Salma Hayek Pinault is back on the silver screen, as she plays Nina in Angelina Jolie’s upcoming war drama directorial venture Without Blood. Hayek recently revealed how she was initially not interested in playing the role, but Jolie convinced her to join the project. The House of Gucci actress has previously shared the screen with Jolie in her 2021 superhero film Eternals. Read on for more details!
In a recent interview with Entertainment Weekly, Salma Hayek Pinault opened up about her experience working in Angelina Jolie’s upcoming war drama Without Blood, which is based on author Alessandro Baricco’s novel. Hayek Pinault told the publication that she was initially hesitant to play Nina, a character deeply affected by the horrors of war and her struggle to recover in the aftermath.
“I didn’t want to do the movie. I didn’t want to be Nina,” the Like a Boss actress said, adding, “I didn’t want to go to the places emotionally that she’s gone to.” She said she told Jolie she didn’t want to play the character, telling her the role was too “painful” for her emotionally.
“It took me years to get to a place in my life where I’m really happy. I don’t want to be in pain for weeks and weeks,” the actress explained. The outlet noted that Hayek Pinault noted that the project is “very complicated work for an actor,” explaining that the role required her to be on the verge of a complete emotional breakdown throughout filming.
She stressed that playing Nina required her to be on that intense emotional edge every day and every hour. “There’s nowhere to hide. There’s not a lot of action going on. If for a second you’re not there, it’s very obvious,” the actress said.
Hayek Pinault further explained that after several lengthy discussions, Jolie eventually “persuaded” her to take the role despite her initial reluctance. She explained that they had to have “very long conversations” before agreeing to play such a demanding character.
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Also read: ‘I was shocked’: Salma Hayek Pinault praises Angelina Jolie’s directorial role in Without Blood; says she brought a maternal energy to set
The actress then praised the Maleficent actress, saying Jolie is the “best” actress and director she’s ever worked with, adding that she’s never felt so valued. “She knew I was the right actress. I didn’t even know I was the right actress at the time,” she said, referring to the role in the film.
Meanwhile, Without Blood recently premiered at the Toronto Film Festival. The film also stars Demian Bichir, Angelica Picilli, Maddox Chivan Jolie-Pitt and Juan Minujin.
