Rebecca Ferguson Takes Charge in Kathryn Bigelow’s A House of Dynamite

Venice, Italy — Rebecca Ferguson is back on screen as Captain Olivia Walker in Kathryn Bigelow’s latest film, A House of Dynamite. The Netflix thriller will open in select theaters on October 10 and stream on Netflix starting October 24. Ferguson leads the White House situation room during a nuclear attack, facing both external chaos and personal fears for her young son.

The film features a star-studded cast, including Idris Elba, Jared Harris, and Jason Clarke. However, it is Ferguson’s performance that resonates strongly. “It’s not just about maintaining control,” she said. “It’s about the emotional stakes and familial ties.”

Ferguson praised Bigelow, noting her attention to detail and accuracy. “I was given access to Larry Pfeiffer, the former senior director of the White House situation room,” she explained. “I could ask him anything. Accuracy was essential.”

Reflecting on the intensity required for the role, Ferguson shared, “The people in that world are more trained than the president. They train repeatedly for emergencies.” This behind-the-scenes insight shaped her portrayal of Olivia, who navigates a high-pressure environment while grappling with personal fears.

Discussing her emotional connection to the character, Ferguson said, “I often felt overwhelmed. I had to step away to gather myself before filming.” She incorporated spontaneous moments during shooting, like glancing at her character’s son’s toy, which added depth to her portrayal.

The film raises timely questions about nuclear threats and the systems that govern them. “This isn’t just about America. It’s about the structures globally,” Ferguson stated. “The real enemy is the system.”

When discussing the current political climate, Ferguson admitted she avoids the news to maintain her well-being. “If I dive too deep into what’s happening in the world, it’s overwhelming,” she said. “I get angry and feel helpless.”

Ferguson is set to return to production for Dune: Part Three soon and is looking forward to filming in Iceland. She expressed her excitement, saying, “I love the chaos and intensity that the story brings.”

As she continues to explore diverse roles, Ferguson highlighted her desire to work outside of big studio films. “I’m excited to explore independent projects,” she added, hinting at a potential biopic in the pipeline.