Christine Adams: ‘Hijack Season 2 Raises The Stakes To An Unexpected Level’

It’s all eyes on Christine Adams, who returns to the role of Marsha Smith-Nelson in the much-anticipated return of Hijack on Apple TV today. And if she – as the estranged ex-wife of hero Sam Nelson (Idris Elba) – had a surprisingly pivotal role in saving lives at 35,000 feet in season 1, season 2 sees her even more deeply woven into the turbulence. This time we’re in Berlin when another vehicle boarded by Sam is taken hostage two years after his lifechanging flight from Dubai to London, and the negotiator must spring back into action.

We sat down with Christine to find out more about the series, plus delve into her recent role opposite Jack Whitehall in Malice plus her upcoming thriller with Catherine Zita Jones.

‘The response to Hijack season 1 was incredible, and somewhat surprising.’ (Photographer, Barley Nimmo; Make-up, Min Sandhu; Styling, Robert Morrison)

Q&A: Christine Adams On Hijack Season 2

Hi Christine, how’s life going at the moment?

Things are pretty wonderful at the moment. I’ve been beavering away on projects for the past couple of years, and now that they’re finally being released into the world, it feels both terrifying and incredibly exciting. The audience is always the final piece of the puzzle.

You’re about to reprise your role of Marsha in Hijack season 2. Can you give us an elevator pitch for the show?

Hijack season 2 is far from a rehash of the first series. Hero Sam Nelson is compromised in a way that raises the stakes to an unexpected, edge-of-your-seat level for the audience.

What can we expect from season 2?

Even more twists and turns than season 1, with plenty of surprises. And, chances are, a whole lot of yelling at the screen.

There was an amazing response to the first season. What was that like, and how did it feel to all get back together again on set?

The response was incredible, and somewhat surprising. People really devoured the series. On paper, all the elements were strong: the script, Idris, and our brilliant writer/director Jim Field-Smith, but you never really know if those pieces will come together. It’s a pretty far-fetched premise, yet ultimately audiences want to be taken on a journey, especially when it’s a thrilling rollercoaster like Hijack.

‘The thrill of movie magic hasn’t worn off at all.’ (Christine Adams in “Hijack,” now streaming on Apple TV.)

Any standout moments from rehearsals or filming?

We shot a set piece at the end of season 2 that was incredibly complex with many moving parts that all had to come together at the same time. It was filmed at night in a freezing February, which added to the challenge. I found it particularly nerve wracking because of the scale of the scene and the sheer number of people involved in making it work.

That said, standing in the middle of a set like that is always magical for me. I still have a deep appreciation for imagining how it will come together on screen, and the thrill of movie magic hasn’t worn off at all.

You recently starred in Malice on Prime Video. What was that like?
Any standout memories from filming?

Filming in a beautiful location is one of the great perks of being an actor. We shot on Paros in Greece for six weeks, and the characters are living this incredibly lavish lifestyle. My kids rarely come to set, but when my younger daughter visited for a few weeks, it was hard to convince her that I was actually ‘working’.

The show is fun and truly delicious to look at – a very welcome bit of escapism.

You’ve also had Dreaming Whilst Black recently released and Kill Jackie coming up. What can you tell us about those projects?

I’m incredibly proud of Dreaming Whilst Black. It’s a comedy about a young black filmmaker trying to break into the very white world of film and television. Adjani Salmon, who writes and stars in the show, does something really brilliant in pulling back the curtain in the aftermath of the George Floyd/BLM moment, when media companies were suddenly forced to reckon with diversity and inclusion. The show is very funny, cringey at times, and incredibly poignant – it feels like a mirror held up to where people of colour currently find ourselves in the industry.

Kill Jackie is a wild, hyper-stylised dark comedy about a team of assassins chasing Jackie, played by Catherine Zeta-Jones. It’s Kill Bill meets Killing Eve, all set against the backdrop of San Sebastián and Bilbao. My character is a psychopath but in a very particular way. She’s the brains of the outfit, with a very distinct style, and I absolutely loved playing her. 

‘Malice a very welcome bit of escapism.’ (Carice Van Houten as Nat Tanner & Christine Adams as Jules in Malice © Prime Video)

Kill Jackie is all about a wealthy art dealer. What was it like to explore that world, and do you have a favourite artist?

I’ve recently discovered Lynette Yiadom-Boakye who recently had an exhibition at Tate Britain, and I’ve been completely obsessed ever since. She began painting later in life and all of her portraits are drawn from imagination rather than real sitters which I find fascinating because they feel so vividly real.

Any other roles in the pipeline that you’re excited about? (If you’re allowed to tell us!)

Nothing I can talk about – sorry!

Who has been your favourite actor to work with in the past?

I’ve had the chance to work with so many incredible actors. The ones I often remember most are the older actors – those in their 70s and up. They’ve been through so much and carry an incredible work ethic. I worked on a show that brought in a lot of senior black actors and directors – the ones who paved the way. It was inspiring and such a privilege to learn from them. 

What’s a genre you’d like to do more of?

Action and butt-kicking bad guys, though I’m not sure my knees would agree anymore!

Who is an actor, writer or director you’d love to work with?

