Jessie Mei Li Opens Up About ‘Havoc’, Her Action Dreams, and Breaking Racial Stereotypes

Jessie Mei Li, it should be noted, can sometimes feel a bit timid. Consequently, when Netflix introduced her as the main character in their popular adaptation of Leigh Bardugo’s bestselling Shadow and Bone series, she found herself unexpectedly overwhelmed by the public spotlight.

She shifted from being simply Jessie Mei of Redhill to becoming widely recognized,” she confesses to The Hollywood Reporter. “I found myself questioning, ‘Is this the right path for me?’

Due to strong relationships she formed with her co-stars during filming in Budapest’s streets, Li was able to adjust. Now, she remains in the entertainment industry and has been cast as Hardy’s assistant in the streaming platform’s latest action-thriller titled “Havoc“.

After developing strong bonds with her co-actors while shooting on Budapest streets, Li found it easier to adapt. She continues to work in showbiz and is now starring as Hardy’s sidekick in the streaming service’s upcoming action thriller “Havoc“.

Thanks to the strong relationships she built with her fellow cast members during filming on Budapest streets, Li was able to adjust. She’s still active in showbiz and has landed a role as Hardy’s assistant in the streaming giant’s newest action thriller titled “Havoc“.

Each sentence maintains the original meaning but is rephrased for readability and naturalness.

Gareth Evans’ “Havoc” premiered on Netflix on April 25, with Hardy portraying Walker Mackey, a weary detective based in Hong Kong. Following an unsuccessful drug transaction, he finds himself embroiled in a dangerous criminal underworld. With the assistance of new recruit Ellie (Li), he battles through the city’s treacherous maze of deceit and corruption to rescue a politician’s missing son, uncovering a complex conspiracy along the way. The film also stars Timothy Olyphant, Forest Whitaker, and Justin Cornwell in roles reminiscent of John Woo’s work.

Li mentions that her father was a detective in Hong Kong, providing a rich source of inspiration for her. As a Chinese-English actress, she spent her childhood watching police dramas set against the vibrant cityscape of one of the world’s most dynamic cities. She hints that ‘Havoc’ will evoke memories of movies like ‘Hard Boiled’ and ‘Internal Affairs’.

Li points out that some action movies, such as “John Wick,” portray scenes with a high degree of realism in terms of ammunition usage. In contrast, she mentions that many ’80s and ’90s Hong Kong films feature exaggerated action sequences, but they are intended to be so.

In the interview with THR, Li discusses life beyond “Shadow and Bone,” shares experiences performing daring stunts alongside veteran actor Hardy, and advocates for increased representation of biracial actors in Hollywood: “I’ve often felt like I didn’t quite fit in or belong anywhere because of my mixed heritage. … I believe this perspective is crucial to the roles I take on. If a character is meant to be biracial, let’s make sure we represent that authentically.

Why don’t we start with how far back your involvement in Havoc goes?

Reflect for a moment. It’s 2021, just post-COVID-19 lockdown, and there were still restrictions in place. An email arrived from Gareth Evans, whose work I was already a fan of, so I didn’t hesitate. Instead of carefully reading the email, I eagerly agreed to audition for the project. It wasn’t until afterward that I realized Tom Hardy was the lead actor. Excited about the role as it allowed me to draw on my father’s experiences as a detective in Hong Kong, who I used to watch in various police dramas, I did the audition and was thrilled to play a rookie detective in this setting.

Due to the lockdown restrictions, gaining access to the room proved challenging. I recall vividly, it was a stunt audition for a series I was aiming to be part of. At that time, I resided in Bristol and commuted by train to Cardiff where filming took place at Seren Studios. The audition required me to perform some daring stunts, which were utterly exhilarating. Given my limited social interaction prior to this, it was an unusual experience for me. Gareth, the director, had already choreographed all action scenes, and the stunt performers wore labels with our names on their shirts, indicating what specific stunts each of us needed to execute. This included a few rolls while holding a prop gun and jumping through a cardboard cutout while firing a fake shotgun. It seemed they were assessing my level of proficiency in stunts. Having a background in martial arts, this felt more like playtime than work for me. I found it incredibly enjoyable. I remember feeling particularly confident about the audition, and people kept hinting that I would enjoy working with certain cast members. However, they seemed to assume I had already secured the role. But sometimes, you just know in your gut when something is meant for you. I felt that connection with Havoc. It was undoubtedly one of my favorite projects I’ve ever been involved in.

So filming with Gareth lived up to your expectations?

Wow, he truly surpassed expectations. I’ve always admired his artistry, although we never had the chance to meet. He’s simply one of the most compassionate and endearing individuals I can imagine. It’s almost surprising given his work, which is intense and brutal. Yet, I found myself connecting with him deeply. His support was palpable, and it was a joy to witness someone so skilled in their craft. Moreover, Gareth seems to have a unique ability to foster an environment of kindness and expertise among his team. The people he’s chosen to work with – they were all just exceptional, if I may use a British term.

