It can be a big responsibility for an actor to take on playing a real-life figure, especially one that is still alive.
Firefly actress Morena Baccarin takes on the role of Christina Ferrare, former wife of John DeLorean, in documentary drama Framing John DeLorean.
The acclaimed film cuts archive footage and interviews with reconstructed scenes of key moments in John DeLorean’s life, played by Hollywood favourite Alec Baldwin.
The film seeks to add new insight to the inspiring and scandalous saga of John DeLorean; it is the true story of greed and endless ambition behind the car that would become one of the biggest cult items of the 1980s thanks to the Back to the Future film series.
Baccarin spoke with Mirror Online to discuss the new film, along with the potential of her Deadpool character Vanessa joining the MCU, the end of Gotham (the show that led to her marriage to co-star Ben McKenzie), and whether or not she thinks Firefly should get a revival.
What drew you to taking part in Framing John DeLorean?
It sounded like a very interesting premise. A documentary with re-enactment scenes that would bring the whole story to another level. Getting to act opposite Alec Baldwin. And I was a fan of “The Art of The Steal”. So it seemed like a no brainer.
How did you approach portraying a real-life figure such as Christina Ferrare? Did you approach her in for the film?
I did as much research as I could given the quick schedule, I watched her on talk shows and read up on her. And I spoke to her on the phone. She was very gracious and giving. More so than I would be under the circumstances.
Did you feel more or a responsibility portraying Ferrare than you do for fictional figures?
I wanted to make sure that I captured her essence and feel more than anything. It wasn’t so much about being “her” exactly but more about giving her a voice. About capturing the heart of her journey and who she was.
What was it like working with Alec Baldwin?
Really fun. He’s a very giving and committed actor. We had a great time discussing the relationship between the two. And it was great watching him transform.
Would you be keen to appear in more documentary films such as Framing John DeLorean?
Depends on the subject. But probably.
Do you think you will reprise your role as Vanessa now that Deadpool will exist within the Marvel Cinematic Universe?
I really hope so. I love that character.
With such a trend of television reboots, would you be keen to see a return to the world of Firefly?
Yes and no. It’s a very special show to me and so iconic. But it would feel a little strange going back there.
How did you feel about the conclusion of Gotham and the end for your character Dr. Leslie Thompkins?
It’s bittersweet. It was a very meaningful time in my life and we all became family. But it’s also exciting to lay something to rest and see what’s next.
What other exciting projects do you have lined up?
I have a film coming out August 9th called Ode to Joy. A great romantic comedy with Martin Freeman, which I had a great time shooting.
I just finished a film called Waldo with Charlie Hunnam and Mel Gibson that is a comedic film noir.
And I am currently filming an apocalyptic end of the world action movie with Gerard Butler called Greenland. It’s been quite an exotic year.
Framing John DeLorean is available on Amazon Video and iTunes from July 29, 2019.