The year 2020 presented a unique challenge for dystopian narratives. As reality mirrored unsettling fictional themes of control and altered societal norms, shows exploring these scenarios needed to resonate with a world already grappling with similar issues. Amidst this climate, the adaptation of Aldous Huxley’s seminal novel, Brave New World, emerged, starring the captivating Hannah John-Kamen.
John-Kamen, an actress hailing from Yorkshire, has become synonymous with roles in fantastical and often disquieting worlds. Her filmography boasts appearances in Steven Spielberg’s VR-centric Ready Player One, Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp, the sci-fi series Killjoys, and episodes of Black Mirror. She has also lent her talents to franchises like Star Wars, Game of Thrones, and Tomb Raider, establishing herself as a prominent figure in contemporary genre entertainment. This trajectory reflects a career built on embracing complex characters within narratives that often explore the darker sides of technology and society.
In an interview, John-Kamen expressed her affinity for narratives that are “a little bit too close to home,” appreciating their thought-provoking and unsettling nature, especially in light of recent global events. She drew parallels between dystopian fiction and the emerging “new norms of life,” highlighting the rapid adaptability of society to significant changes. This perspective underscores the relevance of her work in Brave New World, where she embodies Wilhelmina “Helm” Watson, a character deeply embedded in the novel’s exploration of pleasure, control, and societal structure.
Brave New World, set in the futuristic New London, depicts a society rigidly stratified by a caste system. Within this world, concepts of privacy and monogamy are abolished, replaced by a culture of casual sexual encounters and the pervasive use of “soma,” a mood-altering drug designed to ensure constant happiness. John-Kamen’s character, Helm Watson, an “alpha plus” sporting a silver wig, is instrumental in orchestrating “pleasure bomb” parties – elaborate, hedonistic events designed to culminate in mass orgies. Helm’s declaration, “If you’re not happy, you’re nothing at all,” encapsulates the superficial pursuit of pleasure at the heart of this manufactured utopia.
Interestingly, the character of Helm is a gender-swapped adaptation from Huxley’s novel, where Helmholtz is a male propagandist. This is not an isolated instance in John-Kamen’s career. Her portrayal of Ghost in Ant-Man and the Wasp also saw a gender reversal from the comic book source material, where the character was male. Similarly, in the Netflix adaptation of Harlan Coben’s The Stranger, John-Kamen took on the titular role, again originally conceived as male. While John-Kamen doesn’t overanalyze this pattern, she acknowledges its contribution to greater representation, emphasizing the importance of casting compelling characters regardless of their originally conceived gender. This willingness to embrace roles that challenge traditional gender norms further solidifies her position as a versatile and forward-thinking actress.
Image alt text: Hannah John-Kamen embodies Wilhelmina Watson in Brave New World, Peacock series, dystopian drama.
During the interview, John-Kamen, returning home after filming a new, undisclosed movie project, hinted at another potentially large-scale production, possibly the Resident Evil reboot, further cementing her presence in blockbuster cinema. Her past experiences include a brief but memorable role in Star Wars: The Force Awakens and a more substantial part as F’Nale Zandor in Ready Player One. She recounted her positive experience working with Steven Spielberg on Ready Player One, sharing anecdotes of singing show tunes between takes and highlighting the director’s personal recommendation that aided her casting in Ant-Man and the Wasp.
Reflecting on her entry into the Marvel Cinematic Universe with Ant-Man, John-Kamen acknowledged the passionate fanbase associated with comic book adaptations. She addressed the balance between respecting source material and embracing creative liberties in adaptations, advocating for a nuanced approach that serves the script while understanding fan expectations. Her perspective highlights the delicate negotiation actors face when interpreting beloved characters for the screen.
John-Kamen also expressed appreciation for comic-book conventions, viewing them as immersive and enjoyable spaces for fans to celebrate and engage with the genre. She revealed her own childhood affinity for Batman, noting the empowering influence of fictional characters on personal strength and resilience. This connection to fandom and genre narratives underscores her genuine engagement with the worlds she inhabits on screen.
Growing up in a village near Hull, John-Kamen’s polished accent is a testament to her dedication to her craft. Her early fascination with classic Hollywood films, particularly Some Like it Hot, ignited her acting aspirations, which were fully supported by her parents. She describes her unwavering commitment to acting as “plan A all the way,” emphasizing the resolute nature of her pursuit.
Early in her career, John-Kamen experienced the challenging reception of Viva Forever!, a Spice Girls musical in London’s West End. Despite harsh critical reviews, she remained unfazed, prioritizing the audience’s positive experience and choosing to disregard press commentary entirely. This proactive approach to managing media perception reflects a mature and self-assured perspective, crucial for navigating the often-scrutinizing world of entertainment.
Addressing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on theatre, John-Kamen acknowledged the challenges while also highlighting the potential for innovation and the growing importance of online platforms. She also spoke to the ongoing need for greater diversity and representation within the entertainment industry, particularly in award recognition, advocating for continued progress and challenging instances of regression. Her cautious optimism, tempered by the realities of both industry and global challenges, reflects a balanced and pragmatic outlook.
Hannah John-Kamen’s career trajectory showcases a compelling blend of talent, versatility, and a commitment to engaging with complex and often genre-bending narratives. While public interest in figures often extends to aspects beyond their professional work, focusing on John-Kamen’s artistic choices and her contributions to challenging and thought-provoking roles offers a more substantive appreciation of her impact on contemporary cinema and television. Her continued presence in prominent projects suggests a lasting and significant career, built on merit and a dedication to meaningful storytelling.
