Jessica Gunning has been a working actor since 2007, but her role as Martha Scott in “Baby Reindeer” put her on the map worldwide. The show scored the UK-born star critical acclaim and now boasts an Emmy Award, a BAFTA, and a Golden Globe, along with plenty of new projects on horizon.
During an interview with Variety Australia while in Sydney for “The Magic Faraway Tree”, in which she takes on the beloved character of Dame Washalot, Gunning reflected on how winning the Emmy changed her career trajectory.
“The whole of the “Baby Reindeer” journey was just so surreal. What an amazing thing to be part of. I don’t feel like I’ve changed as a person, but I feel like I’ve had some amazing opportunities since,” Gunning said.
“I was over in America loads, and haven’t been before. And also the people I’ve met and the jobs I’ve had a chance to do since [like “The Magic Faraway Tree”] have just been so lovely.”
Along with the exposure and public attention, Gunning has also caught the eye of directors, with some big scripts coming across her desk.
“[There have been] a few things coming in which has been lovely. And I’ve just had I suppose, more and more people have got to know who I am really, which is always nice. So yeah, hopefully more interesting [projects] will come my way,” she said.
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“The Magic Faraway Tree” is based on the popular Enid Blyton series of the same name. She admitted there was some pressure to get it right, but felt she was in safe hands with writer Simon Farnaby, who also wrote “Paddington 2”.
“I think [we] were in very safe hands with someone like [Simon], because I think he managed to capture the heart of the books and stay true to that, but also add a little bit of movie magic and make it feel very modern and relatable for current audiences,” Gunning explained.
“There is a little bit of pressure, because of course, you want to do it justice.”
The star was a fan of the source material, and enjoyed reading Blyton’s book series such as “Famous Five” and “Secret Seven”. With her new film “The Magic Faraway Tree”, she said she hopes to bring these whimsical stories to a whole new generation.
“It’s just incredible that kids will now be connected to this, and [that’s] great.”
“The Magic Faraway Tree” is in Australian cinemas from today.