How Do You Reimagine a John Woo Classic? The Killer’s Nathalie Emmanuel & Omar Sy Reveal All

How Do You Reimagine a John Woo Classic? The Killer's Nathalie Emmanuel & Omar Sy Reveal All

As a lifelong fan of action cinema, I can confidently say that John Woo is a true master of his craft. From his groundbreaking work in Hong Kong to his iconic films like “Face/Off” and “Mission: Impossible 2,” he has consistently pushed the boundaries of what’s possible within the genre.


Before action stans were worshipping directors Zack Snyder (300) and Derek Kolstad (John Wick), there was John Woo. The maestro of cinematic violence has been working in beautiful blood and bullets since his modern Hong Kong classic, A Better Tomorrow (1986). Following that up with Bullet in the Head (1990), Face/Off (1997), Mission: Impossible 2 (2000) and Woo’s original Hong Kong version of The Killer (1989), the director literally changed the tone and artistry of the action genre in both Eastern and Western cinema. 

Currently, Woo is debuting a fresh Peacock-exclusive movie, which offers a modern take on “The Killer.” This film is now available for your viewing pleasure. Starring Nathalie Emmanuel, best known from “Game of Thrones” and the “Fast Saga,” in the lead role as Zee, a skilled assassin also known as the “Queen of the Dead.” The plot unfolds when Zee shows mercy to one of her intended victims, leading her to go into hiding. In addition to Emmanuel, the film features Sam Worthington as Finn, Zee’s Irish supervisor, and Omar Sy (from “Jurassic World”) as Sey, a Parisian inspector who assists Zee in outmaneuvering the criminals ordered to eliminate her.

In a recent sit down with NBC Insider, Emmanuel and Sy waxed poetic about Woo, who they said encouraged their chemistry and creativity, and gave them a sequence that they agree they’ll always remember as their classic “Woo” action moment. 

Flipping Genders for The Killer

How Do You Reimagine a John Woo Classic? The Killer's Nathalie Emmanuel & Omar Sy Reveal All

1989’s “The Killer” was an original film written and directed by Woo, starring Chow Yun-fat as assassin Ah Jong and Danny Lee as Detective Li Ying. After Ah Jong unintentionally blinds a nightclub singer (Sally Yeh), the killer and the detective find themselves in a timeless dance reminiscent of cat and mouse.

For this remake set in Paris, Woo changes up the entire tone of the film by swapping the gender of the titular killer to a female hit woman (Emmanuel). When Inspector Sey (Sy) first meets Zee, a mutual admiration is formed, but she doesn’t reveal her true occupation. A moment too late, he discovers she’s been lying to his face, and the chase is on.

Emmanuel shared with NBC Insider that she and Sy had a natural connection and found each other enjoyable to be around. They discovered their camaraderie was enjoyable, so they experimented with how deeply they would explore it, as well as when to step back.

She added, “Everything was influenced by the circumstances, the plot, and the character’s perspective at that specific time. We were given ample room to experiment and improvise. It was wonderful that John encouraged our decisions, making the whole experience delightful.”

Sy pointed out, “What makes Woo unique is his clear vision of what he desires. Yet, he gave us the freedom to follow our own creative process. He placed faith in our character interpretations and feelings, which provided us with ample room for creativity within those parameters.”

John Woo sequence that will live with The Killer‘s Omar Sy & Nathalie Emmanuel

How Do You Reimagine a John Woo Classic? The Killer's Nathalie Emmanuel & Omar Sy Reveal All

Without a shadow of a doubt, “The Killer” is brimming with Parisian-infused action rhythms, reminiscent of macarons, and it’s set in scenic locations such as the Seine, Eiffel Tower, and other iconic spots around the City of Light.

Emmanuel noted that John often discussed emotions and the heart, suggesting that he is deeply invested in conveying feelings and warmth through his storytelling. This emotional depth is not just reserved for quiet moments but also permeates even the high-energy parts of the narrative, making it impossible to ignore or exclude these emotions from the tale. This was a theme that Emmanuel found himself contemplating even during the action sequences.

However, when the action unfolds, it does so powerfully, showcasing Woo’s distinctive slow-motion shots of birds flying, a torrent of bullets hitting characters, extraordinary physical feats, and devastating destruction. Interestingly, when asked to choose a single frame from the movie that they would never forget, both actors agreed on the same image.

In another encounter at the hospital, as you recall, was the setting suggested by Sy. Our moments of action with the firearm, where we exchange shots and reunite, are my favorites. I found these scenes particularly thrilling.

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2024-08-23 19:16