In a new interview, the actress reveals the unique challenges and transformative experience of playing Hela, the MCU's first female villain, in 'Thor: Ragnarok'.
- Aug 13, 2024
AceShowbiz - Cate Blanchett has cemented her place in the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) with her unforgettable portrayal of Hela, Thor's fearsome older sister and the goddess of death, in "Thor: Ragnarok. In a recent interview with GQ, Blanchett discussed her journey in bringing Hela to life, sharing her insights on Marvel's unusual production process and the groundbreaking impact of her role.
Blanchett joined the MCU without fully comprehending the significance of her character. However, after learning that Hela marked the first female villain in the franchise, she embraced the opportunity with excitement. She was particularly drawn to the unique vision of Taika Waititi, the film's director, who encouraged her to bring her own playful energy to the role.
Working on "Thor: Ragnarok" involved a steep learning curve for Blanchett. She had to master the handling of weapons for CGI and leaned on Chris Hemsworth for guidance. The actress also discovered Marvel's unconventional approach to filmmaking, which involved constructing narratives around key action setpieces.
Despite the challenges, Blanchett enjoyed the experience immensely. She praised the collaborative atmosphere and the immense talent of her co-stars, Hemsworth and Waititi. She also continued to follow the franchise after her departure, admiring Natalie Portman's impressive transformation in "Thor: Love and Thunder".
Reflecting on her time in the MCU, Blanchett noted that Hela remains a standout role in her career. She expressed her pride in paving the way for future female villains and acknowledged the impact her performance has had on fans around the world. Blanchett also reprised her role as Hela in the animated "What If...?" series, further expanding her presence in the MCU.