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Julia Stiles On ‘Bourne,’ Gun Violence, And Heath Ledger

By Stacey Cole
Published on: 04:09 PST, Oct 5, 2016

Julia Stiles has a few things to say about gun violence in the United States and the death of Heath Ledger, according to the ABC. The 35-year-old actress is currently promoting Jason Bourne, in which she is reprising her role for the fourth time.

It’s been 14 years since Julia Stiles was first cast as Nicky in the Jason Bourne film franchise, and the actress has “matured and grown” a lot in this period. In her interview with the ABC, Stiles admitted she was nostalgic to go back on the set.

Julia Stiles, whose character in the blockbuster spy franchise is no stranger to guns and violence, has often spoken out about gun violence in the United States. The actress also had a few words to say about social media and the death of Heath Ledger.

But first things first. When asked about how it feels to reprise her rebellious role in the spy franchise for the fourth time in 14 years, Julia Stiles admitted it was “incredibly nostalgic” to go back on set and film scenes alongside Matt Damon.

“I was flooded with memories from all of the previous films.”

Julia Stiles, whose acting credentials aside from the Bourne franchise include such films as Silver Linings Playbook and 10 Things I Hate About You, as well as TV series Dexter and Inside Amy Schumer, said it’s a rarity to play a character that matures and grows up with the actor.

Julia Stiles directed a short film, and a more recent short web series, Paloma, according to the Telegraph. She also compared her Bourne character from the first film The Bourne Identity in 2002, saying that Nicky in 2016 is “more disillusioned, more rebellious, more dangerous.”

“She’s not just there to take orders anymore.”

One of the good things about the Bourne franchise pointed out by Julia Stiles is that female characters in the spy drama installments are not defined by their sexuality — they just have a job to do.

Julia Stiles also revealed that while her Jason Bourne co-star Matt Damon is “very funny,” he is also “incredibly hardworking.” Damon has built a reputation as a prankster in Hollywood, but the actress admitted that she doesn’t know where that rumor is coming from.

Julia Stiles also shared her thoughts about social media, saying that while it’s prolific and she has personally had some things to say though various social media platforms, the danger of it “is to over-share.”

“When I do share it honestly happens organically. I like to be where I am, in the moment, and try not to document and photograph and share everything.”

Julia Stiles admitted that she is not a fan of documenting, taking pictures, and sharing everything that happens in her life, explaining that when she does share, it happens organically.

Julia Stiles doesn’t think the film industry can reduce gun violence in America by producing films about it. However, the actress admits that it’s vital to talk about it, explaining that it’s simply impossible not to take notice of the gun violence across the country.

“If something doesn’t change, it will just continue, and could get worse. [But] I don’t think that Hollywood can do anything — it’s really up to the legislators.”

Julia Stiles also had a few words to say about her late 10 Things I Hate About You co-star, actor Heath Ledger.

The actress revealed that even though she didn’t communicate with Ledger after they finished filming the 1999 movie, she was incredibly sad and shocked when she heard about his death.

“He was such a force, such a vibrant person, right at the really exciting time of his life.”

[Featured Image by Chris Jackson/Getty Images]

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