Lily James Previews Her Upcoming Slate of ‘Finally Dawn,’ ‘Relay’ and ‘Cliffhanger’

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Lily James’ upcoming slate of films are throwbacks in uniquely different ways.

The story unfolds in Saverio Costanzo’s 1950s Italian drama titled “Finally Dawn”. In this production, James portrays Josephine Esperanto, a film star resembling Elizabeth Taylor, who enlists an overlooked set artist, Mimosa (played by Rebecca Antonaci), for a crucial scene in her sword-and-sandals movie. As the narrative unfolds, Josephine, alongside her co-star Sean Lockwood (portrayed by Joe Keery) and their all-purpose assistant, Rufo Priori (Willem Dafoe), persuade Mimosa to join them on an adventure through Rome’s vibrant nightlife.

During travel towards one of his two stops, Sean Lockwood’s acting doubts flare up, causing him unease. Trying to console him, Josephine offers a faint praise about their performance that day. As per James, it’s a very relatable situation for many actors.

In his conversation with The Hollywood Reporter, James expresses a common sentiment among actors: “At their most challenging, actors can be a group of self-absorbed, insecure individuals who crave validation.” He explains that due to the requirement for vulnerability in their work, this can lead to intense feelings of insecurity and a need for approval. Reflecting on his own experiences, he shares an example where he might second-guess his performance, but then reminds himself that it’s out of his control once it’s done, encouraging himself to let go.

On August 22nd, I’ll be back on the silver screen alongside Riz Ahmed in David Mackenzie’s ’70s-inspired suspenseful drama, “Relay”. In this film, I play Sarah Grant, a person who initially chooses not to expose an unethical corporation I work for, as long as my safety and compensation are guaranteed. To make this happen, I enlist the help of Ahmed’s enigmatic fixer, who only communicates through a teletypewriter and relay service with his clients. Therefore, most of our scenes together consist of us responding to typed messages from Ahmed’s character read aloud by a neutral third-party operator over the phone.

At the TIFF [2024], during my first viewing of the movie on the big screen, I exclaimed, ‘Wow, the chemistry between these two characters is astounding even though they barely interact!’ James adds, expressing admiration for David [Mackenzie]’s skillful direction in creating such a captivating dynamic.

In the not-too-distant future, hopefully soon, the remake of Sylvester Stallone’s 1993 action-thriller “Cliffhanger,” reimagined by James, will hit movie theaters. This updated version, penned by Ana Lily Amirpour and directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, features James alongside Pierce Brosnan and Nell Tiger Free in their roles for this revamped mountain adventure film.

Just like how Pamela Anderson’s performance in “Pam & Tommy” earned an Emmy nomination, James really excelled and gave an exceptional performance for this specific role.

James excitedly recounts his incredible experience: ‘I absolutely loved every moment! It was incredibly challenging as I spent five hours a day, multiple weeks straight, scaling mountains without pause. The adventure left me utterly captivated.’ He describes mountain climbing as an exhilarating mind-body-soul workout that has left him completely hooked. Not only did he perform all his own stunts in the movie, but he also grew incredibly strong from the experience. In between filming scenes, he would do countless push-ups to keep himself in top shape.

Regarding the movie, it’s now undergoing post-production, and James remains hopeful about its prospects.

James is thrilled with ‘Cliffhanger’. He’s absolutely buzzing about it! We’re currently polishing it up during post-production, and he’s filled with anticipation. He describes it as a fantastic reinvention, although it may take some unexpected turns, it maintains the nail-biting essence of the original that he hopes will delight viewers.”

(The aim is to make the text more conversational and less formal while maintaining the original meaning.)

In their latest chat with THR, James elaborates on how the movie “Finally Dawn” portrays a challenging situation that numerous artists encounter regularly in their daily lives.

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As a devoted fan, I can’t help but imagine myself in the shoes of the movie star character from “Finally Dawn.” One day, while strolling through Cinecittà Studios, I would encounter a charming young Italian woman lost among the studio halls. In an extraordinary turn of events reminiscent of my own silver-screen life, I’d invite her to join the scene of my unforgettable Hollywood epic – a moment that feels almost too magical to be true! Have you ever witnessed such a whimsical encounter in real life?

Directors frequently come across instances where they spot someone with an intriguing look or vibe. It could be anyone, even someone buying a Mars bar on the street, who suddenly catches their eye. They exclaim, “Wow, that person is a star! I just have to cast them in my film.” The aim is usually to avoid using established actors and instead bring in authentic individuals with genuine faces.

