Jodie Comer, known for her exceptional accent work, has once again showcased her talent in Jeff Nichols’ film, “The Bikeriders.” This crime drama, inspired by Danny Lyon’s 1968 photojournalistic book, delves into the rise and fall of a Chicago outlaw motorcycle club. Comer plays Kathy, the protective wife of Benny, portrayed by Austin Butler. Her character’s journey is narrated through a series of interviews with a fictionalized Danny Lyon, played by Mike Faist.
Comer was provided with audio interviews from the real-life Chicago Outlaw Motorcycle Club, recorded by Danny Lyon in the mid-60s. This audio included a 30-minute interview with the real Kathy, which Comer used to develop her character’s unique accent. Despite her extensive experience with accents, Comer found Kathy’s dialect particularly challenging. She worked closely with dialect coach Victoria Hanlin to capture the singular and unique cadence of Kathy’s speech.
In addition to “The Bikeriders,” Comer has been busy with several high-profile projects. She recently started filming Danny Boyle’s “28 Years Later,” a sequel to “28 Days Later” and “28 Weeks Later.” Comer expressed her excitement about working with Boyle and writer Alex Garland, praising their innovative and playful approach to filmmaking.
Comer also had an exploratory conversation with George Miller about playing a younger Furiosa in the prequel to “Mad Max: Fury Road.” Although the role went to someone else, Comer felt honored by Miller’s interest. She admires his bold and distinct work and looks forward to seeing the film.
In “The Bikeriders,” Comer’s character Kathy navigates themes of masculinity and emotional expression. The film suggests that expressing emotions is not emasculating, but rather a cultural conditioning that men struggle with. Kathy’s relationship with Benny highlights this struggle, as she clings to the small gestures of love he shows her, despite his involvement with the motorcycle club.
Comer also shared her experience working with Tom Hardy, who plays Johnny, the club leader. She described Hardy as unpredictable and spontaneous, with a unique technical awareness of the camera and lens. Their scenes together, particularly the tug of war over Benny, were intense and dynamic.
Comer’s work on “The Bikeriders” and her other upcoming projects, including “The Death of Robin Hood” with Hugh Jackman and Kenneth Branagh’s “The Last Disturbance of Madeline Hynde,” showcase her versatility and dedication to her craft. She feels fortunate to have these opportunities and is excited about the diverse material she gets to work on.
Overall, Jodie Comer’s commitment to her roles and her ability to master complex accents continue to set her apart in the industry. Her work in “The Bikeriders” and her upcoming projects demonstrate her range and talent, making her one of the most sought-after actors in Hollywood today.
