In the upcoming heist film “Now You See Me: Now You Don’t,” Oscar-nominated actress Rosamund Pike takes on the role of Veronika Vanderberg, a chillingly polished and cunning antagonist who sets her sights on an international diamond heist. This marks Pike’s entrance into the world of illusionists established by the previous installments in the popular franchise, where she leads a new generation of magicians alongside reformed members of the Horsemen.
Known for bringing depth and complexity to her roles, even those with morally ambiguous edges, Pike navigates this villainous territory with an intriguing blend of detachment and vulnerability. In a recent conversation with SheKnows, Pike reveals what drew her to this character and sheds light on how she approaches crafting such captivatingly chilling figures.
Beyond portraying the menacing Veronika, Pike speaks candidly about family – its multifaceted nature and how she cultivates its essence, both in her own life and within the realm of filmmaking.
She emphasizes that “family is a sense of belonging,” built on “safety,” “knowledge,” and being understood unconditionally. Pike recognizes the special bonds formed with colleagues during film projects, describing them as “film families” with their own unique magic and significance.
Pike’s perspective extends beyond professional circles to encompass the everyday enchantments woven into her life and those she cherishes. She believes in nurturing wonder through small gestures – decorating a Christmas tree with festive glee, leaving cryptic messages or thoughtful surprises for loved ones. “I think surprises are a big part of my life, and my family’s life,” she admits. “I like to surprise people.”
As for Veronika, Pike found depth beyond the character’s chilling exterior. While acknowledging her role in orchestrating spectacle and villainy within the film, Pike explains that what intrigued her was unraveling the “real person” beneath the polished facade.
She reveals that Veronika harbors a past hurt deeply affecting her present demeanor. The character became an individual navigating vulnerability cloaked in calculated cruelty – someone who built walls of disdain as a defense mechanism against previous pain inflicted upon her. Pike embraces this complexity, ensuring audiences recognize the underlying human experience driving Veronika’s actions even while recognizing their reprehensible nature.
“Now You See Me: Now You Don’t” aims to deliver thrilling entertainment and infuse a dose of magic into viewers’ lives as they settle into autumn. Pike expresses confidence in the film’s success, attributing it not only to its captivating plot but also to the palpable enjoyment experienced by the cast during production – an undeniable ingredient in crafting a truly engaging cinematic experience.
