'Warrior Nun': Lorena Andrea says playing Sister Lilith in Season 1 has 'been an adventure'
One of the more complex characters on 'Warrior Nun' is Sister Lilith played by Lorena Andrea, a member of an ancient Catholic order who has been battling demons for centuries. An ambitious woman who was next in line for the role of the Warrior Nun, her path ended up being something completely different. In an exclusive interview with MEA WorldWide (MEAWW), Lorena talks about Season 1 and her experiences on set.
What can you tell us about Sister Lilith?
Lilith is a warrior nun, she comes from a long line of women who have served the OCS and has been groomed for the Halo since birth. She is passionate about her beliefs, extremely committed to the order and very single-minded when a task is presented to her. Sometimes, a little too much much.
How did you land the role?
I was shooting a feature film in China at the time and my manager sent me the audition sides and asked me what I thought. Of course, the name was the first thing that stood out for me but the script was so unique and exciting, so I asked one of the other actresses to help me tape. Shortly after I got back to London the casting director called me in for a Skype session with director Jet Wilkinson. I was sent more sides which gave me a deeper insight into her character and also showed me a whole other side to her. I think it was about two days later, I was walking to the gym and got the call that I booked it. I started crying, I just couldn’t believe it!
How were you introduced to the character?
I was introduced to Sister Lilith initially through my first audition scenes. One where I train Ava and the other where I have a confrontation with Mary. She has very different relationships with both so I could see the different layers to her.
Does Sister Lilith have any relation to Lilith, the Demon Princess from the comics?
She’s based on her and has some similarities, but I think now that she’s gone through her transformation this season we will start to see more of that side of her.
What has shooting the series been like for you? Were there any memorable moments on set?
It’s been an adventure and a great learning experience for me. It was my first time working on a show so the pace is different from films with scripts constantly being updated, so I learned to be prepared for anything. Shooting on a ferry definitely, we would casually travel between Morocco and Spain which I thought was insanely cool.
Sister Lilith, born into an elite family, she is a legacy nun. Can you tell us about what a legacy nun means in the 'Warrior Nun' universe?
For Lilith, this order is her family's legacy. Generations before her have served and many had the privilege of being “The Halo Bearer”. Essentially you inherit this position through your bloodline just like in secret societies. These families support the church and in turn are given these positions.
What is her relationship to god and what are her beliefs? She is entitled because of her background so what agenda or beliefs is she pushing?
She’s a spiritual person. She was brought up Catholic and took her vows when she became a nun like all the sisters. I think her entitlement comes in to play when she doesn’t become the “Halo Bearer”. Because of her background, she has immense respect for the people in power, especially within the church so she’s pushing whatever agenda they are. Well, that’s until some pretty shocking revelations happen...
You have a background in MMA and body combat. Do you do your own stunts? Can you tell us about that aspect of 'Warrior Nun' and about how the fight sequences were choreographed?
I definitely try and do as much as I can but fighting with five layers of clothing on, it's is hard. Having that background did help but I don’t think you can prepare yourself for a show as intense as this one. We were lucky enough to be working with some of the most talented stuntwomen in the business. Usually, the stunt team would choreograph the fights and we would watch our stunt doubles do it and essentially learn to mirror them. My stunt double Sara was always so supportive and guided me every step of the way. The bathroom fight in Episode 5 was one of the coolest fights I did, we got to incorporate the doors, mirrors, toilets and really use the space.
You have starred in several films from horror remakes, to films like 'Papillon' and 'No Man’s Land' and now 'Warrior Nun'. How has your experience been in the industry so far? What type of roles do you get most excited about?
I think every project I’ve worked on has taught me something and it’s allowed me to evolve as an artist and as a person. It feels like each one is a stepping stone in the right direction and with more diverse projects being made, I’m auditioning more than ever. It’s an exciting time. I get excited about characters I deeply connect with and haven't seen portrayed often.
Are there any other projects you're working on at the moment?
Yes there is, but it’s being kept under wraps for now. I can say it’s a studio movie with a dream cast but that’s it. It’s very different to anything I’ve ever done before and also to Lilith. I’m very excited to get back to work on it and hopefully I can announce it soon.
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All episodes of 'Warrior Nun' Season 1 are now available to stream on Netflix.