Kristen Wiig Talks Training for Her Role in WONDER WOMAN 1984 and Teases Her Character Has 'Different Evolutions'
Kristen Wiig, best known for her long-running stint on SNL and her comedic stylings on Bridesmaids, which she wrote, has also made her mark in dramatic roles over the years in films like The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, The Skeleton Twins, and Where’d You Go, Bernadette. She is now venturing into a new type of role that she has never played with before, and she is super psyched.
In a recent interview with InStyle, Wiig talked about taking on a role in a superhero universe, in the upcoming sequel, Wonder Woman 1984. Wiig will play the villainous character Cheetah aka Barbara Minerva. Of landing the role, she recounted:
I’m a superhero nerd, so this is my dream. I’ve always wanted to have superpowers. My agent called and said, “Patty Jenkins wants to talk to you. She won’t say what it’s about, but she’s directing another Wonder Woman movie.” It was all very secretive. I went out to London to test for it, which was one of the most nerve-racking things of my life. After that, Patty and I met for a drink and really hit it off. I didn’t hear anything for a while when I got home, so I flipped out when I got the part. I never thought I’d get the chance to be in one of those movies — I’m in my 40s, and I’m not known for being this type of actor. I would look around the set and think, “I can’t believe I’m in this.”
When asked about shooting and training for the film, she said:
Eight months in London, but I had to train for a few months at home first. I was excited to get in shape, but it was really fucking hard, and there were no days off. My schedule wasn’t like Gal [Gadot]’s by any means, because she was there all day every day. But I had stunt training, and when they’d show me previews of what I’d have to do, I’d be like, “Are you insane?” By the end I felt strong and had a ton of energy. I felt good — it wasn’t about getting skinny or muscly. But I went through so much Epsom salt. And wine.
She added:
It was pretty great — I’m not going to lie. I had the best time. I love London, and my fiancé was with me, and everyone from the movie got really close and lived in the same little village. I was just so happy to be there. It’s the biggest movie I’ve ever done. And the costumes were on a whole different level. There were so many fittings and then rehearsals with the costumes on.
She was then asked if she took pictures of herself in her gold supervillain costume. She said:
No, we weren’t allowed to take any pictures. This was lockdown. They have it somewhere, and you will see it. But there are different evolutions to my character. I will leave you with that.
Of course she can’t say anything more. This movie has been pretty under wraps, and I think that has been a smart move, because I am so stoked to see this sequel! They have released the photos and very little info strategically, and I am so intrigued. For now, Wonder Woman 1984 is set for an October 2nd release date, but as we know, movie release dates are ever-changing. I sincerely hope we get to see this film on the day it’s scheduled. Are you looking forward to seeing the return of Wonder Woman, and Kristen Wiig in the role of Cheetah?