The Invisible woman: Vanessa Kirby on Sue Storm, Motherhood, and Finding Strength
Director Matt Shakman notes a key element of the new science fiction film: “One of the most engaging things…is that her heroes are primarily people and only in the second inventors and creators. They are the first superhero to feel like us. And Sue Storm is extremely strong and multi-dimensional.”
Vanessa Kirby, who plays Sue Storm, revealed to People magazine that her interpretation of the invisible Woman represents an evolution of the character. She transforms “from a girl in the background [into] a pillar of the whole team.” Kirby describes Sue as a balancing force – “with her silent force balances science, chaos and family life.She is invisible and indispensable [as] a fantastic 4 member.”
Unlike her teammates who wield visible powers, Sue manipulates “stronger, invisible forces.” Kirby emphasizes that this new iteration of the character is inventive and commands respect, even while navigating motherhood.”And I was called to breathe life [into her],” she states.
Kirby’s own pregnancy during filming deeply informed her portrayal. She shares, “Sue’s pregnancy and motherhood was an incredible way to me. I have learned a lot thanks to her and I know that motherhood is not the end of female dreams, but rather a new beginning. Sue’s motherhood experience makes me stronger and more capable.”
Childhood Associated with Bullying
vanessa Kirby’s upbringing in Wimbledon,London,with parents Jane (a former editor) and Roger (a surgeon),and siblings Joe and Juliet,fostered her passion for acting. Her father introduced her to film,and watching family friend Vanessa Redgrave perform ignited her ambition. “After I saw her play in Chekhov’s cherry orchard at the age of eleven, I knew I wanted to be an actress,” she recounts on Biography.com.
paradoxically, Kirby credits bullying with solidifying her dedication to acting. “Paradoxically, it was bullying that confirmed me in playing,” she explains. “I realized that I could create a world where I was safe and powerful.”
With Tom Cruise in the role of the White Widow Alanna in Mission: Impossible – Retribution (2023). Photo: Cinemart
In 2019 she played in the action crime Fast and Furious: Hobbs and Shaw with Dwayne Johnson, Jason statham and Helen Mirren, where she reprised the accomplished White Widow role. She adds about this role:
“For me as an actress, it is fantastic that I can portray both this negative heroine and a completely different positive superhero sue. It’s a non-payable experience.”
Vanessa Kirby Volpi won the Venice Film Festival’s Volpi Cup for Best Actress for her role as Martha in the film Pieces of a Woman. She was nominated for an oscar and Golden Globe for her performance.