JESSICA ALBA on Fantastic Four Edited by Michael J. Lee, Executive Editor for Radio Free Entertainment
July 6, 2005
In the comic-to-film action adventure Fantastic Four, a group of five individuals embark on an outer space mission into the heart of a cosmic storm. But when a miscalculation exposes them to a mysterious radiation, they begin to exhibit superhuman powers. One member of the expedition chooses to use his newfound gifts for personal gain, while the other four take the more altruistic approach.
Jessica Alba plays director of genetic research Sue Storm, whose power allows her to become invisible and project force fields. As part of the Fantastic Four, she is known as the Invisible Woman. In this interview, Jessica talks about her sweet but spunky character.
The Interview
MEDIA: Tell us a little about your character.
JESSICA: I play Sue Storm, the Invisible Woman in the Fantastic Four. She is an intelligent, sophisticated, mature woman. She has a big heart. She believes in justice and truth, and she's a very strong-willed woman.
You said you fell in love with some of Sue's flaws...
Yes, I love that Sue tends to be quite emotional and a little controlling. And it's very real to me because I'm a little controlling, and I can tend to be a little sensitive. And I think it's great when a character is open about it and can go through an evolution and learn from her mistakes.
Why do you feel that Sue is a positive role model, and what is the message that this movie conveys?
Sue Storm is a positive role model because she doesn't do anything manipulative or destructive. She really is trying to do the right thing, and really is trying to keep this family unit together, and I think that's great. There aren't enough young women that are being portrayed in that way. And the movie itself is about people finding solutions to their problems versus just breaking apart and running away from them. And once you unite as a family, then can you save the world. It's so epic...but it's a lovely message.
How does Fantastic Four distinguish itself from other summer blockbusters?
This movie is a family movie. It's a movie that you can go [to] on a date, you can take your grandparents to, you can go in big groups with friends, and you can take a 5-year-old. And there's something in it for everyone. It has very mature relationships, but it also has great special effects and is cool. So there's something for everyone in this movie.
Did you know how iconic Sue was when you signed on for the role?
No, I had no idea how iconic Sue was. It wasn't until I did it and I went to Comic-Con [that] I realized how in love the fans were with Sue, and how in love [director] Tim Story was with Sue. He was like, "Oh, I always had a crush on Sue Storm." And I was like, "Really?" You know, just from the comic books...and he was 10 years old. So I knew I had to play somebody that was very complex and lovely and had a big heart, so that was nice.
Did most of your knowledge of Sue come from the fans telling you things?
Ummm...not really. I sort of did my homework. Before we shot the movie, we read the Ultimate series and Marvel Knights. And we definitely take a lot of the characters and the story from the Ultimate series. I think the coolest thing is that she becomes a mom and she's still a superhero. [laughs]
When will we see more of the Fantastic Four on the big screen?
Hopefully we'll see more of the Fantastic Four in two years, I think. If we make it next year, then it will come out the following year. So we'll see.