In the film “Finally Dawn“, my character Josephine Esperanto yearns for something. Specifically, she yearns for inspiration, seeks to feel truly alive, craves something untainted by cynicism, bitterness, or life’s hardships, and the impact of Hollywood. This young woman, Antonaci’s Mimosa, embodies these qualities, and thus serves as Josephine’s muse. She welcomes her into her life, and there’s a sense that she wants to harness Josephine’s radiance or channel it in some way.

After creating the character of Mimosa as a fictional Swedish poet named Sandy, was Josephine doing so to divert focus from Rachel Sennott’s character or was it simply a way for her to amuse herself?

Saverio Costanzo’s script is incredibly deep, intricate, and breathtakingly beautiful, reminiscent of a grand poem. Upon reading it, I instantly became captivated. Josephine’s reasons for that evening are multifaceted. She’s a woman who seems to have lost her joy and the purpose behind her actions. In Mimosa, she sees both beauty and innocence, yet there’s a desire within her to both create and destroy this girl simultaneously. This character is filled with conflicting energies, and Josephine herself is a whirlwind of chaos.

One reason behind Josephine’s actions is to slightly diminish Rachel Sennott’s character and demonstrate that she’s not exceptionally unique. Instead, Josephine aims to shine the spotlight on another performer rather than herself. There’s a competitive actress within her, filled with envy but also growing tired of the situation.

Eventually, she attempts to embarrass “Sandy” by forcing her to recite a poem in front of a crowd filled with self-important individuals. Haven’t we all experienced situations, either on or off stage, where we were persuaded to sing or spontaneously deliver a speech?

(Chuckles.) Constantly! My family always encourages me to sing, saying, “Come on, Lily, give it a go!” But I respond, “No way!” In Ireland, there’s a custom where people spontaneously start singing without feeling overly self-conscious. However, being forced into the spotlight is one of my biggest fears, right next to stepping out on stage and finding myself unclothed. (Chuckles.) It’s like being unexpectedly asked to perform, and I feel utterly unprepared and incompetent. And then there’s that nagging feeling of being an imposter, thinking, “What on earth am I supposed to do?

In that instant, Josephine both nurtures and undermines Mimosa. It’s heartbreaking to witness such treatment towards this innocent girl who was meant to enrich and liven up her world. However, as soon as Josephine perceives a potential threat in Mimosa, someone who might outshine or overshadow her, she swiftly seeks to eliminate her. I found it intriguing that Josephine could be so cruel yet compassionate all at once. She’s such a complex and captivating character, full of contradictions. Her actions are often unpredictable, and I can’t help but feel that she herself is unsure of her intentions. I find myself deeply drawn to her complexity.

Talk shows often request performers to mimic accents from their films or offer opportunities for them to showcase an Arnold Schwarzenegger-like impersonation.

(Chuckles.) However, what’s most frustrating is that it often seems prearranged. So, you find yourself feigning surprise when you mention that you can freestyle this track, but in truth, you’ve already disclosed that to the team.

Oh, right. The pre-interview. 

However, they sometimes impose situations on you as well, which I find quite intriguing to observe from a spectator’s perspective. It’s fascinating to witness someone perform under pressure and discover unexpected abilities. There’s a certain thrill in observing such scenarios.

Is it common that you encounter many individuals like Joe Keery’s character, Sean Lockwood, who often require reassurance about their acting abilities?

(Chuckles.) To be sure, there are many Sean Lockwoods out there, but equally so, there’s a multitude of Susan Lockwoods. The acting world can sometimes breed insecurity and self-absorption among its members, as they are frequently required to expose their deepest emotions in front of an audience. This vulnerability can trigger feelings of inadequacy and the need for validation. However, the interaction between Josephine and Sean had me laughing out loud. I’ve found myself thinking, “I wish I had delivered that line differently.” “If only I’d done it like this.” But then I remind myself, “Enough. It’s over now. Move on.

In our previous conversation, it was during your filming for “Relay”, a contemporary ’70s thriller directed by David Mackenzie. Did you manage to go through the script without any prior spoilers?

Absolutely, reading “Relay” elicited the same response that I hope it does for audiences. Since I hadn’t gone through a summary beforehand, I was unaware of the plot twists. Similar to “Finally Dawn” or “Finalmente L’alba,” I encountered the script in an unusual manner. “Finally Dawn” was a poetic romance that delved into cinema and poetry in Italy, reminiscent of the Golden Age of Cinema and “La Dolce Vita.” On the other hand, “Relay” seemed like a gripping, dark thriller that shed light on the world of whistleblowers and the notion of constant surveillance and being under watchful eyes. It was quite surprising and I was delighted to collaborate with such an extraordinary filmmaker like David Mackenzie. His movies are incredibly cinematic, grounded, audacious, and innovative.

