Jessica McNamee is gearing up to reprise her role of Sonya Blade in Mortal Kombat II and she opened up exclusively to Us Weekly about getting into the headspace of this character the second time around.
“I found myself taking inspiration from real-life soldiers. And weirdly, animals—specifically tigers,” McNamee, 39, told Us. “I loved to watch videos of big cats prowling around, always on high alert and keeping their wits about them.”
To prepare for the physically-demanding aspects of the role, McNamee said she worked in the gym with her trainer Andrea Kinsky, as well as movement coach Jean-Louis Rodrigue.
“I found myself getting more injured the first time around, so I focused on not only strength but agility,” McNamee said. “[Rodrigue and I] really worked on the character from a movement standpoint. I found finding the way she would move her body to be extremely helpful. Adding this to everything I built in the first film gave me a real sense of confidence in taking on the role again.”
The Australian actress and model said she felt less pressure going into the sequel, because of how “receptive” the fans were after the first film’s release.
“There is an element where you want to stay true to the character, as the fans know her,” McNamee said. “I am trying to get a little more cheek and sassiness in there for our Sonya fans. Who says you can’t be cheeky while also kicking ass.”
McNamee told Us it was “fantastic” to be reunited with the cast for the sequel.
“We adore each other. It was like being on a big vacation together,” McNamee said. “And the addition of the new characters made it even more fun on set (and off).”
Mortal Kombat II introduces new characters Kitana and Jade, played by Adeline Rudolph and Tati Gabrielle, respectively. McNamee told Us about the dynamic shift these important female characters brought to the set.
“It was about time we got some more female energy on set,” McNamee said. “It was such a boys club the first time around, so it was nice to even things out a bit. We all hung a lot on and off set. Gosh, it was nice.”
Mortal Kombat has such a passionate fanbase and McNamee said she believes it is the “nostalgia” that keeps it enticing for longtime enthusiasts and newcomers.
“Everyone remembers their introduction to the game, whether on PlayStation, Nintendo 64, or at the arcade. It was iconic and ahead of its time. So hearing that theme song really tickles that nostalgic bone in a way that a lot of other IP does not,” McNamee told Us.
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The Neighbor star said she still “pinches” herself when she sees fan art that depicts her in character.
“I suppose it is one of the few interactions I have had with the fans up until this point—due to COVID getting in the way of promoting the first one,” she told Us. “So the online engagement is really special. We are so lucky to be able to get out and meet the fans in the flesh this time around. And I am sure we will be seeing even more fan art as the film gets closer.”
McNamee said she hopes there will be more Mortal Kombat movies in the future.
“We still have a lot to see,” The Meg star said. “Namely, a relationship blooming between Sonya and Johnny Cage. Who says an all-out action film can’t have a bit of romance?”
As far as future projects, McNamee is set to star in Evil Dead: Wrath, which will be directed by Francis Galluppi, and is slated for a 2028 release.
“We have been filming for four months, and I truly have had the most fun time,” McNamee told Us. “Our director is a visionary and so collaborative. My peers are some of the kindest and most fun people I have worked with. I have no notes. I really can’t wait to see what sick stuff we have been cooking up. It is an exciting project for me, as it is a pivot from Sonya—a character that is new for me.”
Mortal Kombat II is set to hit theatres on Friday, May 8.
