Jena Maloneis opening up about her working relationship with directorZack Snyder, and while film fans may be divided in their opinions about the controversial director, the Golden Globe nominee isn’t.In an exclusive interview with MovieWeb, Malone says she enjoys working with theRebel Moondirector, because she trusts his vision. She also says her roles in his films have made her the “coolest mom in the world.”
Malone’s career features a variety of roles that some actors only dream of. From comedy to horror, big-budget blockbusters to low-budget indie dramas, she’s done a little of everything. For all that diversity, however, she has worked with Snyder on four different projects,because he gives her roles she has never done before. That includes playing Harmada, a grotesque spider-like alien in 2023’sRebel Moon - Part One: A Child of Fire. She told MovieWeb:
“All Zack’s ever gifted me is the ability to be the coolest mom in the world. Like, he literally is constantly giving me ‘cool points’ with my son.”
Rebel Moon
Malone first worked with Snyder on 2011’sSucker Punch, playing the rebellious but good-hearted Rocket in afantasy adventure with an outstanding female cast. Snyder’s confidence in her to pull off the role laid the foundation to their continued collaboration:
“I had to audition for it, withSucker Punch. It was like, no one had previously been like, ‘Oh, you’re a bad-a**, kick-a** kind of character.’ But he saw that in me, you know, and it’s such a gift to be able to see how the director sees something in you that you may’t see in yourself, you know? And I feel like that’s always been my relationship and working with Zack is that I just trust that he sees something that I may not see, and that I know it’s gonna be even cooler than I could ever imagine.”
From Sucker Punch & Rebel Moon to Kevin Costner’s Western Epic, Horizon
While Jena Malone has collaborated frequently with Snyder, he isn’t the only artist with whom she shares a good working relationship. She has worked with Jodie Foster on bothContactandThe Dangerous Lives of Altar Boys, andher role inHorizonwas due to her history of working with Kevin Costner. She appeared with him in 2012’s History Channel event miniseriesHatfields & McCoys, as well as 1999’sFor Love of the Game. InHorizon, she plays Ellen, a wife and mother turned vigilante, in a film set against the backdrop of America’s Old West.
The 10 Best Jena Malone Movies, Ranked
Jena Malone’s impressive filmography proves the actress can tackle any genre. Here are the 10 best Jena Malone movies, ranked.
The 39-year-old Nevada native is perhaps best known for her role as wild, axe-swingingJohanna Mason inThe Hunger Gamesfilms, as well as the cult classicDonnie Darko. Her other notable roles include Snyder’sBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice Ultimate Edition,The Neon Demon,Into the Wild, andBastard Out of Carolina. Her next project is with Zack Snyder once again, voicing the character of Zeta in the Netflix animated seriesArmy of the Dead: Lost Vegas.
Horizonis currently playing in theaters.Rebel Moonis streaming on Netflix. You can check out thetrailer for Horizon: An American Sagabelow.
