While working on DARK PHOENIX with Simon Kinberg, Jessica Chastain pitched the director on the concept of a female-led spy flick which would see a group of female international agents taking charge in a grounded, edgy action thriller in the style of THE BOURNE IDENTITY, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, and JAMES BOND franchises. The film, known as 355, gathered together an impressive cast of all-star actresses, including Lupita Nyong'o, Penelope Cruz, Fan Bingbing, and Diane Kruger, who stepped in to replace Marion Cotillard.
Principal photography has now begun on 355, and Jessica Chastain has shared a behind-the-scenes video which gives us a little taste of production, including weapons and hand-to-hand combat training. "When Simon and I were making X-MEN, I had this idea of doing a female-ensemble action film," Chastain said. "So, I called all the actresses and we are the studio; everyone owns the film. Now we’re makin’ it!"
In addition to Jessica Chastain, Lupita Nyong'o, Penelope Cruz, Fan Bingbing, and Diane Kruger, 355 also stars Sebastian Stan and Edgar Ramirez. The spark which ignited 355 grew out of Jessica Chastain's research while filming ZERO DARK THIRTY. "When I was preparing for Zero Dark Thirty, I had incredible resources working in the CIA I got to learn from," Chastain said. "We have a consultant in our film that has a lot of knowledge in espionage. This title came from one of the conversations I had with him. Agent 355 was the code name of a female spy during the American Revolution. She was one of the very first spies for the United States, and her identity is still unknown. For a lot of women who work in the CIA and other organizations like that, Code 355 is a universal slang term for female spy. It’s the invisible woman who was never named." Director Simon Kinberg added that unlike some of the other spy franchises, the goal of 355 will be to present a true ensemble in which all of the agents will share the screen equally.
It won’t be as hyperbolic as some franchises, and unlike the other films that revolve around one main character, the goal here is the true ensemble, all these characters who have their own distinct traits, histories — fully formed and complex characters with equal weight in the film. That’s unique, as is having all female spies. We are digging into the reality of spy craft today. There are all kinds of things that seem out of a James Bond or even a sci-fi movie, but the technology is so advanced that it’s real. Having someone who knows that reality informing the script has been really helpful.
Jessica Chastain will next be seen in IT: CHAPTER TWO on September 6, 2019.