Katherine Langford Discusses Her Character Transformation for Netflix's 'Cursed'
Katherine Langford discusses her portrayal of Nimue in Netflix's new fantasy show 'Cursed,' based on the legend of King Arthur.

It must be hard to play a sword-wielding heroine in a time after Game of Thrones, forever in the shadow of Arya Stark and her Needle. Such was the feat in front of Katherine Langford in her new show, Cursed. Premiering today on Netflix, the fantasy show—based on the 2019 book by the same name—reframes Arthurian legend through the point of view of Nimue (or as she is more commonly known, the Lady of the Lake).
Langford, in the starring role, seems acutely aware that GoT's and Arya's legacy looms large over the fantasy genre. But that doesn't mean she's willing to succumb to the comparisons.
"It's kind of sad that there are so few women that we see fighting or with swords in this genre—at the epicenters of this genre—that as soon as there's one that's kind of similar it becomes a talking point," Langford tells Marie Claire.
In fact, other than their access to swords, Arya and Nimue have very little in common. Nimue—a young woman burdened by her extraordinary magical powers who must embark on a journey to protect her people and serve her family—could more fittingly be compared to Mulan or Katniss Everdeen or Harry Potter. And considering that Nimue is regularly bestowed such designations as demon or "Wolf-Blood Witch," a more fitting GoT comparison might be Daenerys Targaryen.
Langford continues: "As a credit to Game of Thrones and Lord of the Rings, the fantasy genre has amassed such a huge mainstream audience. What makes these fantasy pieces stand out is they put their own stamp on the genre. We know what Game of Thrones looks like; we know what Lord of the Rings looks like. As we were filming, [we were] finding out what makes this Cursed, what makes this unique identity ours."
Nimue (Katherine Langford) tends to a wounded Arthur (Devon Terrell).
In its 10 episodes, Cursed never seems to find any type of identity, unique or otherwise—the legend that serves as the show's inspiration feels like an afterthought, with fantastical elements shoe-horned into what would have been better as a coming-of-age story—but Langford manages to captivate. Her Nimue is vulnerable. She's smart. She makes you want to root for her.
That initial vulnerability is what attracted Langford to the character. "We see her in the beginning of the season as a really breathless young woman. She's on the cusp. She is an adult, but she's still not 100 percent there. She hasn't quite come into her womanhood yet. She's been ostracized for having this mysterious curse that she doesn't understand and other people don't understand so they fear it and they also fear her," the actress says. "That initial adversity that she's grown up with made me really curious about her."
Stay In The Know
Get exclusive access to fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more.
We have always been heroes as women. I just don't think we've been recognized as heroes.
For anyone following the 24-year-old's career, her standout performance shouldn't come as a surprise. She blew critics away in 13 Reasons Why, grew a cult-following in Love, Simon, and held her own against heavyweights like Jamie Lee Curtis and Chris Evans in 2019's Knives Out.
Langford signed on to the Netflix show before seeing any scripts. She explains she was a "huge fan of fantasy" (as a child, Mars Attacks was a favorite movie) and Frank Miller's work (he illustrated the book and worked on the show). She simply read Tom Wheeler's manuscript before committing to the role. (Wheeler also acts as the show's executive producer, screenwriter, and showrunner.) She credits Nimue's "honest" story to Wheeler's willingness to collaborate on the character's journey.
Lenore (Catherine Walker) comforts her daughter, Nimue.
"Part of Nimue's story as a woman is she's told she's never able to be in a position of power, so when she does possess the sword and is told the sword belongs to the 'One True King' it never even crosses her mind that she could use this sword. And there's a really powerful moment that changes her thoughts towards that. During the rewrite, that moment disappeared. So I went to Tom and said, 'This is really important. Nimue needs to have this moment.' Out of the conversation, he wrote this really beautiful [scene]."
Such emotional awakenings make up the show's (only) memorable moments. It's those instances, not her sword, that puts Nimue among legends like Arya or Mulan or Frodo Baggins—something that Langford realized while filming.
"When it comes to these hero genres or these hero stories, it's not just about putting a woman in a man's shoes and telling a hero's story with a woman at the center," she says. "Cursed is not only the retelling of Excalibur and the Arthurian legend, but it's also an opportunity to tell the story of a heroine and all of the obstacles that are specific to a woman on that journey."
Nimue (Katherine Langford) wielding the Sword of Power.