Tell me about Havoc and where Ellie fits into it.

The storyline revolves around Tom’s character, Walker, who is a weary detective with a troubled history, tasked with safeguarding two children pursued by various adversaries. In this movie, my role is that of Ellie, a novice officer paired with Walker. Set within a 24-hour timeframe on Ellie’s inaugural day at work, the film portrays the transformation in the bond between Ellie and Walker as it unfolds over the course of the story.

Had you worked with Tom before?

Never, never. The very first time I encountered him was during my firearms training session, and I had no idea he was present. It was then when someone mentioned, “Oh, Tom’s here. You should introduce him.” I was learning how to handle all those guns, which made me extremely nervous given my dislike for loud sounds. I’m quite sensitive in that regard. I couldn’t be more different from the character [of Ellie]. I had a terrible habit of shouting “Bang!” They would urge me, “Jessie, stop, please.” But I really needed to get accustomed to the sound. My first encounter with Tom was marked by him offering advice and ensuring that everything I did appeared natural and well-practiced. He was a pleasure to collaborate with.

Did he offer you any more general advice about the industry or roles in action films?

In our conversation, it’s worth noting that while we discussed many topics, an intriguing point is that a significant portion of my stunt scenes were not performed with Tom. Instead, I joined the filming a few weeks later as they were already working on a large action sequence that didn’t initially involve me. Additionally, establishing a sense of kinship between Walker and Ellie was crucial to me in portraying the character. Even though it wasn’t explicitly written, it was essential for us to convey through our performances that these characters could trust each other deeply.

Since Gareth edited the scenes in advance, I was able to observe Tom’s performance as Walker, which significantly influenced how I portrayed Ellie. I attempted to mimic some of his movements to create a sense of familial bond between the characters, but at the same time, I wanted to convey that Ellie was new to this and struggling. Therefore, there were instances where I deliberately made my actions seem a bit awkward or clumsy, as it was essential for Ellie to appear unsure and overwhelmed, while Walker seemed more confident because he had done this before. Tom was fantastic, and I also worked closely with Sunny Pang, who played one of the bosses. He is a stuntman and acted like an older brother to me, always looking out for me during our scenes.

Were you too drawing some inspiration from your father’s profession, particularly his time as a detective in Hong Kong? Can you recall any details about it?

My character’s portrayal was not based on my past self, but rather it evolved from characters I admired in films. Specifically, I drew inspiration from certain film characters that resonated with me as fitting references. One such actor was Tony Leung, particularly his roles in movies like “Infernal Affairs” (2002) and “Hard Boiled” (1992). Although my character is female, I pondered how Tony Leung might have played the role if he were to take it on. Additionally, I was inspired by Jodie Foster’s Clarice Starling in “The Silence of the Lambs.” In essence, I aimed to create a character that embodied a blend of Tony Leung’s grit and determination, combined with the intelligence and vulnerability of Clarice Starling.

That’s a film I want to see: Tony Leung and Jodie Foster.

It’s happened! It’s Havoc.

Were there any other movies that popped into your mind during filming, which might remind some viewers of Havoc in a nostalgic way?

This movie draws heavy influence from many heroic bloodshed films originating in Hong Kong, making John Woo’s films excellent examples for reference. Some contemporary action movies, such as “John Wick,” are grounded in reality, with their gun ammo usage being authentic. In contrast, this film and numerous ’80s and ’90s Hong Kong productions feature exaggerated action scenes, which is intentional and adds to the appeal of these films.

I spent a considerable amount of time watching John Woo’s films, particularly those from Hong Kong, prior to our filming. As part of my preparation for the stunt audition, Jude Poyer, an exceptional head of stunts, suggested I watch “Hard Boiled.” Upon his recommendation, I watched it that very day and was blown away by its incredible, over-the-top action sequences. Therefore, it had a significant impact on me.

Are there any chances we could see more action-thriller projects from you in the future? Given your current position in your acting career, perhaps boosted by Shadow and Bone, it’s possible for you to be selective about the roles you choose.

I have a deep passion for performing stunts, which stems from my childhood spent immersed in action and martial arts movies. Being active and sporty, it’s only natural that I find myself drawn to such thrilling opportunities. When my career allows me to incorporate these elements into my work, I couldn’t be happier.

That being said, the aspect of my career that truly excites me is working on smaller projects with limited budgets – often debut features – where there’s a greater sense of freedom and problem-solving required. These projects usually involve original ideas, which I find incredibly inspiring. My motivation isn’t so much about fame or glamour; rather, it’s the experience and the chance to help directors bring their unique visions to life that truly fulfill me as an actor.

I aspire to play a diverse range of characters, avoiding being typecast or pigeonholed. There are many different roles within me waiting to be expressed, and I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to do so throughout my career.

What would be your dream role? Who would you want to work with?

