In addition to talking to The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader director Michael Apted (view interview) and star Ben Barnes (view interview), ComingSoon.net also caught up with Georgie Henley on the Australian set for the third installment. Henley talked to us about returning to the role of Lucy Pevensie.
ComingSoon.net: What’s it like coming back to Narnia for the third time?
Georgie Henley: I think it’s great. I’m so excited to be here. It’s my favorite book in the series. I was really excited when I realized I was coming out here. It’s a bit different, but I think change is good.
CS: Different how?
Henley: Well there’s a new director, Will and Anna aren’t here and a new addition to the cast, Will Poulter who plays Eustace, and we’re not shooting in New Zealand, we’re in Australia. Just things like that.
CS: On the last film you shot in several different locations and countries. On this film it’s mainly in one area of Australia. What is that like for you?
Henley: I think being based somewhere is quite nice. To not be moving around all of the time especially when this a shorter shoot than the others so it’s nice to have time and it’s easier to film at home.
CS: I believe this shoot is about 20 days shorter than the first two films, so does that make it more challenging for you as an actor?
Henley: No, I’m happy that I get less time away from my family and friends. The length of the shoot doesn’t make a difference to me. It’s quality not quantity. Hopefully we can achieve that.
CS: What is the difference between working with Michael Apted verses Andrew Adamson?
Henley: I don’t think you can really compare the two. They’re completely different directors and I think they’ve both got great styles. I think it’s really good that we all get along with Michael really well. I love Michael. He’s fantastic. What he’s doing with the film is brilliant. I really admire Andrew and think he did a great job on the other two films. I just think this film is not going to be not better or not worse but just different.
CS: Why is this book your favorite?
Henley: I just like the idea of it being lots of different adventures. I like the nautical theme running throughout. I love the fact that it takes place on a ship. I think it’s such a different idea. It’s different to a lot of the other Narnia stories.
CS: When you first saw the Dawn Treader what did you think?
Henley: It was mental. It’s huge and beautiful. It’s totally not what I imagined, which is great. It’s so good to get someone else’s point of view and for it to be a better point of view. It was brilliant.
CS: How does your character change or grow in this film?
Henley: I think what we learn about Lucy from this film is that she’s human. She’s growing up now. She’s a teenager. She’s got into her teens like I have and I think that she’s very much the purest of characters throughout the first two films and she’s very good and brave and true. This film kinda shows that she has a darker side. We all do things which we’re not proud of. I think this showcases Lucy’s not proud moments.
CS: What’s it like to not have Will and Anna here with you?
Henley: I think it’s hard. It’s hard doing it without them because I’m not used to it. It doesn’t make it less fun or more fun. I love Anna and Will and it’s a shame they couldn’t do this, but I’m having just as much fun on this film.
CS: What do you think Will Poulter’s character brings to this film?
Henley: I just think he’s absolutely fantastic. I just think he’s the most amazing actor. It’s exactly what we need. He’s so funny in this film. He’s going to make so many people laugh, but he’s also got this amazing vulnerability about him. Will as a person is fantastic. Everybody loves Will. He’s very polite and lovely.
CS: Can you talk his character Eustace?
Henley: I think Eustace brings comedy and showcases the transformation which I think a lot of people go through in their lives and it shows you that Narnia can really do anything. He’s a brat to begin with. Narnia just completely changed him and shaped his life.
CS: What has impressed you most on this film so far?
Henley: That’s an interesting question. I like that one. To me, what’s most impressed me would probably be the amazing sets. The detail really struck me. On a personal level, I feel fine with all this change and it really hasn’t affected how I feel about the shooting struck me the most.
CS: Can you relate to Lucy?
Henley: Definitely. She’s the best person. She’s so great about everything. She’s so pure and understands everything. In this film, she’s a lot easier to relate to for me because of her dark side. Sometimes you feel sorry for her and sometimes you feel so happy for her. There’s so many layers to her and I hope I can do her justice.
CS: Where would you like to see your career go after Narnia?
Henley: I’d love to do more after this. I’m not going to lie and say this is a part time thing. It really isn’t. I really love school, but I’d love to continue acting jobs if I can. I think it will be nice to try something different other than the fantasy genre. I think it’s really interesting to try new things if I can.
CS: Is there someone’s career who you’d like to emulate or that you really admire?
Henley: I really look up to people who experiment in all areas and I think Johnny Depp is a really good actor to look up to because he’s done so many genres of films. I think Cate Blanchett is a good actress to look up to. They’re probably my two favs. My other two favorite actresses are French. They just seem to be able to express themselves a lot more. I just get such a vibe from them – Audrey Tautou and Marion Cotillard I get such vibes from them when they act. I love it.
CS: What kinds of movies do you like to watch?
Henley: I’ll watch anything as long as it’s good. I can’t choose just one movie that I love. There are so many genres of film. I don’t know. I’m into anything.
CS: Who is an actor you’d love to work with?
Henley: Johnny Depp. He’s probably been the first actor where I thought, ‘”Wow he’s really great!” I seem to be going on about him a lot.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader opens in 3D and 2D theaters on December 10. Stay tuned for more interviews with the stars.
