IN CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTINE ADAMS

interview by JANA LETONJA

Christine Adams is set for a dynamic 2026, following a spectacular close to last year. The acclaimed British actress, known for her commanding performances in ‘Black Lightning’ and ‘Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.’, returns as Marsha Smith-Nelson in the highly anticipated second season of Apple TV+’s ‘Hijack’ alongside Idris Elba. She also stars in Amazon’s psychological thriller ‘Malice’, continues with the returning cast of BBC Three’s ‘Dreaming Whilst Black’, and will be seen later this year in the darkly comic ‘Kill Jackie’ opposite Catherine Zeta-Jones. With her signature blend of intelligence, emotional depth, and presence, Christine continues to cement her status as one of the most compelling and versatile talents in film and television.

dress VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

You’ve got an incredibly exciting lineup ahead with ‘Hijack’, ‘Malice’, ‘Kill Jackie’, and more. How does it feel entering this new chapter of your career?

It feels absolutely amazing. Being part of projects that people are genuinely excited about is such a thrill. I feel like I’m being given really great material to work with, and I still feel challenged, even a little bit scared at times, which I think is exactly how it should feel. I’m also so grateful for the incredible creatives I’m getting to collaborate with. The opportunities keep pushing me in the best ways. Honestly, I have zero complaints. It’s a very joyful place to be.

What can you tell us about Season 2 of ‘Hijack’ and how your character, Marsha, evolves after the dramatic first season?

Season 2 largely takes place on a hijacked train in Berlin, and this hijack is far more complicated than it initially appears. The audience will see the ripple effects of what happened in Season 1 with Sam Nelson, played by Idris Elba. These events have a profound impact on Marsha, and viewers will follow her journey in real time alongside the tension and chaos of the hijack. It’s a gripping continuation that really delves into her resilience, resourcefulness, and the emotional weight of everything she’s faced.

It’s said that Marsha becomes “entrenched in the drama” this season — can you tease what that means for fans?

Let’s just say there were plenty of stunts, and lots and lots of thermals. Marsha is right in the thick of the action this season, and the intensity really pushes her to her limits. Fans can expect high stakes, tense moments, and a deeper dive into how she navigates the chaos around her.

‘Malice’ looks like a dark, psychological thriller with plenty of twists. What drew you to the role of Jules?

What I loved about Jules was the fascinating dynamics she has with all the characters in the show. She’s the bridge between Jack Whitehall’s Adam and the Tanner family, and aside from her feelings for Adam, her decades-long relationship with Nat has this complicated best-friend dynamic that I think so many women will find relatable. I certainly did. There’s history and love there, but the ugliness of jealousy and competitiveness always lingers, and the residual feelings make navigating those relationships a real minefield. It’s messy, intense, and utterly compelling - everything I look for in a role.

You’ve also just completed filming on ‘Kill Jackie’ with Catherine Zeta-Jones. What has that experience been like so far?

Honestly, I was a bit starstruck. As a former musical theatre nerd, I’d seen Catherine in ‘42nd Street’ in the 90s, and she was an incredible tap dancer. I’ve long admired her career from afar, and working with her was absolutely delightful. She’s such a hard worker, endlessly professional and the most amazing scene partner. She brings it every single take, even when the camera isn’t on her.

We shot in the Basque Country, in stunning locations, and I think I may have eaten the best food of my life. The show itself is a hyper-stylised, wild ride. We follow a team of assassins as they try to capture and kill Catherine’s character. It’s ‘Kill Bill’ meets ‘Killing Eve’, and I had the most thrilling time being a part of it.

When you first read a script, what makes you say, “Yes, I need to play this character”?

It can be many things, or sometimes just one. Occasionally, a single line of dialogue will jump out and reveal something fascinating about the character. Other times, it’s the dynamics between the characters, or the chance to work with actors, directors, producers, or writers I deeply admire. Ultimately, I’m drawn to characters who are a little complicated, with ongoing internal struggles, which, honestly, is most humans. The script is obviously everything, of course, but it’s often the spaces between the words that are the most intriguing and inspiring to explore.

Many of your characters are strong but deeply layered women. How do you find the humanity within their strength?

I think I definitely bring some of my own qualities to the characters I play. I’ve been acting for 30 years, and over time I’ve learned what my strengths are and what to lean into. No one has ever asked me to play a wallflower or a “girl next door” type, and honestly, I’m not sure I could fake that. There’s an energy that radiates from people, and it’s hard to disguise. Nobody is ever just one thing, and discovering all those layers is what makes acting so endlessly interesting and rewarding.

Has your approach to acting changed since your early days on ‘NY-LON’ and ‘Pushing Daisies’?

I’m still learning new things all the time and I don’t think that will ever change. I’ve found that chasing roles or moments that make me a little scared is always a good sign. I also feel more confident in my abilities now. I’m not completely wracked with self-doubt and insecurity like I used to be, though it still creeps in occasionally. Interestingly, I’ve learned that those moments of doubt can sometimes be the very thing that fuels me creatively, so I try to embrace them just as much as the positive energy.

How do you balance the intensity of your work with personal downtime and self-care?

I spend most of my time in the Portuguese countryside, something I never imagined I’d do until I was much older. Being surrounded by greenery, a huge sky, and the sea just a stone’s throw away is incredibly healing. It’s so tranquil. I love how slow and simple Portuguese culture is. I spend a lot of my downtime cooking, eating, and, whenever I can, hosting friends and family. The best days for me are when the outdoor table is full, everyone’s eating, drinking, laughing, and listening to some good jams. Those moments feel restorative in the deepest way.

Looking ahead, is there a dream role, director, or genre you’d love to explore next?

I’m obsessed with Ryan Coogler. He’s a master storyteller, and it must be incredible to be an actor in the worlds he creates. I’ve also been watching a lot of amazing theatre recently, and even though it’s been many years since I’ve been on stage, if the right play came along, I think I would jump at the chance. It would be equal parts terrifying and exhilarating, and that’s exactly the kind of challenge that excites me most.

TEAM CREDITS:

photography BARLEY NIMMO
makeup MIN SANDHU
styling ROBERT MORRISON