MANILA, Philippines - Lynn Collins joins Hugh Jackman in X-Men Origins: Wolverine, the thrilling new film that goes back and explains the origins of this intriguing mutant who lives a conflicted and tormented life.
Lynn portrays Kayla Silverfox, the love of his life, in the action-drama directed by Gavin Hood that also stars Liev Schreiber, Danny Huston, Kevin Durand, will.i.am, Taylor Kitsch and Ryan Reynolds.
Get to know more of Lynn and her character Kayla in the following interview:
What kind of woman is your role (Kayla)?
I think initially what makes Kayla interesting is that she starts off as an earthy school teacher and changes. Also, there is the history of her being Native American and that what brings to her character. She has a quality that is almost magical and quite animalistic in a way. She is wonderful.
What is Hugh Jackman like to work with?
Hugh is one of the kindest people I’ve met in this business. He’s just a top-notch guy. He has great talent and personality. He produced the movie, too so it was amazing to see him in this leadership role.
What is the action like?
It is roaring good, fantastic. I saw some of the stunts and they’re unbelievable. I had to do a little bit of wirework and some swimming sequences. The action was great for me because I was raised in a family that did a lot of martial arts so it’s natural for me to be active and I love action. The stunts are so realistic. I think the audience is going to be thrilled and eat it up — with their popcorn.
How experienced are you at martial arts?
I started learning very young, when I was four, because my parents practised a lot themselves and were always into it. I grew up in Singapore and I would spend summers in Japan. I always did martial arts; it was ingrained in me and I grew up with it so it is natural for me to practice now as an adult, too.
What can the audience expect from the movie?
There are definitely twists and turns in it. I think everyone’s hoping that the emotional scenes and the action scenes are going to be totally engrossing and are not going to let anybody have one moment of stepping back. It is a nonstop journey and a ride from which you don’t get any reprieve.
How much impact have your looks had in your career would you say?
I’ve always loved clothes, so that’s easy and fun, the fashion side. I don’t know though about looks. I try to concentrate on health and hope that will shine forth. I think in this business, your beauty can only last for so long so I can’t give it too much importance.
Directors talk about your depth. Where does which come from, do you think?
Well, I think we are made up of our experience so for me, as an adult, there are so many things that I can draw upon. I had a tumultuous upbringing; I lost two siblings and traveled a lot. That sort of open mindedness and having to confront loss and death at such a young age made me ask the big questions. But I also believe that regardless of my own experience in life, we are all generally the same as human beings. If I can tap into that universal emotion and bring the story to people who have the same emotion, that’s so gratifying.
Are you prepared to have your life possibly change after the movie?
I think so, I just hope I handle fame responsibly and I believe I will. So having fame is a place of leadership and if that’s what happens, then I intend to lead by respecting my audience.
X-Men Origins: Wolverine opens April 30 in theaters nationwide.