If her interviews and spectacular award speeches are any indication, Olivia Colman looks to be one of the most truly nice, humble, and kind-hearted performers working today.
That’s what makes her performance in Secret Invasion, the new Marvel series on Disney Plus, so unsettling: seeing the apparently always-friendly singer unleash her’sinister’ side, painting on a grin while revelling in cruelty and dark secrets.
The Oscar winner plays MI6 agent Sonya Falsworth, an old buddy of Nick Fury’s (Samuel L Jackson) who keeps her cards close to her breast, keeping her former colleague at arm’s length while pursuing her own goals.
During a recent interview, Ali Selim, the director of all six episodes, discussed why Olivia was the ideal option for Sonya, mentioning the 49-year-old’s intrinsic qualities that enabled her delve into the complicated character.
‘She’s playful and I think the role is better as playful and not just sinister,’ the director said.
‘I think if I were going to have my finger cut off, I would like it cut off by a torturer like Sonia.’
Ali went on to explain why Olivia’s ‘lightness’ was so important to the latest addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
‘I think it needed… the role needed a gravity and a great performer and a lightness as well, because she really plays light throughout the series,’ he stated.
‘In a situation like this where you’re casting at that level, of course she’s right for the part because she’s so much fun and she’s so gifted.’
At a press conference ahead of the release of Secret Invasion, which included numerous cast members, including Emilia Clarke, Kingsley Ben-Adir, and Ben Mendelsohn, as well as Marvel Studios’ main boss, Kevin Feige.
Olivia was questioned why she had only recently joined the MCU at this point in her career during the event.
It turns out that the actor has been coveting a role in the film universe for quite some time.
‘After every Marvel film that landed in the cinemas, I phoned my agent and said, “Please can I be in a Marvel [project]?”’ The Favourite star admitted.
‘Finally, either she got fed up of me calling her or it happened. So it wasn’t why Secret Invasion – Secret Invasion called.
‘Any mention of the word Marvel, and I went: “Yes, please.” So that’s why. I had an absolute ball and it lived up to everything that I was hoping for.’
We’re very relieved that Marvel finally called her!
In light of Olivia’s participation in Secret Invasion, who else is terrified of Sonya and what she could be stirring up in the shadows? So it’s not just us…
Secret Invasion is available to watch on Disney Plus with new episodes released on Wednesdays.
