Plus: The actress talks pronouncing ‘Matthew’
WARNING: The following contains spoilers from season 2 ofDaredevil.
Read at your own risk!
Just studying up on the characters history helped her develop her own take.
Credit: Netflix
I just really wanted to get to know her.
ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: You just finished a long leg in your press tour for the show.
How are you feeling?
Patrick Harbron/Netflix
What has it been like for you to be in your most visible role yet?
ELODIE YUNG:It feels like this month has been a bit unmoored, with jet lag.
I dont really read the reviews and be too judgmental, you know what I mean?
Patrick Harbron/Netflix
Its done now, so that doesnt bother me anymore.
Its a reward when you have these direct messages from the people.
Im enjoying the ride so far.
What was your impression of the role at the time?
I was like Ooooh,thats ;a juicy one!
[Laughs] Its good to have jobs, so once you get one, youre like, Yes!
Someone said yes to me!
And then I initiate the present, and its even better.
I was like, Wow.
This is a cool toy to play with.
So it was a surprise and a pleasure for me to work on a show I liked.
Shes a complex woman to embody.
I was very lucky, I think.
Because shes a very, umm, shes an archetypical, whats the word?
Oh yes, thank you.
Im always like, Oh no, people will think Im stupid.
But I know this word in French.
So yes, its an archetypal part in the comics.
Shes a strong female, you know?
You mention how shes a strong female.
What does that phrase, strong female character, mean to you?
Im not really interested in that.
Im more interested in exploring her weakness.
What makes her real, what makes her human?
She does offer so many different sides: Shes funny, shes alluring, shes violent, shes terrifying.
How do you get inside a character like that?
Is there anything you do play certain music, maybe to get into her mindset?
No, its not as if I have to press a button to turn her on or off.
I think for me, its more meeting my character.
And then there are sides of her that I dont understand, like the killing and all that.
Thats something I have a go at empathize with.
Its not like, Oh, I have tricks and I play this character.
You mentioned Frank Miller earlier, that you read his comics to research the role.
What were your thoughts about your casting?
I think acting is a work of imagination.
Its a bit surprising that people think this way.
Yeah, but its… [pauses] Its fine.
They wanted an Elektra who would portray her, and then for some reason, they gavemethe part.
I guess they were seduced by it.
[Starts testing it out] Matthew.
Is there anything particular you do when you say his name?
This is my accent.
So the way I say Matthew?
Im not even conscious about it.
I dont know, you know, itisimportant that there is more and more diversity.
The Asian culture has to be a part of what we see on TV and in movies.
[Stereotyping] comes from ignorance and bad habit.
People would write [stereotypes into TV shows and films] and just think, Okay.
You know what I mean?
They wouldnt think openly.
I think its just… there.
Ive always said, Carry on and work on your job, and at some point, itll come.
We see that she died in the finale, but will very likely be resurrected.
No, I cant really say anything.
Iauditionednot knowing it was Elektra.
I cant tell you anything because I dont know anything.
So when you ask Marvel execs andDaredevilproducers, they just refuse to say anything?
Oh, Im not even trying [to ask] anymore!
I just gave up.
[Laughs]
Daredevilseason 2 is streaming on Netflix.
