Source: The Insider
On what drew her to the role of Peggy Carter:
"That's why I loved the script and what Joe [Johnston, director] was looking for in the actress. I'm quite a strong person and don't see myself as someone who needs saving, so I just felt like Peggy was someone I could inhabit quite easily. And I grew to love her. As strong as she is, she's not without her insecurities and own complicated life. That to me is always fascinating when I play a part."
On her physical change for the film:
"I was worried that once it stopped, I would instantly get really fat – go crazy in some kind of food breakdown. But by the time filming wrapped, my body was in such a different state that I didn't want to go back. Granted, I'm not doing those crazy workouts, but it's a reminder of how lucky I am to be doing what I do for a living – every time I get down, I try and think of my friends who are out of work actors that would kill to be in this position. I'm thankful for everything I have and gratitude goes a long way in helping you move stronger through life."
On her now infamous groping of Chris Evans:
"
I don't know where it came from, but when we filmed his reveal as "Captain America," I literally reached out and grabbed his man boobs [laughs] – it almost felt unreal. The first time we shot that, I held on for quite a while, which the director felt was a bit much for the film. I was told to do a "light brush over his nipple" – I guess that was more appropriate [laughs]. I was so shocked, I just had to make sure it was real. And let me tell you, it was real and pert and covered in oil and it looked extraordinary in person."
On working with a green screen:
If I was having to talk to an alien monster who wasn't there, I think I would find that difficult. The only thing that was bizarre to me was having to do a take with Chris and then having to do the same take with Leander Deeny, who played the skinny version of Chris. That was quite bizarre. And a lot of times, my eye-level had to be shorter, so I couldn't look in his eyes – I had to talk to his neck. That was really odd. But it's one of the things I like about acting – you go in and are asked to do the most bizarre things. It just makes me a more open-minded person – no matter how you think something is supposed to be done, there's another way!
Enjoy the Hayley Atwell gallery below (
click on the images to enlarge) and be sure to pick-up your copy of Captain America: The First Avenger out on Blu-Ray/DVD today!
Hayley Elizabeth Atwell (born 5 April 1982) is an English-American actress, known for her work in stage productions such as A View from the Bridge, and in films such as Cassandra's Dream, The Duchess and Captain America: The First Avenger.
Her first feature film role was in Woody Allen's 2007 film Cassandra's Dream, in which she took the part of a stage actress opposite Ewan McGregor and Colin Farrell. In 2008, she appeared in the film The Duchess as Bess Foster and the film Brideshead Revisited as Lady Julia Flyte, earning praise and nominations from the British Independent Film Awards and the London Critics Circle Film Awards.
In January 2009, Atwell made her West End début in Lindsay Posner's revival of A View from the Bridge at the Duke of York's Theatre which earned her a Laurence Olivier Award nomination. Atwell appeared as "415" in AMC Television's November 2009 miniseries, The Prisoner, a remake of the 1967–68 series by the same name.
Atwell played Agent Peggy Carter in the 2011 superhero film Captain America: The First Avenger. MTV Networks' NextMovie.com named her one of the 'Breakout Stars to Watch for in 2011'.