Riz Ahmed is among the most captivating actors today, as shown by his ability to express profound emotions without dialogue during the initial 20 minutes of the movie. Establishing a strong bond between our characters, who rarely shared screen time, proved to be quite the feat. Watching the film for the first time at TIFF on the big screen left me awestruck, thinking, “Wow, it’s amazing how there’s this intense chemistry between these two characters despite their limited interactions.” Thus, David’s skillful direction in creating such a palpable connection is nothing short of magical.

On the day, who did you actually interact with during the phone calls with the relay service?

Making phone calls can be quite challenging! It’s often like working with a Second Assistant Director, but luckily, I had a truly exceptional actor grace us with their presence. Unfortunately, Riz wasn’t available due to our conflicting schedules and commitments. The shoot was extremely demanding, requiring us to work late into the night, arriving at 9:00 PM and leaving at 6:00 AM. However, I was fortunate enough to have a top-notch actor join us. In acting, maintaining focus on the other person’s actions and reactions is crucial, but that can be difficult during phone calls. Fortunately, an actor was able to read through the off-lines for me.

I’d be intrigued by a spinoff series focusing on the relay service operators, as I’m curious to listen in on their discussions surrounding the tense telephone exchanges they handle.

It was quite amusing, wasn’t it? The actor I worked with delivered his lines in a dramatic way, which gave me something to respond to. However, the operators were simply reading their lines as if they were following a script, without any added emotional intent. As a result, it created an unusual and challenging scenario for me to handle.

Would you have remained engaged if Relay had chosen a more traditional approach at the end of its storyline?

To be completely honest, the prospect of collaborating with David Mackenzie and Riz was so thrilling that I might have taken on any task they presented me with. Nevertheless, I’m always drawn to projects that offer unexpected elements and characters that lead me down unforeseen paths. At this stage in my career, I’m eager to tackle roles that challenge me, surprise me, and provide depth for me to explore. That sense of unconventionality was undoubtedly what made this role and its story so alluring.

When someone thinks of you, they usually connect you with various roles, but for me, it’s your exceptional skill in table tennis that stands out first. Have you ever had an opportunity to surprise or outmaneuver your fellow actors or crew members using your talent in this way?

(Chuckles.) Without a doubt, what I’m most boastful about is my table tennis skills. My pals often tease me that it won’t take long, just about 10 minutes into meeting someone new, for me to let slip that I can play table tennis and that I have a French grandma. But here’s a hint: expect some more table tennis action in my upcoming film! So, stay tuned!

Oh, I’m ready.

Since you’re such an avid supporter of table tennis, I’ll definitely keep you in mind while I’m enjoying the game.

In a lighthearted conversation with Sean Durkin, I noticed your impressive hand-eye coordination during The Iron Claw, specifically towards the end where the family was playing catch in the yard. Even when Zac Efron dropped the ball, you managed to catch it.

During a chat with Sean Durkin, I pointed out your exceptional hand-eye coordination in The Iron Claw, particularly at the end where the family was playing catch in the yard. Even though Zac Efron dropped the ball, you skillfully caught it.

Indeed, it’s wonderful you noticed! At long last, I’m receiving the recognition that truly fits my abilities. (A chuckle escapes.) I take great pride in my skillful blend of hand-eye coordination. Growing up with two competitive brothers, I’ve honed this talent through countless games and sports over the years.

Did your athletic prowess also serve you well on Cliffhanger?

Oh, good segue!

Thanks, I planned that.

(Chuckles.) Oh boy, I’ve never had such a blast! It was quite a struggle, you see. I tackled five hours of mountain climbing every day for several weeks, and I had the most remarkable guide. I was on mountains round the clock. The experience has left me smitten. It’s an incredibly challenging yet soothing activity that engages mind, body, and spirit. And guess what? I’ve become a true mountain-climbing enthusiast! (James shows her hand to the camera.) My little finger was hurt at Christmas, and I was devastated because I couldn’t climb.

I’m genuinely thrilled about the project we’re working on – “Cliffhanger”. I can hardly contain my excitement! We’re in the final editing stages and it’s looking fantastic. I have high hopes for this reinterpretation, as it’s both surprising and manages to maintain the nail-biting tension of the original. While it might catch viewers off guard at times, it retains the essence of the original film. I even did all my own climbing during production, which gave me quite a workout! (Chuckles.) I was constantly doing push-ups between takes to keep in shape.

Pierce Brosnan playing your father should be interesting for Mamma Mia! fans.

I feel incredibly fortunate to have had him grace our screens, and his performance in the movie is nothing short of brilliant. He embodies the essence of true gentility, and it was truly an honor to have him as our father figure in this story. His acting abilities infuse real emotion, elevating the entire production. Working with him again was simply a dream come true.

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Finally Dawn opens July 18 in movie theaters; Relay releases August 22 in movie theaters.

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2025-07-16 23:55