deadpool & Wolverine
With Deadpool & Wolverine set to release on July 26th, audiences are on the edge of their seats waiting to experience the unsettling charm of Cassandra Nova. Corrin’s compelling insights into her portrayal paint a vivid picture of a complex and unpredictable character, one that promises to disrupt the familiar dynamics of the MCU and leave a lasting impression. The blend of mischief, power, and unsettling charm that Corrin brings to Cassandra is sure to make her a formidable force in the Marvel universe.
