Morena Baccarin on ‘Sheriff Country’ & ‘Deadpool’ Future

Morena Baccarin, a familiar face across television and blockbuster films, is currently navigating a diverse landscape of projects, ranging from leading a new crime procedural to revisiting beloved superhero universes. The accomplished actress recently shared insights into her latest endeavors, including her starring role in the upcoming CBS spinoff ‘Sheriff Country,’ her enduring connection to the ‘Deadpool’ franchise, and her memorable experience witnessing Nicholas Galitzine’s remarkable transformation into He-Man on the set of ‘Masters of the Universe,’ exclaiming, “Oh my, God, how did you do that?”

Stepping into Law Enforcement: ‘Sheriff Country’

Baccarin is set to headline “Sheriff Country,” a new procedural stemming from CBS’s popular “Fire Country” series, where she portrays Sheriff Mickey Fox. The show delves into the life of Mickey, who manages her small-town police force while simultaneously grappling with her daughter’s struggle with addiction. Baccarin has undertaken significant preparation for the role, immersing herself in understanding law enforcement protocols and firearm handling.

She emphasized the rigorous training involved, often working with on-set advisors to ensure authenticity in her portrayal. This includes practical aspects like how to approach potentially armed suspects or efficiently draw and holster a weapon.

Despite the necessity of becoming proficient with firearms for the role, Baccarin maintains a personal aversion to guns. She stated her belief that a world without guns would prevent many current issues, while also acknowledging a newfound respect for the weapon and its responsible handling due to the respectful instruction she received.

A significant decision for Baccarin during the show’s casting process involved her family. She insisted that production move from the West Coast to the East Coast to be closer to her husband, Ben McKenzie, and their three children in New York. This bold move, which she initially feared would cost her the role, ultimately solidified a collaborative partnership with the producers, demonstrating her value to the production.

Reflecting on ‘Deadpool’ and Hopes for Future Films

Morena Baccarin is widely recognized for her role as Vanessa Carlysle in the “Deadpool” film series, a journey that has spanned nearly a decade since the first movie’s production. She expressed her astonishment at the franchise’s success and her enjoyment of the “fun world” created by the films.

While she appeared in “Deadpool & Wolverine,” Baccarin expressed a desire for a more active role in potential future installments, acknowledging that the latest film leaned heavily into a “bro comedy” dynamic. Her portrayal of Vanessa has been a key emotional anchor in the series, and fans often anticipate her character’s development.

He-Man’s Transformation: ‘Masters of the Universe’ and Nicholas Galitzine

Baccarin’s connection to the superhero and fantasy genres extends to her upcoming role as The Sorceress in the live-action “Masters of the Universe” film. She shared her personal excitement for the project, having grown up watching He-Man with her brother, making it a significant part of her childhood.

One of the most striking aspects of her experience on set was witnessing Nicholas Galitzine’s physical transformation for his role as He-Man. Baccarin recounted her reaction to seeing his muscled physique after months of intense training, openly marveling at his dedication with an amazed “Oh my, God, how did you do that?”

Her role, along with the detailed costumes, wigs, and contacts, promises to be an integral, albeit a specific, element of the larger cinematic vision for “Masters of the Universe.” She conveyed her anticipation for the final product, eager to see how all the components come together.

Conclusion

Morena Baccarin continues to demonstrate her versatility and commitment across a wide array of acting challenges. From the intense procedural drama of ‘Sheriff Country’ and her personal conviction regarding its production location, to her enduring presence in the ‘Deadpool’ universe and her nostalgic dive into ‘Masters of the Universe,’ Baccarin approaches each role with a blend of professional dedication and personal reflection. Her journey highlights the evolving demands of Hollywood and an actress’s ability to navigate them while maintaining a focus on both craft and family.