Phoebe Waller-Bridge on Her “Surreal” Journey From Fleabag to Indiana Jones
Background
In a recent interview with Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the creative genius behind hit shows like Fleabag and Killing Eve, the actress and writer reflects on her journey from being a relatively unknown British playwright to achieving international fame. Waller-Bridge discusses her iconic roles, her unexpected leap into the world of action films, and her ongoing creative projects.
The Rise of Fleabag and Killing Eve
Waller-Bridge’s breakout role came with her critically acclaimed series Fleabag. The show, which premiered in 2016, gained a cult following and propelled Waller-Bridge into the spotlight. With its sharp wit, dark humor, and unconventional storytelling, Fleabag quickly became a phenomenon loved by viewers and critics alike.
Following the success of Fleabag, Waller-Bridge went on to create Killing Eve, a thrilling series about a cat-and-mouse game between a bored intelligence agent and a fashionable assassin. Both Fleabag and Killing Eve received numerous Emmy awards and nominations, solidifying Waller-Bridge’s reputation as a trailblazing writer and actress.
The Surprising Offer
While Waller-Bridge was still processing her newfound fame, she received a series of enticing offers that further catapulted her career. She was approached to write for the James Bond film “No Time to Die” and received a role in Star Wars film “Solo” as a sarcastic droid. However, what surprised her the most was an offer from Lucasfilm to star alongside Harrison Ford in the final Indiana Jones film, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
A Natural Fit
Waller-Bridge expressed her excitement and disbelief at the opportunity to work on such iconic franchises. She explained that her character, Helena, the goddaughter of Indiana Jones, follows in the footsteps of the strong, independent female characters seen in the original Indiana Jones films. Director James Mangold specifically wrote the role with Waller-Bridge in mind, having been impressed by her work in Fleabag.
Stepping into Action
For Waller-Bridge, the role of Helena required her to undertake physical stunts and action sequences, something unexpected for her lanky and gangly physical presence. Despite her initial concerns, she embraced the challenge with enthusiasm and humor. Waller-Bridge discovered a newfound confidence in herself as an action star, leaping across buildings, fighting off villains, and taking risks.
A Multifaceted Career
Waller-Bridge’s career has expanded beyond television, with her involvement in the development of the Tomb Raider video game for an upcoming Amazon series. As a fan of the game since her teenage years, Waller-Bridge sees this opportunity as a natural extension of her passion for storytelling. She hopes to bring back the strong, independent female action character she admired in the original game and inject it with a ’90s vibe.
Creative Control and Recognition
Throughout her career, Waller-Bridge has maintained creative control over her projects, ensuring that her work stays true to her unique vision. She credits Amazon for supporting her and understanding her desire to make something dangerous and exciting. Waller-Bridge’s success has garnered admiration from industry peers and fans alike, with many recognizing her fearless authenticity and ability to tackle taboo subjects with humor and grace.
Future Projects
Looking ahead, Waller-Bridge is excited about her upcoming projects, including a black comedy series called “Sign Here” based on a novel by Claudia Lux. She also expressed interest in writing and directing a film and has received offers from various industry insiders, including Lucasfilm president Kathleen Kennedy, who would love to have Waller-Bridge write a movie for them in the future. Waller-Bridge’s infectious joy and incredible talent continue to captivate audiences, making her one of the most sought-after creatives in the industry.
Conclusion
Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s journey from playwright to international sensation is a testament to her talent, wit, and fearlessness. With her iconic roles in Fleabag and Killing Eve, as well as her foray into action films with Indiana Jones and Tomb Raider, Waller-Bridge has proven her ability to push boundaries and redefine traditional genres. With a slew of exciting projects on the horizon, Waller-Bridge’s star is set to shine even brighter in the years to come.
<< photo by Omar Luis >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.
