Popcorn With Peter Travers Season 8 Episode 50 Emily Blunt Says She Gets Very Nervous About Being Tough
- October 16, 2015
Emily Blunt is one of the most versatile actresses in Hollywood, known for her impressive range in both dramatic and comedic roles. However, in this episode of Popcorn With Peter Travers, Blunt opens up about a topic she rarely discusses in public - her own insecurities.
Blunt confesses that despite her tough exterior on screen, she often gets nervous about playing roles that require her to be assertive. "It's weird," she tells Travers. "I find it much easier to play vulnerable and emotional characters than to play someone who is tough and in control."
The conversation turns to her latest film, A Quiet Place Part II, where she reprises her role as Evelyn Abbott, a fierce mother determined to protect her family in a post-apocalyptic world. Blunt admits that the physical demands of the role were daunting, but it was the emotional depth of the character that proved to be the biggest challenge.
"I had to find a way to connect with this woman who is so unrelenting in her determination to save her family," she explains. "It's not easy to tap into that kind of strength and conviction, especially when you're feeling vulnerable and insecure yourself."
Travers and Blunt also discuss her memorable turn as Mary Poppins in the 2018 musical reboot, Mary Poppins Returns. Blunt shares that she was initially hesitant to take on the role, as she didn't want to be compared to Julie Andrews' iconic performance in the original 1964 film.
"I was terrified to step into her shoes," she admits. "But then I realized that I wasn't trying to be Julie Andrews - I was trying to bring my own take to this beloved character. Once I let go of that pressure, it became a really fun and fulfilling experience."
Throughout their conversation, Blunt reflects on her career thus far and the lessons she's learned along the way. She talks about the importance of finding balance in her personal and professional life, and how she's learned to prioritize her own well-being.
"I used to think that I had to say yes to everything and work all the time in order to be successful," she shares. "But then I realized that's not sustainable or fulfilling. Now I try to be more mindful and intentional about my choices, and that's made all the difference."
As the interview comes to a close, Blunt teases a few upcoming projects, including a biopic about the legendary screenwriter Dalton Trumbo and a romantic comedy co-starring Jamie Dornan.
"I'm excited for people to see these different sides of me," she says with a smile. "I feel like I'm just getting started."