There are so many – Ryan Coogler, Yorgos Lanthimos, the incredible director of The Substance Coralie Fargeat, Ava DuVernay… Honestly, the list feels endless.

Do you get to spend much time at home?

It really depends. I’ve been away a lot this year, but when I’m home, I’m really home – which means I get to be full-time mum and house manager again. I love it. We recently moved to Portugal: we bought a beautiful house in the countryside and we rent a flat in the city since one of my daughters is at school in Lisbon and the other works there. She’s a football player and works with Sporting Lisbon.

I literally am Country and Town!

‘One of the reasons I moved to Europe was to restore balance.’ (Photographer, Barley Nimmo; Make-up, Min Sandhu; Styling, Robert Morrison)

Do you prefer the town or the country?

I’ve lived in big cities my whole life from London, LA, Atlanta. I thought I’d get bored in the countryside but I absolutely love it. It’s very close to the sea and it’s such a beautiful part of the world. I feel really lucky to have a place of peace and serenity to escape to, especially since the world feels like such a scary place right now.

What’s your interior design style?

I really got into mid-century design when I lived in California for 15 years – it’s the epicentre of mid-century design. I loved the minimalism of it. My palette has always been pretty muted and clean, boringly opting for ‘things to be painted white’. Thankfully, that phase is over! I’ve realised I love colour, textures and patterns. I’m about to start renovating our house here in Portugal and I’m planning to embrace a lot more colour and, of course, some jazzy Portuguese tiles.

How do you find balance in your personal and work lives?

One of the reasons I moved to Europe was to restore that balance. America is the land of opportunity, but it also has a very unhealthy relationship with work. I wanted a different quality of life – certainly one that’s less stressful. Being a mother has been incredibly grounding and always brings me back to reality in the best way. I’ve worked really hard to create a life that feels meaningful and joyful, and that includes the people who matter most to me.

How can we all live a little bit better?

I would never tell anyone how to live, but for me, the most beautiful and meaningful things in life are often the simplest. Gathering with people you love, eating, drinking, dancing, laughing, soaking up nature, watching a great film, or listening to live music – I try to really be in the moment. Life is moving disturbingly quickly and pausing to appreciate and feel gratitude when things are good feels so important. Sometimes it’s as simple as snagging a good parking space! It’s the small things and the big things. I feel like I have so much to be grateful for.

Anything fun in the pipeline – professionally or personally?

Professionally, there’s always something in the pipeline. Personally, I’m looking forward to another year. While this past year has been incredibly sad for many reasons, I feel a sense of optimism, hope, and maybe even a small wind of change. I have to believe that – it’s too depressing not to.

‘I’ve worked really hard to create a life that feels meaningful and joyful.’ (Photographer, Barley Nimmo; Make-up, Min Sandhu; Styling, Robert Morrison)

What Christine Adams Is Loving Right Now

I’m currently watching… The Diplomat, The Morning Show, Dreaming Whilst Black

What I’m reading… Carter Beats the Devil by Glen David Gold and Erotic Vagrancy, a biography of Liz Taylor and Richard Burton. It’s absolutely insane!

The last thing I watched (and loved) was… Sinners by Ryan Coogler, and The Last Two Film Stars, Ethan Hawke’s incredible doc about Paul and Joanne Newman. I’m kind of obsessed with that generation of actors. The doc was six episodes and explored so many aspects of their complicated marriage and careers. It was incredibly thoughtful and beautifully executed.

What I’m most looking forward to seeing… Wicked 2 and The Ballet Shoes when it returns to London. 

Favourite film of all time… Sweet Charity (1969) 

Favourite song of all time… That’s really, really hard – but the song that will be played at my funeral is ‘Funkin’ for Jamaica’ by Tom Browne. I’d probably burst out of my coffin just to have one last bop.

Band/singer I always have on repeat… Recently, D’Angelo since he just passed. I’ve been a lifelong fan and he was one of the few artists I’d listen to regularly. Certain people are truly one of one – unique and never to be repeated. Prince, Bowie, Winehouse… They’re in that rare category.

My ultimate cultural recommendation… Take a slow, meandering walk from Soho to the South Bank – through Covent Garden, along the Embankment, over the bridge – then grab some yummy food at the outdoor food market. Finish the day with a show at the National Theatre; every play there is outstanding, and you can often get tickets at a really good price. It’s such a lovely walk.

If the weather’s nice, pop into Gordon’s Wine Bar behind Embankment Station. Superb wine, great cheese boards, and an incredible atmosphere. They even make their own scotch eggs, which are my kryptonite — honestly, I’ve never met a scotch egg I didn’t like!

Cultural guilty pleasure… I don’t really watch reality TV – if that counts as guilty! I just can’t get into it; I genuinely feel so embarrassed for people. I used to be mortified watching Cilla Black’s Blind Date. Once, I ended up watching a whole episode of Love Island at the nail salon – volume down, Portuguese subtitles on – and I was absolutely rapt, mouth open, glued for a full hour. I think that says more about my impulse control than anything else. The truth is, if I ever started one of these shows, I probably wouldn’t be able to stop!

Christine Adams stars in Hijack season 2, with the first two episodes streaming now on Apple TV and new episodes arriving weekly on Wednesdays.

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