Emma Corrin’s Willy Wonka Inspiration for “Deadpool & Wolverine”: A Villainous Masterclass
Emma Corrin, the talented actor known for their captivating performances in “The Crown” and “My Policemen,” is taking on a new challenge: portraying the formidable Cassandra Nova in the highly anticipated “Deadpool & Wolverine.” While Corrin is no stranger to captivating audiences with their nuanced portrayals, stepping into the shoes of a villain presented a unique set of challenges and opportunities. For this role, Corrin sought inspiration from some of cinema’s most iconic villains, drawing particular inspiration from the enigmatic and eccentric Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Willy Wonka.
Corrin’s admiration for Willy Wonka stems from the character’s inherent extravagance and the sheer brilliance of Wilder’s performance. In an interview with British GQ, Corrin described Willy Wonka as “one of the best villains of all time.” The actor recognized the uncanny similarity in energy between Willy Wonka and Christoph Waltz’s portrayal of the menacing Nazi officer in “Inglourious Basterds.” Both characters, Corrin explained, exuded a captivating aura of extravagance, even when engaging in seemingly mundane acts, such as Waltz’s character casually sipping milk while embodying a sinister persona.
“There’s something extravagant in Gene Wilder’s performance,” Corrin explained to British GQ. “And it’s a similar energy that Christoph Waltz has in ‘Inglourious Basterds’ because he’s wearing a uniform so he can sit there and drink a glass of milk and pretend he’s a fucking fairy godmother.”
This insight into Corrin’s creative process reveals a deliberate approach to crafting a nuanced and compelling villain. By drawing inspiration from such iconic figures, Corrin demonstrates a deep understanding of the complexities of villainy and a keen awareness of the subtle nuances that can elevate a performance.
From Princess Diana to X-Men Villain: A Transformative Journey
Corrin’s decision to take on the role of Cassandra Nova reflects a desire to push creative boundaries and embrace fresh challenges. In a YouTube video for GQ’s “Actually Me” segment, Corrin addressed the stark contrast between Cassandra Nova and their previous roles, like Princess Diana in “The Crown.”
“I think probably because it is a major contrast to my normal roles, and I always wanted to play a villain. And then Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman,” Corrin explained. “Ryan improvs the entire time. And it was kind of like a masterclass in that kind of comedy and that kind of genre of film, which I hadn’t really done before. Yeah, what’s not to love?”
This statement highlights Corrin’s thirst for artistic exploration and their willingness to step outside their comfort zone. The chance to work alongside esteemed actors like Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, renowned for their comedic timing and action-packed performances, further fueled Corrin’s enthusiasm for the role.
Embracing the “Deadpool” World: A Masterclass in Improv and Comedy
Corrin’s excitement for the “Deadpool” franchise stems from its unique blend of comedy, action, and irreverent humor. The franchise’s signature style of breaking the fourth wall and pushing the boundaries of superhero conventions resonated deeply with Corrin.
“Ryan improvs the entire time,” Corrin said, acknowledging the spontaneous nature of Reynolds’ performance style. “And it was kind of like a masterclass in that kind of comedy and that kind of genre of film, which I hadn’t really done before. Yeah, what’s not to love?”
Corrin’s willingness to embrace the improvisational nature of the “Deadpool” franchise reflects their dedication to collaborative filmmaking and their ability to adapt to different genres and creative styles. Working alongside Reynolds, a master of improvisation, provided a valuable opportunity for Corrin to refine their comedic timing and delve into the world of action-comedy.
The “Deadpool & Wolverine” Transformation: A Physical Challenge
Corrin’s dedication to their craft extends beyond acting skills, encompassing physical transformation. In the GQ “Actually Me” video, Corrin revealed that they had requested a personal trainer from Marvel Studios in preparation for “Deadpool & Wolverine.” They were eager to undergo a physical transformation to embody the role of Cassandra Nova. Much to their surprise, Marvel declined their request.
“They said I don’t have to undergo any physical training,” Corrin shared. “They were like, ‘That’s absolutely not required of you. Please stand down.’ I tried.”
This anecdote demonstrates Corrin’s commitment to fully embodying their roles, even in the face of creative differences. While Marvel Studios might have opted for a different approach, Corrin’s dedication to physical transformation underscores their passion for embodying their characters authentically.
Navigating Superhero Fatigue: A “Deadpool” Solution
The “Deadpool & Wolverine” release comes at a pivotal moment for the superhero genre, as audiences grapple with superhero fatigue. Many fans are yearning for fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the genre. Corrin recognizes the challenges surrounding the release of a superhero film in this climate.
“There’s a lot of pressure on it, but I think that it’s the right one at the right time,” Corrin said. “Because it’s ‘Deadpool,’ and ‘Deadpool’ has always broken the mold, right? That’s why Ryan is a literal genius.”
Corrin’s optimism stems from the franchise’s ability to subvert expectations and challenge genre conventions. The “Deadpool” franchise has consistently pushed boundaries with its irreverent humor and self-aware commentary, making it a refreshing antidote to the often formulaic nature of superhero films.
Emma Corrin’s “Deadpool & Wolverine” Role: A Villainous Masterclass
Emma Corrin’s portrayal of Cassandra Nova in “Deadpool & Wolverine” promises to be a captivating addition to the franchise’s rogue’s gallery. By drawing inspiration from iconic villains like Willy Wonka and embracing the improvisational nature of the “Deadpool” franchise, Corrin is poised to deliver a performance that is both nuanced and entertaining. The actor’s dedication to their craft, coupled with their willingness to push boundaries, makes Corrin an exciting addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe. As “Deadpool & Wolverine” hits theaters on July 26, audiences can expect a compelling and unpredictable portrayal of a formidable villain, infused with a touch of Willy Wonka’s enigmatic charm.
What role is Emma Corrin taking on in “Deadpool & Wolverine”?
Emma Corrin is portraying the formidable Cassandra Nova in the highly anticipated “Deadpool & Wolverine.”
What iconic character did Emma Corrin draw inspiration from for their villainous role?
Emma Corrin drew inspiration from the enigmatic and eccentric Gene Wilder’s portrayal of Willy Wonka.
How did Emma Corrin describe Willy Wonka in relation to villains?
Emma Corrin described Willy Wonka as “one of the best villains of all time” due to the character’s extravagance and Gene Wilder’s brilliant performance.
Why did Emma Corrin decide to take on the role of Cassandra Nova in “Deadpool & Wolverine”?
Emma Corrin wanted to push creative boundaries and embrace fresh challenges, expressing a desire to play a villain and highlighting the contrast between Cassandra Nova and their previous roles.
