Danielle Deadwyler of Carry-On Shares Behind-the-Scenes of Filming the Wild Car Crash Scene

Exploring Carry-On: An Insightful Conversation with Danielle Deadwyler

In the latest Netflix thriller Carry-On, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, actress Danielle Deadwyler adds depth and intrigue to the narrative. The film follows Ethan Kopek, portrayed by Taron Egerton, a rising TSA agent embroiled in a tense standoff with a mysterious traveler, played by Jason Bateman. As Ethan faces the threat of being blackmailed to let a hazardous package pass through security, Deadwyler’s character, Elena Cole, investigates the unfolding situation from outside the airport, determined to solve the mystery.

At 42, Deadwyler has garnered significant acclaim from audiences and critics alike for her powerful performances in films like The Harder They Fall, The Piano Lesson, and Till. Her role in Till alone garnered numerous nominations, culminating in awards from prestigious institutions, including the Gotham Awards and the National Board of Review.

During an exclusive interview with ScreenRant, Deadwyler shared her experiences on Carry-On, tested her knowledge of TSA regulations, and previewed her upcoming collaboration with Collet-Serra in the psychological horror film The Woman in the Yard.

Deadwyler Takes a TSA Quiz

An Insight into TSA Restrictions

Taron Egerton in a TSA uniform appearing concerned

ScreenRant: Let’s play a game called checked bag or carry-on. I’ll give you holiday items, and you tell me whether they can make it through a carry-on or need to go in a checked bag, starting with a glass Christmas tree ornament.

Danielle Deadwyler: A glass Christmas tree ornament… Carry-on. You do not want to put that in a checked bag. That thing is going to go through and tumble and rumble.

And what about 4.1 ounces of eggnog?

Danielle Deadwyler: Checked bag. 3.4 ounces is the max.

Danielle Deadwyler: Checked. They will rip your stuff open if you want to carry that on. TSA is going to rip it up, your little wrapper that you paid $50 for. Ooh. And I know you can’t fix it back yourself.

Behind the Scenes of Carry-On

Rigorous Preparation for Thrilling Action Scenes

Danielle Deadwyler in a contemplative moment in the car

The intensity of the film is palpable, especially in scenes involving clever twists, like the Apple Watch and switching coffee. As an actress, do those smart, spy-like moments excite you as much as they do the audience?

Danielle Deadwyler: Absolutely. Those intense moments are charged with energy and nuance. They’re just as thrilling for me as they are for the audience.

Without giving too much away, there’s a particularly striking car scene that captivated me. How was that sequence executed?

Danielle Deadwyler: Oh man, it involved two to three months of preparation. We worked closely with the stunt coordination team; it’s really a kind of choreography. The precision of both the performance and camera work was essential, combined with the reality of our environment in the car. It was an immersive and layered experience that paid off tremendously in that scene.

Reuniting with Collet-Serra for The Woman in the Yard

Director Jaume Collet-Serra on the Set of Non-Stop — Director Jaume Collet-Serra on the Set of *Non-Stop* (2014)

It seems like you have another upcoming project, The Woman in the Yard, where you reunite with Jaume Collet-Serra. What sparked this collaboration?

Danielle Deadwyler: Working with Jaume was such a rewarding experience that it was a no-brainer to collaborate again.

Did your experience on Carry-On play a role in this new film?

Danielle Deadwyler: The timeline might not align perfectly, but development can take time. Who better than Jaume to guide us into the realm of psychological horror? He excels at multi-layered, hybrid genres, bringing his brilliance in direction to the table for both projects. Carry-On showcases that talent, and I’m excited for audiences to see what’s in store next year.

Discover More About Carry-On (2024)

The film spotlights Ethan Kopek (Taron Egerton), a young TSA agent drawn into a high-stakes confrontation with a mysterious traveler, Jason Bateman, who holds his girlfriend Nora (Sofia Carson) hostage to slip a dangerous package through on Christmas Eve.

Watch the Trailer Here