With Iron Fist premiering on Netflix today, we chatted to stars Finn Jones and Jessica Henwick…
If I didnt do it the next day when I woke up I couldnt move!
Did you know youd have to make that commitment going in?
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F:No, it was really intense.
Body clock all over the place.
From that perspective Im really proud of the work everyones put in.
I dont think people really understand how quickly this show was made.
Does doing the martial arts on top of your regular acting help you inhabit the character?
Its been a real baptism of fire, learning on the job.
Jessica, how do you feel about playing colleen?
The representation just wasnt there.
Weve made such big strides.
Even now shes a rare character, I think theres this interesting gender swap inIron Fist.
Its a complete swap.
J:Saying that, they do cooperate, theres a journey.
In the second half you take on some of my characteristics and I take on some of yours.
F:Yeah, we learn to get the best from each other.
Do you think the entertainment industry is ahead of real life in that regard?
J:In some ways, its ahead, in other ways its behind.
Especially in America, stories need to be true and represent what we see in real life.
Danny does seem very naive compared to the other marvel heroes.
Was it a challenge to play an unusual hero like that?
F:I just allowed myself to be as open as possible.
That meant bringing a lot of my own vulnerabilities to the role as well.
I had to be very honest with myself.
On the other hand, hes a rich billionaire, but also a child whos wrought with trauma.
So hes a mess and throughout the series hes slowly but chaotically piecing himself together.
His naivete and optimism get him in a lot of trouble.
Some people are upset he doesnt wear the costume…
F:Yes, hes naked throughout!
And its great to go on that journey with him.
J:They told me not to look at the comics, but of course I did.
Theres so much material to draw upon and cherry pick, thats a really nice aspect.
F:Its the same with Danny, there have been so many different versions.
Theyre all so different!
and so I was just like… its whats inside Danny that matters.
I hold back the storm when nothing else can.
No matter how bad things get, hell fight for the just cause.
Im an actor and I have to find whats at the core of the character and bring that forward.
Everything else, I dont have a say over.
Do you think comics are coming back into fashion?
F:Did they ever go away?
If so, I hope they come back!
you’ve got the option to say stuff that you wouldnt be able to in other mediums.
Theyve been one of the most forward-looking entertainment mediums.
Comics have always been on the right side of telling stories and I think they still are.
If anything, its the perception that has finally changed.
Can you tell us how your first auditions went?
F:We actually auditioned together.
After an intense two weeks I got the role.
J:Its insane, do you know how many actors there are in the world?
Of all people its my friend I end up with.
There was no bullshit, we knew what was or wasnt working.
Its not like were doing theatre and we have four months of rehearsal.
Its like weve got four minutes, I dont wanna say this, what do you think?
Do you want me to look at you or not there?
F:Yeah, it was very blunt, but in the best possible way.
Youve presumably seen the reviews by now.
How do you think itll be received by the audience?
F:I think essentially its a show for the fans.
When people watch it and see it with their own eyes theyre going to be pleasantly surprised.
I think it represents characters and stories in an intelligent way and Im really proud of it.
We dont make the show for the critics.
People who go in wanting to enjoy it will enjoy it.
I truly believe that.
Finn Jones & Jessica Henwick, thank you very much!
Iron Fistpremieres on Netflix today.
