ISSUE 07 / SUMMER 2017 $18 USD BY ELLEN VON UNWERTH SOFIA BOUTELLA IRIS COVET BOOK FEATURE

Positioned to take the main stage with two summer flicks set to be box office smashes, playing opposite in and alongside in , Sofia Boutella is ready for her close-up.

Sofia Boutella Photography by Ellen Von Unwerth Styling by Deborah Afshani Art Direction by Louis Liu Editor Marc Sifuentes by Ellen Von Unwerth Dress by J GERARD Interview by Dustin Mansyur

44 45 IRIS COVET BOOK SOFIA BOUTELLA BY ELLEN VON UNWERTH

Sofia Boutella is about to blow out the candle working with her! I think she’s fantastic! with [the director] Alex Kurtzman, and he on a chocolate lava cake served up graciously I loved her ability to get things out of me. offered it to me. At first, I said no because by the pastry team at Chateau Marmont. I’ve never shot with her before, but after the part scared me and having just done Glasses of champagne are lined up across a working with her I felt like I understood Star Trek, I was concerned about having low wooden table, ready to serve. Swarthy how she’s able to get this energy in the to go under an extensive makeup process. and saturnine, Boutella sweeps her dark locks photos. Her style really allows people’s I didn’t want to be a monster walking to one side and leans over the cake, pausing personality to shine through in the around scaring people, that wasn’t for me. momentarily as she closes her eyes to make a images. She let me be myself while still But I gave it more thought, and was very wish, before extinguishing the flame with a giving me interesting, creative direction. attracted to the character because she had flash of her infectious smile. “Bravo!” everyone It was really cool. a relevant and interesting background. cheers while Sofia flits a bashful round of What were some of those things that thanks. The celebration is actually impromptu What did you enjoy most about working intrigued you about her character? during a lunch break, and Sofia is on-set for with her? Was there a specific look or shot a photoshoot with Ellen Von Unwerth at the that you loved? I think that she had an intriguing famed West Hollywood hotel. Birthday or I just had a lot of fun because it was going backstory. This is the first time there has no birthday, embodying a femme fatale for a to be my birthday the day after. I was been a female mummy. My character is a crème-de-la-femme celebrity photographer is having lunch and ordered some french princess from ancient Egypt, the daughter all in a day’s work for Boutella, who’s poised to fries because I hadn’t had them in so long! of a Pharaoh and she’s promised to unleash her prowess with two movies in this I came on set still eating, so she started become Pharaoh herself because she was summer’s highly-anticipated release of Alex to shoot me while I was having fun with the only child. After her mother dies, her Kurtzman’s latest installment of The Mummy the fries. We had another moment where father meets a woman who bears another and David Leitch’s spy thriller, Atomic Blonde. I was dancing on the bar. While we were child which turns out to be a son. The promise of the kingdom and becoming Maintaining her coquettish sensuality while there, they were using the kitchen for Pharaoh is taken from my character and kicking ass is a razor wire that Boutella jetes their pastry department and one of the given to the son because he is a male heir, upon with ease, even if it involves other- chefs started talking to me. He asked which leaves my character heartbroken worldly makeup or taking a punch on set. me, ‘Do you want anything?’ I said, ‘Yeah why not. You have chocolate cake?’ So he and scorned. She later becomes ruthless brought me a chocolate lava cake and I when she comes back in modern day Hailing from , the ingénue actress is a started to eat it for another photo, it was seeking what was promised to her. multi-faceted artist who began her career as so delicious! There was another moment an internationally-acclaimed dancer, enrolling where we went upstairs on the balcony. So then what was the process like working in classical education at the age of I told them to not freak out because with the director, Alex Kurtzman to 5. Later, when her family moved to France, I’m very agile and I don’t have issues reimagine this character and breathe new Sofia continued dancing, adding rhythmic with heights, so I sat on the ledge of the life into it? gymnastics to her education, and joining the balcony. Hopefully we got some great It was lovely to work with Alex! I wanted French national team by the age of 18. In images from that. However the photos to care about my character and have her 2006, with her dance troupe, The Vagabond turn out, they’re going to be so truthful be heard and understood. We developed Crew, Boutella went on to win the World because I was having such a great time! the backstory so that the audience Championship Battle, making her understands her better and can have an undeniable force in the . I knew that was going to be a dream pairing. some sort of compassion for her. I think With several smaller film and commercial All glamour aside, as a child did you see a character becomes more interesting appearances already under her belt, she made yourself ever acting in movies? Or what did when you understand why they do what a breakout appearance in a series of iconic you want to do when you were younger? they do in the movie. Nike campaigns choreographed by legendary When I was a kid I wanted to be two choreographer and creative director, Jamie things. I always said I want to raise So that she’s not just a monster, but that she King. Quickly garnering the interest of several dolphins. I wanted to work with dolphins has a heart and you can sympathize with her high-profile musicians, Boutella found herself because I was obsessed with the show emotions. dancing for , , Flipper when I was a kid. Then, somebody Exactly! That was very important to me. , , and many others. Her most in my family got me into this game that recent film appearances include Justin Lin’s was like “Doctors Without Borders.” So I Did you have to do anything special in order Star Trek Beyond co-starring Zoe Saldana, wanted to be a doctor without borders. to prepare for this role or get yourself into Chris Pine, and Zachary Quinto, and Matthew the character? Vaughn’s Kingsman: The Secret Service, That is such a different path than what Well, you know, the makeup process alongside Colin Firth and Samuel L. Jackson. you’re on right now, but I’m sure your fans are thankful that you choose a was something that helped me get into character. It would take about 6 hours Here IRIS Covet Book shares a conversation career in entertainment. You have two to do. Of course, it was painful because with the blockbuster beauty about lesbian love summer movies that are projected to be they’re long hours, but I wouldn’t have scenes and mystic monsters with heart. blockbusters, The Mummy & Atomic Blonde. had it any other way. Once I’d have Feather Coat by Vanessa You have the title role in The Mummy Seward, Bra, Panty and You worked with Ellen at Chateau Marmont opposite of Tom Cruise. How did you get my makeup done, people looked at me Garter Belt by Maison different, and I felt physically different. I Close, Black Stockings by for this cover shoot. How did it go? What was chosen to play this character? also researched about ancient Egypt and FALKE, Shoes by Christian it like working with her? Louboutin, Choker, Earrings I was finishing my movie with Star Trek and Bracelet by Eddie Borgo Oh my God, it was amazing! I loved and I got this script sent over. I met up