Wow, there are plenty! I’d be thrilled to collaborate with, especially since I’ve been watching “Adolescence,” directed by Philip Barantini, recently. In fact, I even had the pleasure of meeting him at a Netflix event. The experience of working on “Boiling Point” seems completely different; it’s more like rehearsing for a play. I’m curious about what that’s like, given that I love theater but haven’t done much of it. Honestly, I’m quite open to new experiences. If you strike me as unique and intriguing, then I’m definitely interested!

I can’t help but wonder about Shadow and Bone, as I was quite disappointed that it didn’t continue for a third season.

The experience was simply extraordinary. It’s undeniably disappointing that it got canceled, but at least we concluded it on a positive note. Some performances can drag on indefinitely. For me, those were two of the best years I’ve ever had. It was fantastic! And what’s more, we remain very close to this day.

It definitely didn’t outstay its welcome.

A more satisfying conclusion would be, “It’s disappointing that the story didn’t have a chance to fully unfold, rather than leaving viewers wondering, ‘Is this series still necessary?’

Professionally, do you look back fondly on that time?

As a gamer, I never imagined this path would lead me to acting. It was sort of serendipity, being in the right place at the right time that got me started. And yes, Shadow and Bone happened along, which was quite a shock, jumping from being Jessie Mei from Redhill, Surrey, England, to someone recognized everywhere. At first, it felt a bit overpowering, unsure if this was the life for me. But then, more opportunities came my way, and I learned on the job. Honestly, I hadn’t trained much beforehand. I’d taken a few acting classes and courses, but lacked real experience. So, Shadow and Bone was like jumping from the frying pan into the fire. I learned a lot, always curious about how things worked, talking to the DP about lighting, understanding everyone’s role. Now, when I step onto set, I understand what’s happening, making me a better actor. So, I’m grateful for Shadow and Bone. It couldn’t have been a better introduction to acting.

I presume if Netflix turned around and said, “We’re gonna do a season three,” you’d be up for it?

Certainly! The idea of returning with my friends to beautiful Budapest for a wonderful vacation sounds delightful. In fact, we often discuss this possibility among ourselves. At times, some of us even joke, “Shall we plan a trip back to Budapest as if we’re reliving our past?

You’re well-known for advocating for increased roles for East Asian and biracial actors in the industry. Has this cause continued to inspire you throughout your career?

Absolutely. While I’ve been fortunate to land roles that weren’t explicitly for mixed-race actors, many of the parts I’ve secured lately have been written with a biracial actor in mind. Frankly, it can be challenging when people who aren’t mixed race don’t fully grasp the unique experiences we face. I’m currently preparing for a new project where my character is mixed race, and I’m glad to see that many crew members share this background. This allows for a deeper understanding of the character, which is crucial for me because being mixed-race often makes one feel like they don’t quite fit in anywhere or that their identity is questioned. This leaves an impact on a person that I believe I can bring to my performances, even when it’s not explicitly written into the script. I think it’s essential to portray this character as mixed race, to truly embody the complexities and nuances of this experience.

In the show “Havoc”, the character Ellie was intended to be of mixed race, which was a nice touch. I found myself grappling with a sense of self-doubt when it came to my own identity in this series as I had a line to say in Cantonese, a language I’m more familiar with as Chi-nglish. (Laughs.) It’s not that I can’t understand when people speak Cantonese to me, but my own speaking ability isn’t great. It has improved since we filmed it a few years ago, and I remember struggling with that crucial line during the climactic scene. I kept mispronouncing it, surrounded by the Hong Kong stunt team who all spoke Cantonese fluently. I felt like an imposter, but eventually overcame those feelings. Many of my mixed-race friends share similar experiences – they may not be fluent in their mother tongue or speak it with a heavy accent. So, I came to accept that Ellie, too, might not be fluent in Cantonese. This realization was liberating for me because… I had been worrying about how people would perceive my Cantonese acting, but then I realized – this is just real life.

Do you think that the industry’s moving in the right direction in terms of representation?

Historically, efforts towards representation often involved a tokenistic approach, such as, “We’ll include characters from diverse backgrounds for the sake of diversity.” However, my experience shows that authentic representation is achieved when the creators themselves are diverse. For instance, if I, as a half white, half Chinese individual, were to make a film about a culture unfamiliar to me, it might lack authenticity. This isn’t to say that others shouldn’t attempt such projects, but it’s encouraging to see that with the passage of time, more opportunities are opening up for creators from various cultural backgrounds. This is particularly evident in the U.K.’s growing pool of diverse filmmakers who are telling personal stories from their unique perspectives.

I’m sure you’re very excited to have Havoc out in the world.

I’m quite thrilled, yet there’s a hint of nervousness as well, since I believe it will be successful. It’s so intense that I’ve spent most of the time watching it with my hands covering my face. (Chuckles) To be honest, I’m somewhat reserved and value my personal space, so there’s a part of me that’s a bit apprehensive about it being released publicly.

2025-04-26 00:55

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