When she first hit our screens with a starring role in Kingsman: Secret Service in 2014, it was hard to believe that it was Sophie Cookson’s first big-time project since leaving drama school. An alumna of the National Youth Music Theatre and Oxford School of Drama, her career has taken an impressive and rapid trajectory – from being named as one of Screen International’s Stars of Tomorrow in 2014 to securing roles in blockbuster titles and starring alongside industry greats.

Now, reprising her role as the ass-kicking Roxy in Kingsman: The Golden Circle, fans of the franchise can look forward to seeing Sophie and her fellow Kingsman spies face a deluge of dangers, with their headquarters in ruins while the world is held hostage by a nefarious new nemesis…

Things are obviously going to be a bit different in Kingsman: The Golden Circle. How do you think Roxy has developed as a character by this point? Will we learn more about her?

You’ll have to wait and see! She’s definitely now an established working cog in Kingsman with a great suit… apart from that, I can’t tell you much more!

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As most people will be aware, the Kingsman series has comic book origins – is that a genre that interests you, or are there others you’re more into?

I have to say, I’ve never been a comic book fanatic – but, through Kingsman and the fact that the movie industry does seem focused on that genre at the moment, I’ve learnt a lot about it in the last few years.

For me if it’s a great script and concept then I’m interested, regardless of genre. Having said that, I do love a good psychological thriller; something intriguing, with dark undertones. Right now I’m loving The Handmaid’s Tale – it’s so brilliantly harrowing and moving.

 

 

You’re also starring in Gypsy on Netflix– what’s your character, Sidney, like in the show?  

Sid is super complicated, which is what drew me to her. She talks about owning your circumstances and living this authentic ‘I don’t care what anyone else thinks’ life – yet, at the same time, she lies and has this deep- rooted vulnerability. She can lie and manipulate, but also has this amazing zest for life and ability to draw people out of themselves. I was so excited to play someone who straddles the good and bad side of human nature. It’s still rare to see such three-dimensional women on screen.

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Gypsy is, refreshingly, quite a female-led series – did you find it to be a different vibe on set, with women in so many of the production and on-screen roles we often see going to men?

There are sensitive issues we deal with in the show, and I was definitely happy to have all my intimate scenes with Naomi directed by women. There’s an implicit level of safety and understanding that is perhaps more automatic than when you’re working with a director of the opposite sex. It’s the first time I’ve done a scene of that nature surrounded by so many women – it felt empowering.

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And, lastly, what is your FAULT?

I can be incredibly stubborn – I like to see it as determination, but it can definitely swing the other way!

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