USA Today has released the first photo of Kate Winslet as Erudite leader Jeanine Matthews!
Here’s an excerpt from the story where Winslet talks a bit about her character:
That’s just what Winslet does in the pivotal role of Jeanine Matthews in the film adaptation (out March 21) of the first novel in Veronica Roth’s best-selling Divergent trilogy.
Jeanine is the architect of a futuristic dystopian society based in Chicago, in which the population is divided into five factions. As the leader of the Erudite, or intelligent group, Jeanine is also the story’s antagonist.
Winslet’s character adopts a positively chilly demeanor when she meets hero Tris Prior (The Descendants‘ Shailene Woodley) and her family in a scene depicting the day Tris will choose her faction.
“That’s the whole point of Jeanine,” Winslet says. “She walks down the corridor and sort of just leaves this vapor trail. I knew I had to bring that intimidation.”
The role gives the Oscar winner (best actress for 2008’s The Reader) the opportunity to play her first screen villain.
“I’m no idiot. The idea went through my head that I have never played a baddie before,” she says. “I was almost kind of surprised.”
I have to say, she does look intimidating! Let us know what you think about this first look at Jeanine Matthews and visit USA Today to read the complete story.
