BB Exclusive: Nadia Gray Talks her New Netflix Movie, Bright & Working with Will Smith
Tomorrow, December 22, Netflix will unveil its first original blockbuster movie, Bright. Starring Will Smith, Joel Edgarton and Nadia Gray, the story follows LAPD officer Daryl Ward (Smith) who is forced to work with an Orc (Edgerton). Battling their differences and an onslaught of enemies, they must work together to protect a deadly, thought-to-be-forgotten relic that in the wrong hands could destroy everything.
BeautifulBallad got the amazing opportunity to chat with Nadia Gray about the upcoming movie. During our chat, we talked about the movie, working with Will Smith and Joel Edgarton, playing an Elf and so much more. You can read our interview below.
Tell us a little about your new movie, Bright and your character, Larika?
“Bright is set on the mean streets of an alternate, present day LA. It’s a world where orcs, elves and fairies live among humans, and you have a human cop working with an Orc cop for the first time ever. They go out on what would be a routine patrol, when some fresh hell is unleashed upon them. My character, Larika, who is an elf, has a little something to do with all of that trouble.”
How did you prepare for the role?
“I prepared for the role training in American Kenpo karate. It was a blast. It’s a dream of mine to have the chance to work hard physically to then be mentally prepared and in that mind set, to perform with that bravado I didn’t have before the training. It’s exhilarating. If I could do that again in my career I’d be the happiest girl on earth.”
What was it like playing an Elf?
“The freaking best! Learning and speaking my lines in elvish was by far the coolest, weirdest thing I’ve ever done on set. Truly, it was the most fun I’ve ever had.”
What was it like working with Will Smith, Joel Edgerton and the rest of your cast mates?
“So surreal! They were wonderful. You don’t usually get that depth of talent and success paired with such easy going personalities. Everyone was lovely. I was very lucky to have that experience.”
You can read the rest of the interview under the jump! Make sure to check out Bright when it is released tomorrow and let us know what you thought of the movie.
Photo credit: Julio Duffoo
Do you have any good on set stories from filming?
“No kidding, every day there was something. It’s so hard to narrow down just one, so instead I’ll say working with David. He’s the most gifted, hands on director I’ve ever seen. I had a scene where my hair and blood splatter needed to be a certain way and literally David’s the one who comes over to me to make sure every single detail is perfect. I was shocked. I’ve never seen such care for exactness come from the top. The way he made sure every shot was precisely how he envisioned made me want to try harder and be more mindful in my own work.”
Were you able to do your own stunts? If so, what was that like?
“I did! I want to shout it from the roof tops every time I get to talk about it because it was just the coolest. Training with my Sensei, Mr. Mesquita, had me feeling like a badass going into filming the stunts. Please note, I wasn’t an actual badass but I think it will play well. My stunt coordinator Rob Alonzo is such a talented guy, and he came up with some rad sequences. My character was all powerful, so I got to throw around these enormous stunt men like rag dolls. It was awesome!”
The movie is premiering on Netflix, which is known for it’s binging ability, are there any shows you’re currently binging?
“Oh god. It’s embarrassing how many things I’m hooked on right now. Mindhunter, Stranger Things 2, which I crushed in about a day, Big Mouth, Ozark, The Fall, Happy Valley, and American Vandals. And some of Netflix’s bingeable movies, Take Me, 1922 and The Babysitter were so good, I want sequels asap!”
What made you want to get into acting?
“I’ve been TV/movie obsessed since I was very young. I’m sure there’s some psychology behind wanting to be different people, but really there’s nothing like it. I think I’ve wanted to be a part of that world the moment I was exposed to it.”
You’ve appeared in a number of TV shows and movies, do you prefer one over the other?
“That’s a tough question to answer. I’ve come to genuinely appreciate working in television. The quality of content networks are putting out these days is unreal. I’m also a creature of habit, so I like the schedule of it all. But now that I’ve worked with David Ayer and Will Smith on a huge blockbuster for Netflix, I’m 100% completely spoiled. They’ve ruined me in the best way and I would be incredibly fortunate to get a chance to do something like that again.”
Is there anything coming up that you want your fans to know about?
“My main focus is promoting Bright right now and I couldn’t be more proud. I’m so psyched for everyone to see it and fall in love with the world they’ve created. It really is a very special film.”