Neve Campbell riffs on finding strong female roles, joining ‘House of Cards’
It’s hard to think of the backstabbing, Machiavellian world of House of Cards as a safe haven for anything. But it’s quite the respite compared to the battleground that is Hollywood for women according to Neve Campbell, who chatted with us about landing a spot on the new season of House of Cards.
Neve Campbell at the season 4 premiere. (Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM, AFP/Getty Images)
She almost laughs when we asked if she’s glad to join the roster.
Um. Yes. She cooed politely.
“It’s nice, as a 42-year-old woman in this industry to get a character who is unapologetic and strong and not a victim.”
Such are the times we live in – when some of the few complex roles for women are part of a macabre political theater. Pun intended.
Though the foreboding characters don’t bother Campbell, who plays political strategist Leann Harvey.
House of Cards (Photo: David Giesbrecht/Netflix)
“I love the idea — with the show you are rooting for characters who are quite dark and yet you want them to win out somehow. And to me that is very intelligent writing.”
As an operative helping Claire Underwood with her own political ambitions, Leann is a powerful persona, even amidst an already crowded scene.
She spars with Doug Stamper (Michael Kelly), quite literally pulling a gun on him in one scene. And foils Remy Danton (Mahershala Ali) as he tries to spy for Jackie Sharp (Molly Parker).
Was she daunted by joining such a heavy-hitting group?
‘House of Cards’ cast: Jayne Atkinson, Neve Campbell, Michael Kelly, Derek Cecil, Nathan Darrow, Paul Sparks and Elizabeth Marvel (Photo: NICHOLAS KAMM, AFP/Getty Images)
“They were amazing, Kevin is hilarious. He’s a clown on set, constantly entertaining the crew and cast. He has to keep things light because the character is so dour.”
She’s joined by two other newcomers, legendary actresses Cicely Tyson and Ellen Burstyn, who as a long-term congresswoman and Claire’s mother, respectively, have their own powerful roles.
All of the women on the show have significant story lines and air time in the new episodes, as Heather Dunbar (Elizabeth Marvel) continues her campaign, and Claire Underwood (Robin Wright) continues to assert herself, leaning on her new right-hand woman to do so.
“This season is very focused on the equal strength between Claire and Frank, and seeing them go head-to-head.”
It’s an equal battle between the sexes, which Campbell is thankful for, particularly as the film industry remains plagued by diversity issues.
“It’s great to see writers putting women in Hollywood in a really fantastic light.”
Even if that light is morally dark.
Season 4 will be available on Netflix on March 4.
