Jodie Comer’s reason for nearly turning down Killing Eve is a wake-up call

Jodie Comer Killing Eve

Credit: Getty

Life


Jodie Comer’s reason for nearly turning down Killing Eve is a wake-up call

By Hollie Richardson

6 years ago

Killing Eve star Jodie Comer has revealed what she first thought when reading Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s script for the award-winning BBC Three show. 

Villanelle is back. Well, very nearly.

Although the second series of Killing Eve has already aired in America, it’s expected to be available to stream in the UK from June, but an exact date is yet to be confirmed. 

In the meantime, Jodie Comer has been cleaning up the Baftas with co-star Fiona Shaw and writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, giving a winning speech dedicated to her nan. She also celebrated her Stylist Remarkable Women award for Entertainer of the Year

Now, Comer has revealed the frustrating reason behind nearly turning down the chance to play assassin Villanelle, which says a lot about the entertainment industry’s need for more female writers.

Comer has said in an interview that she was sceptical when she first read the script for Killing Eve.

“I was like, ‘Oh, fuck no’ because I always think of someone in a leather catsuit and six-inch heels scaling walls,” she told GQ magazine. “Also, ‘How naked is she going to be?’”

Of course, we all know that Villanelle defies any outdated tropes about the “sexy female assassin”. Sure, she’s murderous and unpredictable, like any good assassin needs to be. But Villanelle is also playful – almost childlike – with a wardrobe to rival any reputable fashion editor. Her reciprocated fascination with Eve is something that could only have been written by a woman who knows about female relationships. This woman is of course Waller-Bridge.

Pointing out the need for more women writers to continue writing such incredible female characters, Comer added: “I should have known better, knowing Phoebe was the writer.”

Jodie Comer as Villanelle in Killing Eve series 2

Credit: Getty

This isn’t the only time Waller-Bridge has upended a stereotype. The Fleabag writer recently spoke out about her plans for the new James Bond film which she is co-writing, suggesting that cliched Bond girls will be a thing of the past. 

Speaking on The Hollywood Reporter’s Awards Chatter Podcast, she reiterated how much she’s enjoying the project: “It’s really exciting. The film they’ve got is such an exciting story. It’s just been a joy to work on.”

And when quizzed on how much of her signature “female, feminist humour” she’ll be able to bring to the film, she added: “Well, we’ll see, we’ll see what I can sneak in. But it’s mainly about making them feel like real people, you know?”

She concluded: “I think Daniel’s films have had really fantastic Bond girls, so it’s just keeping it up.”

Waller-Bridge is currently focused on performing Fleabag on Broadway before bringing it over to the UK for a very limited run, but fans – including Comer – can’t wait to see what she does next.

In fact, Comer loves working with Waller-Bridge so much that she shared: “I’ve said to her she has to cast me on every single thing she makes from now on. Otherwise I’ll send Villanelle!”

Images: Getty and BBC 

Sign up for our edit of what to buy, see, read and do, and receive a free mini-mag of the top 5 fashion trends you’re sure to see in 2024.

By signing up you agree to occasionally receive offers and promotions from Stylist. Newsletters may contain online ads and content funded by carefully selected partners. Don’t worry, we’ll never share or sell your data. You can opt-out at any time. For more information read Stylist’s Privacy Policy

Thank you!

You’re now subscribed to all our newsletters. You can manage your subscriptions at any time from an email or from a MyStylist account.