Marvel Heroine Jessica Henwick Is Just as Badass in Real Life
Know what "bushcrafting" is? The Iron Fist and Defenders star is here to explain.


When you play the awesome (read: cage-fighting) Colleen Wing on Netflix's Marvel's Iron Fist—and the follow-up series, Marvel's The Defenders, later this year—there's only so much downtime to work with. Here's how Jessica Henwick spends hers.
Age: 24
Lives in: London
You know her from: Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015) and Game of Thrones (2015)
What do you do in your downtime? "Bushcrafting. It's about learning the old ways: foraging, fishing, and building a shelter in the woods. I grew up in the English countryside, raising ducks and chickens. I was a real wild kid, spending much more time outdoors than I ever did indoors."
A post shared by Jessica Henwick (@jhenwick)
A photo posted by on
Go-to getaway? "When I'm traveling, I like extremes. It's nice for me to go to Canada in the mountains where it's snowing or to Cambodia where it's stifling. I really want to do Machu Picchu and backpack around New Zealand."
"I was a real wild kid, spending much more time outdoors than I ever did indoors."
Craziest adventure? "I went snorkeling between tectonic plates in Iceland's Silfra fissure in the winter. You have to wear thermal layers and a wet suit and what's called a "teddy-bear suit" so you don't die of hypothermia. My lips still went blue. That was an experience that I will carry with me for the rest of my life—so beautiful and so quiet."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
A post shared by Jessica Henwick (@jhenwick)
A photo posted by on
Fantasy life? "If I could choose any video-game universe to live in: Pokémon. I had Pokémon Blue on the old-school Game Boy Color. I'd be a very good Pokémonmaster."
Guilty pleasure? "I am addicted to the TV show Survivor. I would love to go on that show, except I think it's possibly quite damaging to an actor's career to reveal your truest self. My agents would kill me."
Follow her: @JHenwick
This article appears in the July issue of Marie Claire, on newsstands now.
Molly Fitzpatrick is a writer from New Jersey who lives in Queens.
-
Harry Was Allegedly Crushed When William Received "Special Treatment"
"Poor Harry's face across the table," Princess Diana's former butler recalled.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Wasn't Informed About King Charles's Hospitalization
"It looks like the duke only found out about his father's latest health update through the media."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Jennifer Lawrence Styles a $7,500 Outfit With $100 Sneakers
The actress paired Prada and Celine with her $100 footwear.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Harry Makes a Brief but Meaningful Appearance in Netflix's 'With Love, Meghan'
The Duke of Sussex requests a mimosa as he supports wife Meghan Markle at an important event.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Dedicates 'With Love, Meghan' to Her Late Rescue Dog Guy, and He Appears Throughout the Series
Viewers will see the sweet beagle sitting in the corner of the kitchen while his mom works.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle's Career as a Cocktail Waitress Was Cut Short When She Hilariously Messed Up a Drink Order
"They're like, 'Let's have you go back to being a coat check girl.'"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Surprises Fans at "Magical" 'With Love, Meghan' Launch Event in New York
"The girls that have been supporting me for nearly a decade!"
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Celebrate Meghan Markle's New Netflix Show With an Amazing Gift
The little royals paid tribute to their mom's success in the sweetest way.
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Kristen Bell Says She Has No "Chemistry" With 'Nobody Wants This' Costar Adam Brody
"We're like an old granny and grampy. It's not hot and heavy on set at all."
By Amy Mackelden Published
-
Meghan Markle Is Pushing the Premiere of Her Netflix Series Due to the Los Angeles Wildfires
Meghan requested that Netflix delay the release "as we focus on the needs of those impacted by the wildfires in my home state of California."
By Kayleigh Roberts Published
-
Meghan Markle's Actual Kitchen Isn't Featured in Her Netflix Show—Here's What We Know About Her Real Home
The Sussexes seem to favor a muted color scheme.
By Amy Mackelden Published