46 47 IRIS COVET BOOK SOFIA BOUTELLA BY ELLEN VON UNWERTH

This Spread: Latex Bodysuit by Dead Lotus Couture, Shoes by Marc Jacobs

48 49 IRIS COVET BOOK SOFIA BOUTELLA BY ELLEN VON UNWERTH

This Spread: Dress by Lanvin, Black Goat Hair Jacket by Adrienne Landau, Shoes by Christian Louboutin, Bracelet by Eddie Borgo, Choker by YVY, and Sofia's Own Earrings

50 51 IRIS COVET BOOK SOFIA BOUTELLA BY ELLEN VON UNWERTH

a lot about cameras, lenses, and camera This Spread: Dress and Rosary Necklace angles when I was with him. He examines by Dolce & Gabbana, those aspects and really understands how Black Patent Heels by to tell stories with camera movement, and Christian Louboutin, and Sofia's Own it’s something that I will definitely use Necklace. and pay close attention to.

Amazing! You recently were awarded the “Female Star of Tomorrow” from CinemaCon for your role in Atomic Blonde opposite Charlize Theron. When were you first presented with the role of Delphine and can you tell us a little bit about your character in this movie? She is a French spy who is stationed in Berlin, just before the fall of the wall. She’s on the younger side and she’s a bit naïve, but she’s good at her job while still exploring her identity. She’s taking in the dynamic and intensity of Berlin at that time, and learning from it. She’s sweet but also a very cool, edgy kind of girl who is a less-experienced spy than Charlize’s character. When they meet, my character is supposed to do her job and carry out her mission, but at the same time there is also this romance happening between our characters.

