Joining me for a special edition of my Deadline video series The Actor’s Side at Disney’s FYC event “A Toast to TV” is Lily James, star of Hulu’s television movie Swiped. We talked about the film, based on the true story of Whitney Wolfe, creator of the popular dating app Bumble and the first self-made female billionaire, and why playing this accomplished woman appealed to her.
From Downton Abbey to Cinderella, Baby Driver, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again and her Emmy-nominated performance as Pamela Anderson in another Hulu film (and playing another real-life person) in Pam & Tommy, James has been building an exceptional filmography of unique and interesting films and TV appearances, with Swiped being a highlight.
During the conversation at Soho House Holloway, we talk about the challenges on taking on this role, her interactions, if any, with the subject she is portraying, plus the smarts and courage it took for Wolfe to break through in the male-dominated tech industry. We also talk about why she is so drawn to playing complex female characters and why this one, though not as widely known as Anderson, shares some of the same reasons she jumped at the chance to participate.
To watch our conversation, click on the video above.
