Emma Corrin approached Cassandra Nova in Deadpool & Wolverine as a villain whose calm, playful surface could turn unsettling without warning. In a July 25, 2024, interview with io9, Corrin described shaping that contrast with director Shawn Levy and movement coach Polly Bennett: Cassandra needed a presence distinct from Deadpool and Wolverine’s larger-than-life energy, as well as physical choices that made her feel unpredictable.
How Corrin and the filmmakers defined Cassandra Nova
Corrin said director Shawn Levy and Ryan Reynolds pitched a Cassandra who would be “mischievous, cutting, quite charismatic, and coy,” rather than a conventional Marvel villain. The goal was not to make her appear openly evil from the start. Corrin described Cassandra as initially chilled and only revealing a darker side when she turns, a shift that could make her difficult to read.
That contrast mattered beside Deadpool and Wolverine. Corrin’s account to io9 frames Cassandra’s unsettling quality as a tonal counterpoint to the leads’ familiar, oversized energy: she could be composed one moment and suddenly threatening the next. The interview focuses on performance choices, not on explaining the film’s plot.
How the movement and physical performance took shape
Cassandra’s physical characterization was collaborative. Corrin said they worked with Levy and movement coach Polly Bennett to develop how the character moved. Rather than treating movement as decoration, the process helped establish a distinctive presence for a character whose stillness and changes in tone could carry menace.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →#1 Best Overall
- MARVEL STUDIOS’ DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: This collectible Marvel figure is inspired by Wolverine’s appearance in the highly anticipated third film -- a great gift for adult collectors and fans ages 14 and up
- PREMIUM DECO & DESIGN: Marvel fans and collectors can display this 6 inch action figure (15 cm) in their Marvel action figure collections
- CHARACTER-INSPIRED ACCESSORIES: This officially licensed Hasbro Marvel Legends action figure comes with an alternate masked head and a set of alternate hands
- DISPLAY-WORTHY ARTICULATION: This collectible features over 20 points of articulation with fully poseable head, arms, and legs for dynamic poses on your shelf
- WINDOW BOX PACKAGING: Display your Marvel fandom on your shelf with collectible window box packaging featuring quirky movie-inspired package art
Corrin also described the prosthetic fingers used in the performance as fun but impractical. They were one tangible part of embodying Cassandra, while the character’s telepathic abilities called for a different kind of work: an internal exploration of what she might be thinking and doing.
How Corrin approached portraying telepathy
In a ComicBook.com interview published July 24, 2024, Corrin said they had not done extensive research, but looked at earlier portrayals of Professor X to consider how telepathic powers had been represented. Corrin described performing telepathy as “thinking about hard math problems.” The phrase captures a private mental task rather than a visible action sequence: the audience sees Cassandra’s effect, while the actor has to create an internal process to support it.
Rank #2
- MARVEL STUDIOS' DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: Collectible figure is inspired by Concept Art by the Marvel Studios Production Design Team developed for the movie -- for fans ages 14 and up
- FILM-INSPIRED ACCESSORIES: Officially licensed Hasbro Marvel Legends set comes with 2 accessories: 2 alternate hands to display with or without claws
- PREMIUM DESIGN AND DECO: Fans and collectors can display this premium figure with movie concept art-accurate design and deco in their collection
- 6-INCH SCALE ACTION FIGURE: Features a window box package and movie branding for display. Figure is designed at the Marvel 6 inch action figure scale (15 cm)
- DISPLAY-WORTHY ARTICULATION: Collectible action figure features over 20 points of articulation with fully poseable head, arms, and legs
What Cassandra’s comic-book history contributed
Cassandra Nova’s comic origin also informed Corrin’s preparation. ComicBook.com identifies her as Charles Xavier’s twin, with telepathic and telekinetic abilities, and traces her debut to New X-Men #114 in 2001. Corrin said the character’s connection to Professor X mattered, including when considering how her powers might work on screen.
That context did not mean Corrin simply copied the comics. In a DiscussingFilm interview published July 28, 2024, they described setting aside the broad label “villain” to look for vulnerability alongside strength. Corrin said they wanted to “find her vulnerability,” drawing on Cassandra’s origin and relationship with her brother as ways to locate a more human dimension within the role.
Rank #3
- MARVEL STUDIOS’ DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE: This collectible Marvel figure is inspired by Deadpool’s appearance in the highly anticipated third film -- a great gift for adult collectors and fans ages 14 and up
- PREMIUM DECO & DESIGN: Marvel fans and collectors can display this 6 inch action figure (15 cm) in their Marvel action figure collections
- CHARACTER-INSPIRED ACCESSORIES: This officially licensed Hasbro Marvel Legends action figure comes with 7 accessories, including Deadpool’s signature katanas, 2 alternate hands, and a boot knife accessory
- DISPLAY-WORTHY ARTICULATION: This collectible features over 20 points of articulation with fully poseable head, arms, and legs for dynamic poses on your shelf
- WINDOW BOX PACKAGING: Display your Marvel fandom on your shelf with collectible window box packaging featuring quirky movie-inspired package art
For readers curious about the source character, New X-Men #114 is the cited debut issue; a collected edition containing it is another possible starting point. The interview sources do not establish a particular edition or its availability.
Where this fits in the film
Corrin plays Cassandra Nova in Deadpool & Wolverine, which brings the two title characters together on a mission involving a threat to their universe, with Cassandra among the major obstacles. The film’s announced theatrical release date was July 26, 2024. Corrin’s interviews are most useful as a guide to how they built Cassandra’s mood, movement, and inner life—not as a plot synopsis.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
