And for me, every single day on set, when I put the mask on, that’s when I really transformed. In rehearsals, we talk about the character and we do rehearse, but it’s so different seeing everyone in full gear. KAREN FUKUHARA: It’s a complete transformation! The first time I put on my outfit and got to see everyone dressed in full costume was amazing. QUESTION: What did it feel like for you to then put the mask on and wield the Soultaker? We did have to do sword-fighting and martial arts as part of the audition. KAREN FUKUHARA: I’m not sure if David knew that I competed, but he knows now. QUESTION: Did David know that you had a background in competitive karate when he brought you into the film? That’s been something that I was accustomed to growing up – discipline and really trying to figure out who you are and what you represent through hardships in terms of training and pushing yourself to the limit. It focuses on finding your true self through rigorous training, so it has a lot to do with discipline. In terms of the Samurai aspect and the Bushido, I used to practice a style of karate called Kyokushin Karate. In terms of the cultural aspect, in Japanese culture, you speak when you’re spoken to and you don’t really express your feelings outwardly so that you don’t offend anyone by expressing your feelings too strongly – that was something that I incorporated into Katana. It was really awesome and also a little bit nerve-racking. Sometimes we would be on set and he’d ask me to translate something on the spot, then we’d shoot it right after. I was really blessed because David trusted me with the dialogue, and that was huge. QUESTION: As a first generation Japanese American, did David encourage you to draw on your own heritage and family history in playing this character? Do you speak Japanese in the role? So, even though she’s a cold-blooded killer, she has this mysterious and spiritual side to her as well. It’s not just a weapon to her – there’s also an emotional connection there between Katana and the Soultaker. I thought of the Soultaker as another character in the film because it does have Katana’s husband’s soul trapped inside, and I speak to the sword. She’s there as a watchdog mainly, to keep the Squad members in line and make sure they’re doing what they’re supposed to do. Rick Flag and follows his orders and those of Amanda Waller. KAREN FUKUHARA: She’s a Samurai warrior and she wields the Soultaker – a large Samurai sword that traps the souls of all her victims. QUESTION: How do you see Katana, and how does she fit into the Suicide Squad? It makes a big difference when you are physically fit enough to pull off the fight scenes. It meant a lot to me to feel like a warrior, more so than just knowing it in my head. That really got me into the mindset of playing Katana. We rehearsed for a month and a half during pre-production, and I got to do sword training, martial arts training, fitness and rehearsals. She has morals that she lives by and her own heroes.Īs far as the actual preparation, a lot of it came from rehearsals and the physical training I did with the cast and David. Katana is a cold-blooded killer in the comic, and we stay true to that, but she does have a humanistic side to her that we wanted to bring out. KAREN FUKUHARA: When we first met, we sat down together in Toronto and talked about the character. QUESTION: How did David communicate his vision for this character and how did you prepare to get into the mindset of Katana? Did you look at the comics? KAREN FUKUHARA: Well, I wasn’t overly excited because it didn’t really hit me until I got to meet David that I’d actually been cast in the role. QUESTION: What was your reaction when writer/director David Ayer first approached you about playing Katana in Suicide Squad? You can see the results below in the Irish Exclusive Q&A This is a Q&A with Karen Fukuhara, who plays Katana, a warrior who “is dressed in Samurai-inspired, street fighter garb and ballistic facemask.” It arrives in the cinemas nationwide on August 5th. Suicide Squad is the next big blockbuster of the summer.
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