Ritu Arya Discusses Overseas Espionage Series in Paris Has Fallen, Collaborating with Sean Harris and Gerard Butler

Ritu Arya plays a vital role in the newly released Paris Has Fallen. The English actress, known for her guest appearances in popular series such as AMC’s Humans and Doctor Who, gained widespread recognition for her portrayal of Lila in Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy, spanning seasons 2 through 4. Over the past decade, she has also made her mark in significant film projects, notably contributing to major titles like Red Notice and Barbie.

In Paris Has Fallen, Arya takes on the character of Zara Taylor, a fresh MI6 agent assigned in France. In her new role, Zara teams up with Vincent Taleb, played by Tewfik Jallab, to thwart Jacob Pearce (Sean Harris), a former French Foreign Legion member turned terrorist, seeking vengeance against the French government.

As Paris Has Fallen premieres on Hulu, ScreenRant engaged Arya in a conversation about her introduction to the franchise, her collaborations with co-stars Jallab and Harris, working on a Gerard Butler-produced project, and the potential for exploring new locations in future seasons of the series.

Arya’s Fresh Approach to the Has Fallen Franchise

“The series is going to be so different from the movies…”

Ritu Arya as Zara looking worried and talking into a walkie talkie in Paris Has Fallen

ScreenRant: Paris Has Fallen marks the latest chapter in the expansive Has Fallen franchise initiated in 2013. How familiar were you with the earlier films before joining the cast?

Ritu Arya: I hadn’t actually watched them, so I had to review excerpts to grasp the tone. The series diverges significantly from the films, and I wanted to avoid letting them sway my approach.

The Oddity of Promoting an Internationally Released Show

Premiered on Canal+ in September

Paris Has Fallen heroes Vincent and Zara, alongside the destroyed Big Ben from London Has Fallen — Custom image by Ana Nieves.

Ritu Arya: It feels quite bizarre. I’m in a holiday mindset, thinking of Christmas, but simultaneously addressing the show’s release, which is thrilling. It creates a celebratory atmosphere that heightens anticipation.

Testing Trust: Zara and Vincent’s Dynamic

Arya Discusses the “Complicated”Character of Jacob

Can you elaborate on Zara’s character? Who is she, and what is her role in the Has Fallen universe?

Ritu Arya: Zara is a newly minted MI6 agent participating in a high-stakes task force alongside Vincent, aiming to detain a terrorist. She’s eager to prove herself and manages a personal relationship with a partner struggling with addiction, creating a backdrop of trust issues and blurred lines between her professional and personal life. As she works closely with Vincent, their relationship evolves amidst these complexities.

The dynamic between Zara and Vincent seems pivotal. How do their trust issues manifest in their interactions?

Ritu Arya: Initially, she is apprehensive about him due to these trust issues, but as they collaborate, her perception shifts. They begin to build a solid working relationship, leading to deeper care for one another.

Sean Harris’s past performances are remarkable, especially as Solomon Lane in the Mission: Impossible series. What impression did he leave during filming?

Ritu Arya: As the antagonist, he’s extraordinarily talented. He brings depth to his character, making you sometimes empathetic towards his motives.

The opening scene of the series sets a promising tone. Can you share your experience filming it?

Ritu Arya: I can’t recall if it was the first scene shot. We revisited it later during filming. The grandeur of the set in Newport was impressive, despite gloomy weather. Working with the director, Oded Ruskin, was rewarding as he meticulously shaped character nuances amid intense action.

Unmet with Butler Despite His Involvement

“Tell him I say hi.”

Gerard Butler as a bloodied Mike Banning pointing a gun in Olympus Has Fallen

With Gerard Butler producing, did you have any direct interactions with him on set?

Ritu Arya: Unfortunately, I’ve yet to meet him. He was meant to visit, but due to various script changes, our schedules didn’t align. It was insightful to see how the story evolved, albeit nerve-wracking regarding the overall narrative development.

What Lies Ahead for the Has Fallen Franchise?

“The possibilities are endless…”

Ritu Arya's Zara from Paris Has Fallen with Gerard Butler's Banning from Angel Has Fallen

Considering the shift to serialized storytelling in the Has Fallen franchise, do you envision sticking to France for future seasons or expanding globally?

Ritu Arya: I’m all for exploring. I love the idea of traveling with the show to various locations—Barcelona, Miami, or even Tokyo! The potential for global storytelling is exciting and truly endless.

Discovering Paris Has Fallen

The plot of Paris Has Fallen revolves around a terrorist organization, led by the menacing Jacob Pearce, that targets a significant embassy event, aiming for the French Minister of Defense. Protection officer Vincent collaborates with resourceful MI6 operative Zara to avert disaster. As events spiral into darkness, they discover the implications of their mission extend much further, facing a colleague suspected of leaking information while relying on each other for survival. Will this unlikely partnership succeed in preventing Paris from succumb to an unstoppable force of vengeance?