Lily James Explores Dating Apps While Immersed in Role Preparation to Portray Bumble Founder (Exclusive)
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In a recent exclusive interview with PEOPLE, renowned actress Lily James shared insights into her unique process of immersing herself in the character of Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd for her upcoming role in the movie “Swiped.” The talented 36-year-old actress delved deep into her research by delving into the world of dating apps, a pivotal component in understanding the narrative behind the influential figure she was set to portray on screen.
James divulged that she took a rather unconventional route to prepare for her role – by hijacking her friends’ phones and delving into the realm of dating apps. The experience, she described, was akin to “going down the rabbit hole of swiping,” a process that provided her with valuable insights into the dynamics of modern matchmaking. Interestingly, James confessed that despite her extensive exploration of dating apps for her role, she had never personally engaged with them in her own quest for love due to her commitments as an actor.
The upcoming Hulu movie, “Swiped,” centres around the life of Whitney Wolfe Herd, the pioneering entrepreneur behind the popular dating apps Tinder and Bumble. James found herself drawn to the tale of Wolfe Herd’s journey, particularly her resilience in the face of challenges and her unwavering determination to carve a space for herself in the tech industry. Wolfe Herd’s remarkable story, from co-founding Tinder in her early twenties to subsequently launching Bumble as a response to adversity, struck a chord with James, who views it as an inspirational narrative worth sharing.
Notably, Whitney Wolfe Herd’s involvement in the creation of Bumble stemmed from her personal experiences of discrimination and harassment in the tech sector, leading her to forge a platform that empowered women in the realm of online dating. James commended Wolfe Herd for using her adversities as fuel to drive positive change, encapsulating a message of resilience and empowerment that resonated deeply with the actress as she delved into the character.
In a serendipitous alignment with her portrayal of Wolfe Herd, James revealed that she was concurrently engaged in establishing her own production company, Parodos Productions, in collaboration with producer Gala Gordon. The parallel journeys of embodying a trailblazing entrepreneur on screen while venturing into the realm of production in real life presented James with a unique opportunity to draw upon the tenacity and innovation exemplified by Wolfe Herd in her own entrepreneurial pursuits.
Looking ahead, James and Gordon are set to embark on their maiden project under their production banner – a reboot of the iconic Sylvester Stallone film, “Cliffhanger,” with James taking on a leading role in the venture. Teasing the reimagination of the classic film, James hinted at an exciting departure from the original storyline, promising audiences a fresh perspective on the beloved cinematic piece.
As “Swiped” gears up for its premiere on Hulu, viewers can anticipate a captivating portrayal of Whitney Wolfe Herd’s extraordinary journey, brought to life through Lily James’ nuanced performance and dedication to embodying the essence of a pioneering female entrepreneur. James’ dual roles as an actor and a burgeoning producer underscore her commitment to storytelling and her unwavering resolve to venture beyond conventional boundaries in her artistic pursuits.