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'When I first read the script and I read "assassin", I thought, "Ah, f*ck, I’m not an assassin"– the stereotype of what a female assassin is – and I felt a bit deflated. But I related to Villanelle,' explains Killing Eve actress Jodie Comer in ELLE's May issue cover shoot interview.
Changing what it means to be a fictional female assassin (it's not all just leather corsets and choreography), Comer's Villanelle was murderous but misunderstood, deadly but endearing, petty but pretty in pink. 'There were so many moments from scene one, such as when she flicks the ice cream on that six-year-old. I was like, "Oh my God, I’ve wanted to do this so many times but I never have." I strangely respect it, the dark corners of our minds that we have to bring to the forefront.'
In honour of Killing Eve's return to our screens this month, we've rounded up TV and film's most badass female assassins. From Hanna to Hit Girl, Grace Jones' May Day to Angelina Jolie's Jane Smith, these are the kickass women killing for a (fictional) living...
Villanelle in Killing Eve
Winning the award for female assassin with the most enviable wardrobe, Killing Eve's Villanelle could star in her own sketch show with that range of accents. Whether she's trolling a psychiatrist dressed in flouncy bubblegum pink Molly Goddard or going under cover in nurse's scrubs, Villanelle always looks trés chic.
Check out actress Jodie Comer's full interview from ELLE's May issue HERE.
Hanna
Raised in the Finnish wilderness by her dad to be the ultimate killer, Hanna's family won't be winning any good parenting awards this side of never. Sent on a rambling trip across Europe, Hanna starts to question her ruthless upbringing.Think Mowgli but with a deadly twist (and a lot more fur).
May Day in A View To A Kill
Played by 80s icon and acting legend, Grace Jones, May Day is the deadliest bond girl with arguably the best name. Guilty of mixing business with pleasure, May Day uses her deadly talents to protect billionaire, boyfriend and Bond villain, Max Zorin. We particularly enjoy when she raises men straight up above her head.
The Bride in Kill Bill
Is there a more iconic film costume than Uma Thurman's mustard yellow and black jumpsuit in Kill Bill? The most badass woman to hit our screens as teenagers, The Bride showed us vengeance could still be chic as long as a Samurai sword and a pair of Onitsuka Tiger trainers were involved.
Hit Girl in Kick Ass
Ok, so children being trained to kill people isn't so great. But, Hit Girl's teen angst vigilante vibes and Natalie Portman-esque purple bob wig are totally kick-ass. Which, coincidentally, is the film she starred in.
Selene in Underworld
Every geek's ultimate obsession, Kate Beckinsale's portrayal of the vengeful Selene in Underworld defined an era. With Twilight levels of vampires vs lycans, two-handed gun wielding skills worthy of the wild west and the tightest PVC scuba suit (with corset no less) we've ever seen, Selene wins the award for 'Assassin who most sums up the early noughties'.
Dominika Egorova in Red Sparrow
Jennifer Lawrence playing a Russian ballerina turned exceptional secret intelligence killer? When you write it down it sounds a little unbelievable, but with Oscar-winning acting talent and a vast range of wigs at your disposal anything is possible.
Jane Smith in Mr And Mrs Smith
Take one outrageously good looking couple, give them both murderous careers and the most generic surname you can think of and you've got a happy assassin family. Headed up by Jane Smith (Angelina Jolie) and ex husband Brad Pitt (Mr Smith, obvs), highlights of the film include an audacious fight scene along to the soundtrack of N.W.A's 'Express Yourself', oh, and Jolie's remarkably resilient blowdry.
Elektra
Marvel's favourite scarlet leather clad killer (Daredevil who?), Elektra doesn't debase herself by using anything as base as guns. No, this assassin's trademark weapons are a pair of bladed sai, lending an old school Japanese twist to her lethal skill set. Note 2005's penchant for combat in corsets remains.
George Driver was the former Senior Beauty Editor - Digital at ELLE UK.
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