I went to a press screening and you two have a steamy love scene in the movie. What discussions did you have with Charlize to prepare for that scene? I was nervous, I’ve never done a scene like that and this scene was with a girl, which didn’t make much difference to be honest. We both felt the scene shouldn’t feel forced. But, you know, Charlize made me feel comfortable and very much at ease. At the end of the day, I was very comfortable with my body and my femininity and I don’t feel like I shied away from it. She’s super fun and such a great actress, so that made it easy.

It was very refreshing to see the openness of a same-sex relationship in this kind of scene being explored in a major motion picture. I was curious, do you think that there’s a stigma in Hollywood which doesn’t allow Egyptian Mythology. Understanding the and we were able to collaborate on much women in cinema to portray and assert their body language was important because of the character’s look together. sexuality in the same manner that their male I wanted her to walk around not like counterparts are allowed to? a monster, but as a queen since that’s who So you star opposite Tom Cruise, who is Yes, I believe that’s true. It’s much more she was. She carries herself as royalty, a very seasoned actor. What was it like often seen in European movies if it never moving faster than anybody. working with him and did he share with you happens. I think we do need more movies I also explored playing with the voice any advice or words of wisdom that you with powerful, strong women. Charlize’s and speaking slower to bring in that might take to heart as an actor? character teaches us that women can be element of power. Being on set with him was like being at equally strong and powerful. When I saw school, in a good way. I learned so much the movie, I called her and was like, “You Did you get to have any input on the costume from him; he’s such a dedicated actor who were kicking ass in that film!” I’m starting or the look of the character? loves the craft. You see him on set figuring Yes, they really let me share my thoughts out how to make a movie work. I learned

52 53 IRIS COVET BOOK SOFIA BOUTELLA BY ELLEN VON UNWERTH

This Spread: Dress by J GERARD and Shoes by Giuseppe Zanotti

54 55 IRIS COVET BOOK SOFIA BOUTELLA BY ELLEN VON UNWERTH

56 57 IRIS COVET BOOK SOFIA BOUTELLA BY ELLEN VON UNWERTH

Left Page: Chain Top by Natalie Fedner, Skirt by Versus Versace, Leather Jacket (worn inside out) by GUCCI, Lipstick by Chanel This Page: Top by Phillip Plein, Shorts by Sonia Rykiel, Shoes by Marc Jacobs, Choker by Eddie Borgo.

