Naomie Harris has revealed that Winnie Mandela gave her ‘carte blanch’ to play her as she saw fit.
Harris will take on the role of Winnie Mandela in the new biopic film Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom, a film that follows nelson Mandela from childhood through his years in prison.
The actress had the opportunity to meet Winnie before filming, and felt empowered by the freedom that she was given.
Speaking to Flicks and Bit’s the actress said: “One thing I asked her when I met her was, “How do you want to be portrayed?” And I thought she would have a long list of ideas, but actually she said, “Look, you’re the right person for this role, you’ve done the research. All I ask of you is that you play me faithfully.”
“She kind of gave me carte blanch to play her as I saw fit, which was really liberating. Up until that point I had had the director pulling me in one direction, the producers in another, South African’s I met pulling me in another (laughs), but then to have her say to me to, “Take ownership of me.” That was really liberating and empowering.”
Harris will team up with Idris Elba, who will take on the role of Nelson Mandela, in the film; Tony Kgoroge and Riaad Moosa are also on board.
Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom is the first big screen outing for Harris since the box office success of Skyfall last year. Harris has been linked to Bond 24, where she is expected to reprise the role of Moneypenny.
Mandela: Long Walk To Freedom is released 3rd January 2014.
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