Zawe Ashton unveils the sagacious counsel she gleaned from her betrothed, Tom Hiddleston, with regards to her malevolent role in the realm of Marvel

Renowned for her roles in films such as Velvet Buzzsaw and Mr. Malcolm's List, the British thespian is about to embark on a new journey within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, portraying the formidable Kree revolutionary, Dar-Benn. Set to confront the likes of Brie Larson, Teyonah Parris, and Iman Vellani in the upcoming movie, The Marvels, Ashton reveals her long-standing desire to collaborate with director Nia DaCosta, eagerly seizing the opportunity to embody a supervillain.

Preparation for her coveted role involved seeking sagacity from another Marvel malefactor: her fiancé, Tom Hiddleston, who has portrayed the mischievous deity, Loki, since 2011.

"Inevitably, our discussions entailed profound reflections on his decade-long engagement with this cinematic universe," Ashton, aged 38, shares during an exclusive interview with EW, preceding the commencement of the SAG-AFTRA strike. "One of the cardinal insights from our exchanges was this: 'Marvel reciprocates what you invest.' He emphasized, 'An open heart, an unwavering work ethic, and an earnest commitment to enthralling the fans will yield an unparalleled experience on those sets.' He imbued me with such empowerment."

Despite their attempts to segregate their professional lives, Ashton reminisces about a particularly jovial day when Hiddleston assisted her in rehearsing a scene for The Marvels. Their boisterous dialogue caused their perplexed canine companion to peek beneath the kitchen table, puzzled by the presence of two formidable Marvel antagonists.

Additionally, Hiddleston furnished her with some practical advice for on-set endeavors.

"He proffered highly useful counsel, emphasizing the importance of having an adequate number of zippers in one's costume to facilitate bathroom visits," she jests. "Profound wisdom, as I now comprehend."

Ashton's character, Dar-Benn, assumes the mantle of a Kree leader endeavoring to reclaim her homeland after enduring a protracted civil war. This incarnation of Dar-Benn represents an amplified interpretation, deviating from her relatively minor role in the comics, originally depicted as male. Weeks of arduous training honed Ashton's proficiency in wielding Dar-Benn's imposing war hammer. In the film, she engages in intense confrontations with Larson's Captain Marvel, Parris' Monica Rambeau, and Vellani's Ms. Marvel.

"It epitomizes a magnificent all-female sci-fi spectacle, with a visionary woman behind the camera," Ashton remarks. "Partaking in this endeavor truly evoked profound emotions within me. It is an exceedingly rare milieu - a high-budget cinematic spectacle featuring a remarkable assemblage of audacious women alongside the venerable Samuel L. Jackson. Such opportunities are a rarity indeed."