S Poddar
Emma Corrin, known for their breakout role as Princess Diana in The Crown, is stepping into the Marvel Universe as the iconic X-Men villain Cassandra Nova in Deadpool & Wolverine. While details about their character remain sparse, it’s clear Corrin’s portrayal will add a unique twist to the eagerly anticipated film.
Director and co-writer Shawn Levy revealed that Corrin’s distinctive qualities secured their role as Cassandra Nova, Charles Xavier’s twin sister and an omega-level mutant. “Cassandra’s legacy is mythic, but we didn’t want a traditional villain,” Levy explained. “Her power isn’t about brute force. She’s charmingly psychotic and unpredictably charismatic. Emma has this shapeshifter quality that we’ve seen as Princess Di and in their performance in Orlando.”
In an interview with Digital Spy, Corrin discussed their approach to playing Cassandra Nova, drawing parallels to their experience portraying Princess Diana. “There’s so much known about Diana, so many assumptions, and I had to find my own way to make her accessible. I did the same with Cassandra, exploring her origin story and her complex relationship with her brother,” Corrin said. “Her feelings of abandonment and identity issues make her vulnerable, which is something I always find interesting in the characters I play.”
Corrin also shared how they resonated with Cassandra’s unpredictability, making her a perfect fit for a Deadpool movie. “She’s convinced she’s the hero of her own story, which adds a layer of unpredictability that’s a lot of fun to play with,” Corrin noted.
Working alongside Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman, who has portrayed Wolverine for nearly 25 years, Corrin received valuable advice from Jackman. “He told me that no matter how much success you have or how many incredible roles you get, you can still be riddled with insecurity and anxiety about doing a good job,” Corrin recalled. “Marvel fans have high expectations, and he really put me at ease about that.”
Filming on location with massive sets rather than green screens left a lasting impression on Corrin. “It felt like we were in the world’s greatest playground,” they said, describing a particularly memorable scene. “The scene where Cassandra is introduced, there was a ramp that turned into steps with the click of a button. It was all functional, and that’s when I realized, ‘This is Marvel now.'”
