The Marvel universe is rapidly spreading across both the TV and Film worlds. Marvel Studios has recently announced their intentions to team heroes up, in future films. While their influence will also expand enormously over the next year on the small screens, as Agent Carter and Daredevil look to debut soon. And their show on ABC, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. is no exception to the growth as well.
Since the events of Captain America: The Winter Soldier shook up the TV program and the MCU, the show has been gradually improving from its disastrous beginnings. The tone and structure has been reconfigured and there has been a more concerted effort to include more iconic moments and characters. One of those new additions this season will be film veteran Adrianne Palicki (John Wick, G.I. Joe: Retaliation) who will be portraying Bobbi Morse, better known by her codename, Mockingbird.
Palicki recently sat down with EW, here is what she had to say on her role as Mockingbird in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
On how the deal came together to appear on the show and if she had any reservations:
They approached me and were interested in me for the role. Of course, I’m a huge comic book fan and have been forever. My brother’s a comic book writer. Playing an action hero is always exciting, but it was scary, because I was like, “I will never be able to play another Marvel character if I go forward in this role.” There was a lot of questions and a lot of weighing the options. The showrunners were very convincing. I’m glad that we all came together and I got to be this character
On the chance that her character, Mockingbird, will ever appear in a Marvel Movie:
Absolutely. That’s the nice thing. It’s the first Marvel show that’s been on television and the crossovers have happened multiple times. I hope there is that potential for the character. Anything is possible in that world, which is wonderful.
On whether she was briefed on the future of her character:
They explained to me what they were going to do in the first episode, which also worked for the dark hair situation. We used it to our advantage. I was so excited to see the arc. They explained to me a little bit of what’s down the line. It’s an exciting character.
On her portrayal of Bobbi Morse, aka Mockingbird:
Bobbi uses her sexuality and her confidence to get whatever it is she wants. She’s also very able to adapt to situations very, very quickly, which is part of her power in manipulation. At the end of the day, she’s a really cool, funny, sweet character. She’s just a badass, ultimately.
Her thoughts on Mockingbird’s interactions with the female characters and the balance of gender on the show:
She gets along wonderfully with them. I got to work with Elizabeth pretty much the entire first episode I was in, and she’s one of my favorite people. I have to give these writers and producers so much credit, because in a world where it’s scarce to see female characters like this, they’ve brought in multiple strong female characters in one setting. It’s such an awesome thing for young women everywhere. You have every level: The one that kicks ass, the one that’s the brains. They’re all strong in different ways.
On the specific fight training necessary to bring Mockingbird to life:
Yeah, I had to definitely do a bit of training with the sticks. I’ve had martial arts training now and fight training, but bringing in a weapon is very different, especially since I’m used to using guns now. It’s been fun. It’s part of the excitement. I actually really like doing the stunts and learning new techniques and things of that nature. That’s part of the excitement of the character as well.
On the similarities in fight style with Mockingbird and Black Widow:
That’s the thing that’s very similar about the two characters: They come from a martial arts background. They’re not necessarily superheroes, but they’re a part of the Avengers team. In that sense, they’re very similar, strong females. I love her as Natasha, a.k.a. Black Widow. There’s definitely a similarity between the two characters.
On her future on the show. This is the part when she spoils the next episode…(SPOILER):
That is up in the air still. She is part of the S.H.I.E.L.D. team. In episode 206, the world turns on S.H.I.E.L.D. because Hydra poses as them and attacks the U.N. All those story lines are still going; she’s just now a part of that world.
On how they will handle Mockingbird being on the same team as her ex-husband, Lance:
There’s going to be a fun dynamic. A little bit like a Mr. and Mrs. Smith-type thing happening. It adds a little bit of levity and comedy to some very intense situations down the line. It’s fun. Getting to play with Nick is just so entertaining. It adds a little bit of a different dynamic to the show.
On her past history with Agent Tripp and Mack:
I think anything is possible with the past. It’s like that moment she has with Mack (Henry Simmons). They used to work together. They’re really old friends. What it is more than anything is to show she’s had a relationship with these people for a very long time.
This is all very promising stuff for fans of Marvel. Especially when you take into account the rumors of Marvel looking to merge their brands on-screen in the coming years. In the comics, Mockingbird has been an Avenger and is traditionally romantically linked to Hawkeye, even going as far as marriage. It will be interesting to see if Marvel would have interest in a Mr. & Mrs. Smith style action movie featuring Jeremy Renner and Palicki.
From what Palicki says, it seems that the writers are giving themselves a lot of latitude with her character by leaving a lot implied, yet ambiguous. In any case, she immediately becomes the agent, and actor, with the most presence and charisma on the TV show. Yet, another winning casting move from Marvel, as it looks to try and improve Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Next week, we should get a real feel for her character and how she will be utilized. It’s an exciting time for fans of female heroes, as this show will take a winter hiatus and be replaced by Agent Carter, featuring Hayley Atwell. Hopefully this is the setting the foundation for some even more ground to be broken on the big screen as well.
Marvel’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. airs Tuesdays on ABC.
Does Palicki’s interview give you more faith in Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. and Marvel’s overall plan? Let us know on the comment boards, Instagram, and !
Source: EW, Schmoesknow, Comicbookmovie