58 59 IRIS COVET BOOK SOFIA BOUTELLA BY ELLEN VON UNWERTH

Top by Dead Lotus to observe that sexual empowerment was genuinely done. That day, I watched March in London and so I was curious why Couture, Skirt by Zana Bayne, Underwear by being explored more in films. I think Madonna’s halftime performance at you found it important to be a part of this Morgan Lane, Shoes that it’s still rare, but it’s good that it’s the Superbowl, and I remember feeling historic event and support it? by Giuseppe Zanotti, shown in this film. We need more of it. like I was ready to stop dancing. So, I Silver Cuff by Eddie I think we live in crazy times. I think our Borgo, and Gold Cuff by We need to normalize all these things, stopped dancing and I didn’t work for children and grandchildren will look at Jennifer Fisher until you look at it and it doesn’t make three years after that. us and say, “What the fuck did you do?” any difference if it was a man or a woman. But, to be honest, I’ve decided to look I think people want to see more of that What did that feel like during those three at it as the glass being half full. What is and not shy away from it. There’s nothing years? happening now is very important and wrong with that, and I think nowadays It was tough, you know. I never thought significant, and we can be empowered by we need to focus on the opportunity to that I would give up. I never thought for these trials when people get together and push that envelope. one second about that because I never unite. Originally I was planning on going had a backup option…I felt like acting to the march in Washington, but I ended I agree with you and also hope that will be was all I wanted to do. It was hard, but up having to go to London that day. As the case someday. You have a background I never doubted myself because I knew soon as I landed that morning in London, as a professional dancer. You’ve been in so my choice truly came from my heart. It I went straight to the march—I didn’t many music videos and concerts. You’ve seemed like an innate decision and luckily even call my friends. When I arrived, all worked with Madonna, Rihanna, and Michael in my life I’ve never had to think, “Oh my friends were already there so we all Jackson, among many others. How were you what am I going to do when I can’t dance got together. Cellular reception was going able to transition from dancing to acting anymore?” I never wanted to become a mad because it was so packed, but we did in major motion pictures and what’s the choreographer. I just drifted into acting, manage to find each other and ended up journey been like? not for fame or for money, but because I having a great time being together and supporting the cause. I began dancing when I was five, so truly loved it so much. almost my entire life. I started acting I went to the march here in New York which when I was 17 and went to an audition And do you think the discipline that you randomly. I joined a friend of mine who learned during your time as a dancer carried drew crowds of around 400,000 so it was was going to the audition, and I ended up over with you into acting? grid locked in some places. The crowd was so thick trying to get through. What were the booking the part instead. I loved acting Yes, absolutely. That discipline is required emotions that you were feeling that day? and enjoyed working on that first project, as a dancer and it’s something that I will so I thought I really wanted to explore carry with me in life. There is a similarity What was your experience like? that more. After doing that film, I wanted in my approach with dancing and acting. I thought it was quite empowering. to learn about it, so I took classes. I did a When developing a character, you have As a woman, I feel like there’s a level few small projects in Paris between the to find a rhythm of how they walk and of consideration that is being given to ages of 17 and 19. Meanwhile, I was still their body language. My experience as women now that is far more profound dancing and I thought that I should keep a dancer has made me more in tune than before. But, there’s still an imbalance dancing because I didn’t feel like I had with my body, and understanding the between how men and women are treated. given it an honorable go. I thought, ‘I’m expression of movement. It’s still a man’s world. I think that the just going to focus on that one thing that Women’s March was necessary even if the I’ve been doing almost all my life.’ So I During her , you worked socio-political circumstances differ from did, and I’m happy that I did because I’ve with Madonna, who is known for being a country to country. Things like this are been a part of amazing projects for which perfectionist. Were there any lessons or essential and will need to keep happening I’m very proud. habits that you picked up on while you were until things change. ‡ working with her or did she ever offer you When I moved to LA, I thought that any advice that you took to heart? I wouldn’t mind taking acting classes again in my spare time. My teacher was She gave me advice all the time. (laughter) Marcy Mendoza. She was like the “ballet It was all very, very useful. She’s a strong of acting” in terms of what I learned and woman who works really hard. You I loved my year in the theater. I studied understand why she is where she is now. plays like Chekhov and Ibsen and it was Her dedication and compassion is really very classical sort of material. I booked inspiring and she has a heart of gold. a movie about a year and a half after When I met her, I was really a tomboy. called 2. I thought it was She came to me and she asked me if I a great opportunity and was drawn to wore heels and I said no. So she handed Hair by Renato @ The Wall Group Using Moroccan Oil, Makeup by Kate the character because she was a dancer. me a pair of heels and said, “There’s a Lee @ Starworks Group, Manicure by I thought that I could learn something beginning for everything.” She really Bettina Goldstein @ The Wall Group from the part, but then I wondered, “Am encouraged me to own my femininity. I Using Karma Organics, Video by Heather Sommerfield, Photographer's I hiding?” I loved acting so much, but I loved that she was able to see beyond how 1st Assistant Timothy R. Mahoney, felt like I was hiding behind the fact that I was presenting myself. She challenged 2nd Assistant Matthew Tyler Ray, I was a dancer. Then I questioned myself me and those were some of my best years Digital Tech Dale Gold, Stylist Assistant Kirsten Alvarez, Production for about two and a half years if I should working with her. by XTheStudio, Shot on location at stop dancing, because, at the time, I didn’t Chateau Marmont Hotel. Special feel like stopping just yet. I woke up one On your Instagram account I saw that you Thanks to Matt Haberman, Bryna Rifkin, Annie Butterfield, and Celena morning and I remember feeling like I had a photo of yourself at the Women’s Madlansacay at ID PR.

60 61