'V Wars' star Kimberly-Sue Murray on her character Danika and how the show creates a 'grey zone' for vampires
Kimberly-Sue Murray is no stranger to shows that go beyond reality. With Netflix's upcoming vampire sci-fi horror series, 'V Wars', Murray will be taking on a role that may be quite similar to her role as the Seelie Queen Amara on 'Shadowhunters'. Murray plays Danika Dubov -- a character that originated from Jonathan Maberry's comics, 'V Wars'. Danika -- much like the Seelie Queen -- is power-driven and is Michael Fayne's (Adrian Holmes) love interest.
In an exclusive interview with MEA Worldwide (MEAWW), Murray spoke about how 'V Wars' will offer viewers a different take on the vampire genre and is a show that is "grounded in reality".
According to Murray, Danika was exposed to the virus causing vampirism because of her relationship with Michael, and she, in turn, spreads it to her sister, Mila. Mila is played by Laura Vandervoort, best known for her roles in 'Bitten' and 'Smallville'. Of Mila's and Danika's relationship, Murray says they have a complicated history that puts a strain on them, adding, "The sisters are polar opposites in how they handle the situation."
But how does Danika see Dr. Luther Swann, played by Ian Somerhalder? Murray jokes that Danika sees Luther like "a delicious snack", as viewers might have gathered from the trailer. This might drive a wedge between her and Michael -- her love interest -- seeing as Luther and Michael are best friends, with the former trying to find a cure for the disease to help his friend.
In most vampire shows, we have seen the mythical creatures often taking on antagonistic roles -- like in 'Van Helsing' --, however, Murray says that 'V Wars' will explore "the predators becoming the prey", and that the show has created a "grey zone". She adds, "It’s a disease and the question is, can someone be held accountable for their actions if they’re 'sick'? And most importantly, is there a cure?"
Murray is passionate about advocating for environmental and wildlife protection and equates the crisis the planet faces today with the situation in 'V Wars'. She says, "The characters’ lives in V Wars are threatened and they either have to find common ground and survive or face an imminent genocide. It’s a life or death situation and the clock is ticking." Murray also adds that there is a "huge political undertone that is so relevant to what is happening right now."
So is Murray looking forward to the much-awaited release as Ian Somerhalder returns to the vampire genre? She says she is "excited and terrified, all at once," adding that with social media -- though she welcomes it -- she hopes to protect herself from criticism. She says, "I am aware that this show won’t leave anyone indifferent and that the feedback will be right there for me to read."
Murray hopes viewers will love the upcoming Netflix series, saying, "We’re not reinventing the wheel here, we’re just offering another interesting and exciting narrative for fans of the genre."
'V Wars' will be released on Netflix on December 5th.