Though the quiet moments are the show's strength, Langford also executes commendable action sequences that would put any of her fantasy contemporaries to shame. She learned sword-fighting and horseback-riding in just four weeks and says that, as a former athlete, she reveled in the physicality of it all. She shares a particularly gruesome story of filming the show's pinnacle fight scene, rolling around in mud and fake blood made of sugar syrup in 111 degree heat, while wearing three sets of armor during wasp season.
"One of the things I'm really proud of in regards to Cursed is the way that these women are written highlights their capabilities. That's something I worked on a lot with Nimue—making sure she didn't become this damsel-in-distress. For example, if Nimue is running and then she falls over. Why does she fall over? It's about honoring the capabilities in someone and acknowledging the obstacles they have to overcome."
Literally and figuratively, Langford proved that Nimue is a fantasy character to be reckoned with; she is her own woman and not just another fantasy archetype. But if we must make the Thrones comparison, Cursed is perhaps best compared to Arya's "House of White and Black" storyline from the show's fifth season: pointless and circuitous and un-impactful. But, regardless, Arya will forever be remembered as the one who took down the Night King. And similarly, thanks to Langford, Nimue's legacy will now have its proper place in Arthurian legend, despite the show's shortcomings.
"We have always been heroes as women," Langford says, "I just don't think we've been recognized as heroes, particularly in stories. I think [this show] is a small step into that direction."
For more stories like this, including celebrity news, beauty and fashion advice, savvy political commentary, and fascinating features, sign up for the Marie Claire newsletter.
RELATED STORIES
Neha Prakash is Marie Claire's Entertainment Director, where she edits, writes, and ideates culture and current event features with a focus on elevating diverse voices and stories in film and television. She steers and books the brand's print and digital covers as well as oversees the talent and production on MC's video franchises like "How Well Do You Know Your Co-Star?" and flagship events, including the Power Play summit. Since joining the team in early 2020, she's produced entertainment packages about buzzy television shows and films, helped oversee culture SEO content, commissioned op-eds from notable writers, and penned widely-shared celebrity profiles and interviews. She also assists with social coverage around major red carpet events, having conducted celebrity interviews at the Met Gala, Oscars, and Golden Globes. Prior to Marie Claire, she held editor roles at Brides, Glamour, Mashable, and Condé Nast, where she launched the Social News Desk. Her pop culture, breaking news, and fashion coverage has appeared on Vanity Fair, GQ, Allure, Teen Vogue, and Architectural Digest. She earned a masters degree from the Columbia School of Journalism in 2012 and a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Pennsylvania State University in 2010. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and dog, Ghost; she loves matcha lattes, Bollywood movies, and has many hot takes about TV reboots. Follow her on Instagram @nehapk.
-
I Injected My Body's "Liquid Gold" to Address Undereye Fine Lines and Dark Circles
But would I do it again?
By Michelle Rostamian
-
Queen Elizabeth Gave the Perfect Response When Pope Francis Presented Her With Priceless Gifts for Prince George
The late pope spared no expense when it came to treating the infant prince in 2014.
By Kristin Contino
-
Want Healthier-Looking Hair? This Unexpected Beauty Product Might Be the Answer
Skip the shampoos, glosses, and treatments.
By Marie Claire Editors
-
Is 'Ransom Canyon' A Real Place? What to Know About the Netflix Western's Filming Locations
Here's what to know about the real-life ranches featured in the Netflix series.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Ransom Canyon' Season 2: Everything We Know
We're dying to see where the show's central will-they-won't-they goes next.
By Radhika Menon
-
The Stars of 'Love Island USA' Season 6 Will Return to Our Screens This Summer
We're already clearing our summer schedules for 'Love Island: Beyond the Villa.'
By Quinci LeGardye
-
What to Know About the 'Ransom Canyon' Cast
Move over, 'Yellowstone,' a new ranching series is in town.
By Radhika Menon
-
Where Is 'Got to Get Out' Filmed? What to Know About the 80-Acre Luxury Estate in the Hulu Reality Show
A new competition series's eyecandy filming location has entered the chat.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
What to Know About the 'North of North' Cast
The new comedy follows a modern Inuk woman determined to transform her life.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
'Yellowjackets' Season 4: Everything We Know
The showrunners still have plans to show how the girls get out of the wilderness.
By Quinci LeGardye
-
Meet the Cast of 'Resident Playbook'
The spinoff of the hit K-drama 'Hospital Playlist' features several young actors as first-year OB-GYN residents.
By Quinci LeGardye