Here’s an excuse I’m going to use the next time someone asks me why I don’t work out: Marvel told Emma Corrin “No” when they asked about physical training for Deadpool & Wolverine.
“This is funny because I did ask if I could have a personal trainer and they said no,” Corrin told British GQ during a recent interview. “They said I don’t have to undergo any physical training. I was so ready to undergo a huge transformation but they were like, ‘That’s absolutely not required of you. Please stand down.’ I tried.”
Corrin plays Cassandra Nova, the villain of the upcoming movie. In the comic books at least, the short, easy-to-understand version is she’s the evil sister of Professor Xavier. And like Xavier, she has mental powers — meaning Corrin likely doesn’t need to be a jacked-up baddie in the mode of Thanos (Josh Brolin) or Kang (formerly Jonathan Majors). While physical training seems to be a perk of joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) in some cases, frankly it’s probably healthier for Corrin in the long run that they aren’t doing… Whatever it is Marvel’s trainers do to get someone in shape to be an IRL superhero. Or supervillain.
Instead, Corrin is going the mental manipulation route for their take on the role. As they told EW in a recent cover story, the inspo for Cassandra Nova came from a surprising source… Christoph Waltz’s performance in Inglorious Basterds. “He’s so disarmingly polite and nice and unaffected, and it’s really creepy,” Corrin said. “It’s all the more sinister because he doesn’t need to do anything.”
You can watch the full British GQ interview with Corrin below, and Deadpool & Wolverine hits theaters on July 26, 2024.
