On this week’s show (30th January), Graham welcomes Aussie star of Thor Chris Hemsworth, Oscar-winner Halle Berry, Mean Girls and Spotlight star Rachel McAdams, top comedian John Bishop, and singer songwriter Jessie Ware.
Chris and Halle chat about their new crime thriller Crime 101.
Chris says, “It is a throwback to the 70s, 80s and 90s heist movies that we all love, with a contemporary feel. There are complex characters and a deep level of emotion, and it’s entertaining, sleek, sexy, and visually pretty stunning. It was the best script I had read in years.”
Halle, talking about her character says, “She stands up for all women in middle life. She has a voice. I think that has been a long time coming. Many women who are down the path of life like I am will feel very happy to be seen.”
Asked about her experience of working on the film she says, “It was amazing. When you’ve being doing this for over 30 years and you say it is the all-time best, that’s something. You hear about the horror stories that go on in the industry, but not at all here. I have never felt more seen, protected and stood up for as I did on this movie.”
On doing his own driving stunts, Chris says, “I am comfortable behind a wheel. It is intense and a huge risk, but I was like a kid in a candy shop.”
Halle, recalling winning her Best Actress Oscar in 2002, and making history by being the first African American woman to receive one, says, “That night I had an out of body experience. I didn’t think I would win so didn’t write a speech and I was in utter shock and disbelief. It was only an hour later that it sunk in, and I couldn’t stop telling people, “I won an Oscar!’"
Talking about Avengers: Doomsday, Chris jokes, “Thor is back, but what can I say without being removed from the movie? Every time I come back as Thor, I think, ‘Where can we go from here?’ But each time I have been blown away, and this one is no different. It’s ginormous!”
Asked by John how he gets in shape for the role, Chris says, “I keep the momentum up and stay in the zone. I train six or seven days a week for my health and mental wellbeing and when I am Thor I just eat more. Everything hurts a bit more now I am 42, but it is fun and I love it. It’s a blessing to be part of something that has such a following.”
Rachel talking about her darkly comedic survival film Send Help, and working with director Sam Raimi, says, “He is so wonderful and such a kind and lovely man who makes dark demented films so I knew it would be a big reach.”
Asked about Mean Girls and her character Regina George, “I didn’t know how hated she would be and for how long. The first time I saw the film with an audience I was with my best friend. Everyone cheered when Regina was hit by a bus, but my friend stood up and screamed, ‘Nooooo!”
John, talking about Is This Thing On? and asked what it feels like to have a Hollywood movie inspired by his life, says, “It’s really weird and strange.” Adding, “I wanted to be part of the writing process, but I was too close to the story, so I had to step away. I’m so glad I did. There was a big portion of trust involved, but the end result is brilliant. It really is a lovely film.”
Asked why he didn’t have a cameo in the film, he jokes, “I was tempted but I wasn’t asked!” Adding, “I don’t think a film by Bradley Cooper is going to be made better by me being in it.”
Talking about attending the first premiere of the film with his family, he says, “This isn’t our life, it’s not our world so everyone was getting a bit excited beforehand and the boys said to me, ‘Dad, do not be a knobhead. Everyone on red carpets looks cool so don’t smile like you’re a competition winner!’ They all got the cool memo, and there I was grinning ear to ear!”
Jessie performs I Could Get Used To This live in the studio, before joining Graham for a chat about her new album.
The Graham Norton Show BBC One and iPlayer Friday 30th January 10.40pm
Next week (6th February) Graham’s guests include Margot Robbie, Jacob Elordi, Amanda Seyfried, Ryan Coogler, and Jacob Alon.
Credit: BBC/So Television/PA Media/Jas Lehal
