When this came your way, did you know how she was going to be?
Were you aware that shed be something of a badass?
I remember calling my team and being like, Ill move to London for this.
With this character, you dont have to put on a British accent.
It throws everyone off a bit, which is a fun story point.
WILLIAMS: I agree.
Image via Hulu
When I first read it, I was like, Do I need to have a British accent?
So, I was able to bring my raw, authentic energy and my vibe to it.
It was really fun to sprinkle some of that over in England.
‘Rivals’ talented ensemble cast includes David Tennant, Aidan Turner, and a scene-stealing Alex Hassell.
When youre looking at a possible character, what do you look for?
WILLIAMS: I love that question.
Image via Hulu
She doesnt handle it frivolously, at all.
What did you most enjoy about playing Cameron and what you got to explore in her shoes?
Shes gonna verify the cards are dealt and played in her favor.
Thats what I love about her.
Where did you start with her?
Not only that, just think about her being alone.
Shes recruited from New York.
Shes not sure who to trust.
If you ask me, she does it better than some of them.
Image via The CW
You show up for certain scenes knowing what you need and want.
Its just a mesh of it all.
What did you enjoy about their dynamic and about working with Aidan Turner?
Shes like, Im here to help you.
And as much as I help you shine, Im gonna shine, as a producer.
Its a really beautiful professional relationship that flourishes.
And I think he has a great deal of respect for her.
He questions her at first and he questions, Is this woman about to be my boss?
Theres absolutely no way that Im going for that.
The Jilly Cooper novel answers some big questions!
WILLIAMS: It was really good.
Our sets were really nostalgic and really took us back.
As an actor, that just helps you get into the zone.
Once youre in hair and make-up and youre in your costume, I loved that.
The fashion was my favorite part because it was so true to the moment.
Being on set in my office, I had a McIntosh, from back when we called it that.
It was just this big, chunky computer with a keyboard.
When you have all those pieces in place, it just helps you live in that world easier.
They created these really beautiful sets for Declans show.
It was fun because I was really high in the booth, and I would look down at him.
He had this earpiece that I was softly speaking in.
The space wasnt handed to her.
I just love the confidence that she needed to exude that.
Those moments feel like they are life or death, even though its an interview on a TV show.
The stakes are really, really high.
Was it important to you that they were part of the storytelling and not just there for no purpose?
I loved going on that ride.
It comes off as transactional, but very true to what was happening in that world.
Its all so character-based and you learn so much about each of those couples.
The sex was displayed very equally.
Everybody was doing it.
It takes you on a ride.
Im really excited about the new generation of viewers.
How did you also find the experience of working with an intimacy coordinator?
Does that open up communication?
How do you find that you most benefit from that?
That, already, took a lot of the pressure off.
Its a very vulnerable thing that we have to do, as actors.
And my co-stars, David Tennant and Alex Hassell, were gentlemen.
Its just about communicating with each other and learning what were comfortable with.
It was definitely beneficial to have intimacy coordinators on set for such intimate scenes.
Its a very vulnerable time, so you wanna make it as comfortable as you possibly can.
What did you enjoy about having that kind of character journey?
WILLIAMS: Well, thank you.
I appreciate that.Black Lightningwas a show that changed my life.
It was a historic character that I played, as the first Black lesbian superhero on TV.
If you havent noticed, I like to play characters who are badass.
She was another badass character, but very much younger and very much in a different world.
That is a memory that I will cherish forever.
It also speaks to the certain kind of characters that I wanna play.
And again, a fun wardrobe.
The adaptation of ‘Rivals’ takes some liberties with Jilly Cooper’s original novel.
How do you then figure out what to do next?
Is it always just an instinct when youre looking at something?
WILLIAMS: I was very strategic, the year that I took [Rivals].
I also needed rest, after doing four years ofBlack Lightning.
I just didnt wanna over exhaust myself.
That was a testament to just being patient and waiting for the things that speak to you.
Dont just work to work.
Do you know what youre going to do next?
WILLIAMS: Maybe, and maybe I cant tell you.
Im reading things and things are coming across.
Check out the trailer:
