Summary

Emma Corrin’s Cassandra Nova is influenced by some very surprising characters.
The character is designed to be unpredictable and charming, endearing herself to audiences.

Deadpool & Wolverine
marks the first full appearance of mutants in the MCU.

Emma Corrin, who plays the Omega-level mutant Cassandra Nova in Deadpool & Wolverine,has revealed the surprising influences behind their villainous performance. As Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) and Wolverine (Hugh Jackman) fight to save the Sacred Timeline, Cassandra Nova stands in their way as a deadly threat. The evil twin sister of Charles Xavier (at least, in the comics), Cassandra Nova possesses similar telekinetic powers, without the moral compass.

Speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Corrin revealed two major influences behind the performance as the seemingly innocent Nova. The actress discussed the concept for the character, which was pitched by Reynolds and the film’s director, Shawn Levy. Corrin explained:

“Ryan and Shawn pitched this idea, which I was totally on board with: ‘We want this villain to not be a villain in the sense that you expect them to be. We want you to be so endeared by her, so charmed by her, and just when you think that maybe she’s totally seen into your soul and you are going to be best friends for life, you’re dead.'”

During the pitch conversation, Corrin likened the description of Cassandra Nova to Gene Wilder’s seminal performance as Willy Wonka. Despite not being as villainous as Cassandra Nova, Wilder’s performance was erratically unpredictable, frequently unsettling audiences as he balanced the film’s levity with suspense. Ryan Reynolds also mentioned Christoph Waltz’s incredible performance in Quentin Tarantino’s Inglourious Basterds as inspiration for the latest MCU villain. Waltz’s Hans Landa is a charming and polite Nazi hunter, who uses his charisma and charm to influence and manipulate others. Corrin described Waltz’s performance, saying:

“They wanted her to be unpredictable. [Hans is] so disarmingly polite and nice and unaffected, and it’s really creepy. It’s all the more sinister because he doesn’t need to do anything.

Emma Corrin Brings a ‘Gene Wilder Energy’ to Deadpool & Wolverine

Corrin didn’t reveal if they discussed any recollection of Gene Wilder’s performance with the likes of Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman. However, it would make sense as Reynolds has previously likened the performance in the new movie to Wilder. Outside of Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, Gene Wilder was renowned for his energetic comedy performances, stealing the show in films like Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Reynolds also praised Corrin’s ability to humanize such an all-powerful villain. Reynolds said:

“Emma brought a Gene Wilder energy to Deadpool & Wolverine. Mischief, danger, unpredictability – from their first scene onward, we understand the villain enough to know why she’s motivated to oppose our heroes. And that’s because Emma is so f*cking excellent at humanizing even the most chaotic lines. The only thing we love more than hating a villain is loving one. And we love Emma’s Cassandra Nova from the jump.”

Related Ryan Reynolds Reveals: ‘I Didn’t Know if I’d Ever Be Playing Deadpool Again’ Deadpool & Wolverine’s Ryan Reynolds dishes on playing the Merc with a Mouth again, while Emma Corrin reveals something juicy about the film’s baddie.

The inclusion of Casandra Nova, Deadpool, and Wolverine in Deadpool & Wolverine marks the first full appearance of mutants in the MCU. The X-Men were teased in The Marvels’ post credits scene, but Deadpool & Wolverine are giving the iconic Marvel characters center stage in the new movie.

Deadpool & Wolverine
releases in theaters on July 26, 2024.