In a surprising return to collaborative filmmaking, Eva Green has reunited with the legendary Samuel L. Jackson for the much-anticipated thriller Just Play Dead. This marks their second project together following their initial encounter in Tim Burton’s Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, where Jackson portrayed the sinister Mr. Barron opposite Green’s titular character.
Green has long desired to work alongside Jackson again, a sentiment she expressed while discussing her excitement for the new film, which is represented by Highland Film Group at the American Film Market. “I’ve been wanting to do another comedy for a long time and fell in love with the script and the idea of working with Sam,” she shared. “His energy and generosity were unforgettable [on Miss Peregrine]. Sam brings humor, focus, and total confidence.”
Just Play Dead revolves around Jack Wolfe, played by Jackson, a wealthy criminal mastermind who concocts a plan to fake his death in order to secure a $30 million life insurance payout. With his “grieving” wife Nora, portrayed by Green, the plot thickens as they contemplate framing Nora’s surfer lover Chad for the supposed murder. However, Nora harbors a more sinister plan of her own: to kill Jack for real and keep the fortune for herself, leading to a series of twists as both characters seek to outsmart one another.
Describing her character, Green noted, “Nora started off as a high-class escort, then married Jack Wolfe, a very powerful gangster. She is definitely Jack’s equal, just as smart and just as ruthless. She’s a great manipulator and loves playing games with people’s minds.”
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Moreover, Green is excited not only about working with Jackson but also about reuniting with director Martin Campbell, known for his work on Casino Royale, in which Green played the iconic character Vesper Lynd. Reflecting on their past collaboration, Green remarked, “Martin has a rare ability to make big stories feel intimate. He can balance great dramatic momentum with real character.”
As for Campbell’s directorial evolution over the years, Green believes he remains the same in the best ways: precise, curious, and ever-demanding. She jokingly described Campbell as having “more energy today than when we made Casino Royale,” expressing her admiration for his continuous vitality and skill.
Filmed in the picturesque Canary Islands, Just Play Dead represents a shift in tone for Green, who is known for her penchant for dark and eccentric roles. The actress emphasized her readiness to tackle new challenges, remarking, “I’m always up to play characters that I’ve never played before and especially [with] a well-written script that has great banter.”
While the playful nature and engaging narrative of this project stand in contrast to the intense themes of her previous work, Green finds joy in the vibrant dialogue and colorful characters, stating, “We don’t do dialogue like this anymore, and it’s very jubilating.”
As Green expresses a desire to explore more complex narratives in the future, she also has aspirations to work with innovative directors such as Magnus von Horn, having been captivated by the shadowy storytelling of The Girl with the Needle.
For now, fans can look forward to witnessing the dynamic on-screen chemistry between Green and Jackson as they navigate a story filled with intrigue, rivalry, and seaside escapades in Just Play Dead. The anticipation surrounding this project continues to build, leaving audiences eager for what’s next in Green’s evolving career.
