Catherine Zeta-Jones has expressed that returning to her roots while filming her latest series, “Kill Jackie,” has been a deeply moving experience for her. The actress, originally from Swansea, Wales, plays the lead role of Jackie Price in the show, which premiered on October 2, 2023, on AMC+. In an interview, Zeta-Jones shared her sentiments about how the series has allowed her to reconnect with her homeland.
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The narrative of “Kill Jackie” is based on Nick Harkaway’s novel “The Price You Pay.” Zeta-Jones’s character, Jackie, is portrayed as a prosperous art dealer who seeks to distance herself from a troubled past steeped in crime. However, her seemingly serene existence is abruptly disrupted when she learns that a notorious group of hitmen, known as The Seven Demons, has been contracted to kill her. The story sends Jackie on a perilous journey across several countries, including Spain, Portugal, and England, before culminating in her return to Wales.
This particular role is noteworthy for Zeta-Jones as it marks her first on-screen portrayal of a Welsh character and her first opportunity to film in her native country. Zeta-Jones remarked that the experience of filming in Swansea infused the project with personal significance, making it one of the most meaningful works of her long-standing career.
Reflecting on the emotional weight of the series, she remarked, “We were able to set one episode in Wales. It’s a very poignant, very touching episode in Swansea, my hometown. Jackie makes a life-changing discovery when she returns home, which was both emotional and wonderful for me.” Her connection to the location added a unique layer to her performance, intertwining her cultural heritage with the storyline.
Zeta-Jones expressed a strong sense of pride in her Welsh identity. “I’m very patriotic, and I am very proud of my roots,” she stated. Her sentiment that “You can take the girl out of Wales, but you can never take Wales out of the girl” emphasises her deep-seated connection to her origins.
Additionally, Zeta-Jones highlighted how liberating it was to utilize her natural Welsh accent in “Kill Jackie.” Over the years, she has taken on various roles where she adopted different accents, which can be challenging and often distracting. “Every time you’ve ever seen me in anything, I’m doing an accent. I’ve got accents stored in this part of my brain,” she playfully commented. She explained that using her native accent not only relieved this challenge but also enhanced her ability to improvise, which can sometimes feel daunting in her profession.
This return to her roots has evidently had a rejuvenating effect on the actress, allowing her to fully immerse herself in the role of Jackie while shedding the weight of her past on-screen accents. Zeta-Jones reflected on this newfound freedom, stating that not having to focus on the nuances of an accent made it easier for her to engage with the material and connect with her character.
The series “Kill Jackie,” which is executive produced by Zeta-Jones herself, continues to draw viewers in with its blend of high stakes and personal narrative. New episodes are released every Friday on AMC+, promising an exciting mix of suspense and emotional depth. As Zeta-Jones embarks on this significant chapter of her career, she remains a figure of pride for her Welsh heritage, inspiring audiences both at home and abroad.
In conclusion, “Kill Jackie” represents not just a return to form for Catherine Zeta-Jones but also a celebration of her Welsh identity. By integrating her background into her work, she offers audiences a unique perspective that enhances the storytelling within the series.