Lily James is shaking off old labels and diving into gritty roles, as she opens up about her journey from fairy-tale princess to thriller star in the new film ‘Relay’. A decade after ‘Cinderella’ launched her into the spotlight, she’s hungry for more depth. What surprises await in her latest project and future plans? Stick around to find out.
From Fairy Tales to Thrillers: James’ Big Career Leap
Lily James first caught everyone’s eye as the charming lead in Disney’s ‘Cinderella’ back in 2015. That role made her a star, but she admits it boxed her in as the “young ingénue” type. Now, ten years later, she’s breaking free.
James credits director Kenneth Branagh for key advice during ‘Cinderella’, urging her to stay patient and let her career unfold naturally. This mindset has paid off, leading to diverse parts in hits like ‘Baby Driver’ and ‘Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again’.
Her recent work in ‘The Iron Claw’ showed her handling emotional depth. She’s clear: she wants roles that challenge her and surprise fans.
Today, at 36, James feels ready for anything. She’s filming a thriller in Australia with Chris Hemsworth, proving her range keeps growing.
Inside ‘Relay’: A Tense Ride with Riz Ahmed
‘Relay’, directed by David Mackenzie, hit UK theaters on October 31, 2025, and it’s already sparking buzz. James stars alongside Riz Ahmed and Sam Worthington in this conspiracy thriller about a secretive fixer who helps whistleblowers dodge corrupt corporations.
The story draws from real-world fears of surveillance, with James’ character facing constant watching by a shady company. She calls it a nod to classic cat-and-mouse tales, like those from Michael Mann.
Filming ‘Relay’ pushed James to new limits, with many scenes shot solo, forcing her to dig deep into vulnerability without bouncing off co-stars. Reviews praise her performance, noting how she nails the tension.
One standout aspect? The film uses a relay service for the deaf to hide identities, adding clever twists. Early box office hints suggest it’s connecting with audiences craving smart thrillers.
Tackling Tough Roles and Personal Growth
James isn’t shying away from controversy. Her turn as Pamela Anderson in ‘Pam & Tommy’ drew heat for portraying a real person’s life under scrutiny. She approached it with care, aiming to honor Anderson’s story amid the backlash.
This role tested her emotionally, building her resilience. James says playing real people demands bravery, a lesson she’s carrying into projects like a drama about cults with Bella Ramsey from ‘The Last of Us’.
Looking ahead, she’s excited about a gender-flipped remake of ‘Cliffhanger’ and a spot in Takashi Miike’s next film. These picks show her push for variety.
She draws inspiration from her grandmother, Helen Horton, a talented actress who voiced roles in radio plays. This family tie fuels her love for storytelling’s roots.
Here’s a quick look at James’ upcoming slate:
- Thriller with Chris Hemsworth (filming now in Australia)
- Cult drama with Bella Ramsey
- Gender-flipped ‘Cliffhanger’ remake
- Role in Takashi Miike’s film
Facing Fame’s Spotlight and Privacy Fears
Being a celebrity means constant eyes on you, something James knows well. She ties this to ‘Relay’s’ themes, where characters battle invasive monitoring in a digital world.
In today’s tech-heavy life, James worries about privacy loss for everyone, not just stars – a fear that makes ‘Relay’ hit home. She recalls feeling uneasy with surveillance, mirroring her character’s paranoia.
Nostalgia plays a part too. James misses old-school radio dramas, a nod to her grandma’s era. It reminds her why she acts: for the pure joy of connection.
This reflection adds depth to her career view. She’s grateful for the ride, even the tough spots.
James wraps up by noting how returning to rehearsals grounds her. Away from fame’s noise, it’s all about the craft.
Lily James’ story from ‘Cinderella’ sweetheart to bold thriller lead inspires anyone chasing dreams. Her push for diverse roles shows Hollywood’s changing landscape for women, blending grit with grace. As ‘Relay’ draws crowds, it’s clear her best is yet to come, leaving us excited for what’s next. What do you think of her career shift – is ‘Relay’ her strongest yet? Share your thoughts and pass this article to friends on social media.
