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The Nevers' James Norton discusses working on female-led projects

Photo credit: David M Benett - Getty Images
Photo credit: David M Benett - Getty Images

The Nevers star James Norton has opened up about his choice of working in many female-led dramas like his latest project.

The upcoming fantasy series is set in an alternate Victorian London and follows a group of people who find themselves gaining powerful abilities. In turn, they become the targets of a mysterious and sinister force.

Amongst his previous roles are a large number of female-led projects like Happy Valley, Things Heard & Seen and Little Women, which the actor admitted he gets asked about often.

"It's a no-brainer, isn't it?" he said in an interview to RadioTimes.

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"The reason why one does it is because we should have as many female-driven shows like this as there are male-driven shows. The fact that the situation is normalising is fantastic.

Photo credit: David M. Benett
Photo credit: David M. Benett

Related: The Nevers' James Norton teases "mindblowing" twist in episode 6

"To be part of a show that is actually making a positive, proactive step in the right direction, rather than just discussing it, is very important, and I am proud of it, particularly with such incredible actresses at our helm. Laura [Donnelly] is our general, and she's amazing."

Norton went on to add that "We need to put our money where our mouth is, and actually take some action," when it comes to conversations and issues like #MeToo and Black Lives Matter.

The actor also said that while he keeps an eye out for female-led projects, that is not the reason he chooses to partake: "It's not a conscious thing of working with women, but it's the fact that there are such extraordinary film-makers and actors coming through who are women.

"It's a testament to the positive, progressive place we're finding ourselves in. It's great."

Photo credit: HBO
Photo credit: HBO

Related: Outlander's Laura Donnelly breaks down "scary" underwater fight scene in The Nevers

"Most of the choices I've made are based on working with the best people: Sally Wainwright, Greta Gerwig, Sophie Cookson, Andrea Harkin, Agnieszka Holland… They're just amazing film-makers and actors.

"That they're women is almost irrelevant," he said. "They were just the best at that time of the choices that were in front of me."

In The Nevers, he plays Hugo Swann, a well-to-do pansexual club owner with a habit of blackmailing those around him. As well as Donnelly, he will be joined by Nick Frost, Eleanor Tomlinson, Olivia Williams, Tom Riley and Ann Skelly.

The Nevers airs Sundays on HBO in the US, and is available to stream on HBO Now and HBO Max. UK viewers can watch the show on Sky Atlantic and NOW from May 17.


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