Photographer: Stefan Bertin @stefanbertin & Ori Jones Makeup: Kenneth Soh @kennethsohmakeup Styling: Aimée Croysdill @aimeecroysdill

Photographer: Stefan Bertin @stefanbertin & Ori Jones Makeup: Kenneth Soh @kennethsohmakeup Styling: Aimée Croysdill @aimeecroysdill

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Junia Rees On Starring In Firebrand

By Olivia Emily

2 weeks ago

Firebrand is in cinemas nationwide from 6 September

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When it debuted at Cannes last year, Firebrand received an eight-minute standing ovation. Starring Jude Law as King Henry VIII and Alicia Vikander as his final wife, Catherine Parr, the film is a very-British exploration of protofeminism, power and Tudor intrigue as a paranoid Henry returns from overseas to find his Regent, Catherine, has ruled more proficiently than he’d hoped. Alongside Brits Sam Riley, Eddie Marsan, Simon Russell Beale and Erin Doherty stars newcomer Junia Rees as Elizabeth I, Henry’s daughter. We sat down with Junia to hear all about Firebrand and the whirlwind of Cannes as an 18-year-old.

Interview: Junia Rees On Firebrand

Photographer: Stefan Bertin @stefanbertin & Ori Jones
Makeup: Kenneth Soh @kennethsohmakeup
Styling: Aimée Croysdill @aimeecroysdill

You are about to be seen in Firebrand; can you give us an elevator pitch for the film?

To me, this film is a suspenseful and emotional portrait of Katherine Parr, a woman who has been reduced to her relationship with one of England’s most abominable men, Henry VIII. In reality, I really believed she challenged the ideology and systems of England, empowered future monarchs to think independently, and courageously fought the threat of execution from her very own husband. This film follows her path to survival while taking some cheeky creative liberties.

You play Princess Elizabeth; how would you describe her?

An observant, intelligent, and passionate young woman who has excellent taste in gowns.

What was it like playing her?

Playing Elizabeth was the best first job I could have asked for. I grew with her in many ways, and at the end of it, I felt that her passion and tenacity rubbed off on me.

How did you feel when you got the role?

I’m pretty sure I burst into tears when my agent called me. I was so new to the industry that, thankfully, the imposter syndrome only settled in a couple of days later.

How did you prepare for the role?

I felt sorry for my teachers at the time, because I completely disregarded any schoolwork and fully immersed myself in research. A wonderful thing about the job is that you become an expert in very niche subjects, like how women in the late 1500s used the loo.

How does preparing to play a real person differ from a fictional character for you?

I’ve found that with real people, you have the gift of information; you already have a blueprint to work off of. I feel like a detective rummaging through facts, trying to decipher the truth. It’s good fun.

How did you get into character on set?

As a self-proclaimed people-pleaser, I took every assignment our director gave us very seriously. One of which was to find a perfume that represented our characters to wear on set. Elizabeth wore a mixture of rose and sugar, so I found a sweet and musky rose perfume in a little perfumery that I later found out was located on Elizabeth Street.

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

There are too many to count. I spent my 17th birthday on set, and the entire cast and crew sang to me while carrying out a delicious chocolate cake, and as usual, I sobbed.

Who was your favourite person to work with on set?

I will always be grateful to have worked with Hélène Louvart, our cinematographer. Although she mainly speaks French, which I don’t, I felt like we could communicate through the camera. She radiates ingenuity and is just really cool.

Alicia Vikander as Katherine Parr in Firebrand. Courtesy of Brouhaha Entertainment (cropped).

The release has obviously been a long time coming here in the UK. What was the reception like at Cannes and with the US release?

Cannes was such a whirlwind that it all feels like a blur. I was 18 and finished my final exam two days before, so to say I was overwhelmed is an understatement – the good kind of overwhelmed.

Have you been working on anything exciting in the meantime?

I can officially say that I’m a good cook! I triggered the smoke alarm several times, but I can now make a mean gnocchi tray bake. I’m now thinking of venturing into sourdough…

What has been your favourite project to date?

Looking back, I cherish playing the lead in my high school production of Sharman Macdonald’s play After Juliet.

Any roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

I take jinxing very seriously, so I’m going to remain tight-lipped.

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

I’ve had the fortune of working with some delightful dog actors – except for that one Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. You know who you are.

Which co-star did you learn the most from?

Alicia [Vikander], no doubt. While I learned so much from the incredible cast I was surrounded by, I felt honoured to share most of my scenes with her. I remember my very first scene of the shoot. I was so in awe of what she was doing that I almost forgot my line. Thankfully, I pulled it off as a long pause.

What’s your dream role?

Later down the line, Medea. For right now, some kind of nymph or fairy.

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

Any coming-of-age film that focuses on women entering their 20s, or voicing a Pixar character. It looks so fun!

Do you get to spend much time at home?

I spend most of my time at home. While I adore reading in my room, visiting my local cinema, and going to bed at 8pm with my chamomile tea, getting dressed up to go out dancing with my friends has its appeal.

Do you live in the town or the country? Which do you prefer?

I’m a London girl at heart, but I prefer the air quality in the country.

If you could give advice to your 15-year-old self, what would it be?

A grade does not define you. Your hair isn’t wavy, it’s curly, so stop dry brushing it!

What’s your interior design style?

I am still cultivating my sense of style, but I grew up down the road from Alice’s on Portobello Road, so I have an affinity for anything fun and wacky. My mum always imbued our home with an eclectic vibe, so I find comfort in bold wallpapers and quirky light fixtures.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

Surrounding yourself with a strong support system always helps. You have them there regardless of whether things are very busy or relaxed.

What did you want to be when you were growing up?

I wanted to be a wedding planner. I was obsessed with weddings, and I distinctly remember when my fourth-grade teacher announced she was engaged. I told her I could help her plan the wedding and loaned her all my wedding magazines. I even had a dedicated penny jar for my future business. I think it’s a solid backup plan.

How can we all live a little bit better?

‘I’m not great at the advice. Can I interest you in a sarcastic comment?’ – Chandler Bing

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

My driver’s test is coming up, so wish me luck.