Emmy Rossum Recalls Being Shot by a BB Gun While Training to Play an FBI Agent in “Furious” (Exclusive)

**Emmy Rossum Prepares for Role in Hulu’s ‘Furious’ with Rigorous Training and Research**

Emmy Rossum, known for her notable role in “Shameless,” has devoted a year and a half to prepare for her character, FBI agent Alice, in Hulu’s upcoming crime drama, “Furious.” In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Rossum, 39, shared the extent of her immersive training and the physical transformations she underwent to authentically portray her character.

The actress trained extensively with retired FBI agent Jennifer Coffindaffer in Texas, culminating in a rigorous regimen that included target practice and tactical drills. Reflecting on her experience, Rossum recounted her confidence after the initial day of training but highlighted the unexpected challenges that followed. “After my first day of all of my target practice and drills, I really thought that I had it all figured out,” she said, revealing that her second day took a surprising turn when Coffindaffer introduced the use of a BB gun in a scenario-based drill.

During this drill, Rossum was instructed to simulate a tactical approach to a “safe house.” As she reached the top of a hill, she was confronted with someone firing a BB gun, leading her to scream for help. Coffindaffer’s response, urging her to complete the task, shocked Rossum and challenged her preconceptions about the rigours of FBI training. She admitted that the experience made her contemplate whether she was suited for such a demanding role, even though she found the training enjoyable.

In addition to her tactical training, Rossum took her physical preparation seriously by gaining 10 pounds of muscle through a protein-rich diet and strength workouts. She quipped about consuming substantial amounts of beef and incorporating weights into her daily surroundings. “I had weights everywhere — in the dressing room, in the trailer, under the bed,” she said, even joking about weightlifting with her co-star Jake Lacy before filming scenes.

Rossum’s commitment extended beyond physical preparations; she also researched the psychological demands of law enforcement work. She wanted to comprehend how such roles shape an individual’s identity, acknowledging that the vigilance required often permeates personal life. Her interactions with law enforcement families, including a mother who teaches her children to memorise license plates, profoundly affected her understanding of the burdens faced by those in such vocations.

To facilitate her transformation into Alice, Rossum developed rituals that helped her shift in and out of character. She chose a specific perfume with notes of coffee and croissant, which she would wear to prepare herself mentally for filming. “It sets me up right in the morning to go, ‘Okay, I am becoming this person now,’” she explained, highlighting the importance of psychological tools in an actor’s life. These habits served as crucial strategies for handling the emotional weight of her scenes.

After filming, Rossum employed techniques to help unburden herself from her character. Washing off the scent and enjoying snacks like crunchy pretzels were her ways of returning to her true self. “Having those rituals that create the transitions are really helpful,” she remarked, acknowledging the significance of self-care in acting.

Rossum’s commitment to character development also extended to her role as executive producer on the series. She expressed gratitude for the extended time she had to delve into Alice’s persona. Reflecting on her career, Rossum noted the contrast with her earlier work in “Shameless,” where she had significantly less time to prepare. “I had a year and a half from the time that we had the idea to the time that we stepped on set,” she said, emphasising how the considerable preparation time enriched her performances.

Throughout her career, Rossum has been drawn to characters that inhabit complex moral spaces. “I’m interested in people that exist in a moral grey area,” she commented, indicating her desire to explore themes that challenge societal norms and introspection.

“Furious” is set to premiere on July 27 on Hulu, and with Rossum’s extensive preparation, audiences can anticipate a captivating portrayal of a multifaceted character navigating the challenges of law enforcement.