VOD Spotlight: Jovovich makes “Resident Evil” franchise her own

The Resident Evil films may be based on a video game, but the franchise plays by its own rules and has become famous for unexpectedly killing off major characters without warning. Not so for Alice, played by Milla Jovovich, who now appears in Resident Evil: Afterlife. “Alice is the ultimate heroine,” producer Don Carmody says. “She‘s a combination of Wonder Woman and Indiana Jane and she‘s out there kicking ass and taking names.”

The series’ star from the beginning, Jovovich knows the role better than anyone, director and writer Paul W.S. Anderson says. “When I first talked to her about Alice, I used references like Clint Eastwood from the Dirty Harry films, Charles Bronson, Steve McQueen. … Plenty of guys have tried to be the new Clint Eastwood or the new Steve McQueen, but there aren’t many women who have played those characters and played them as convincingly as Milla has.”

Jovovich is one of only two female leads who has anchored an action franchise. The other is Sigourney Weaver, who effectively merged maternal and killer instincts in the Alien films.

“Sigourney Weaver had the same kind of success with the Alien franchise,” Anderson says. “I think it’s for the same reason. She is a very good actress who really makes you believe in the alien and in that far-flung, science fiction world. Milla does that for us.”

Jovovich adds that she has grown attached to her character over the years. “I’m always excited to see where she’s going next,” explains the actress. “She’s become such a huge part of my world. As I’ve become more immersed in the world, she’s almost become a part of me.”

“Resident Evil Afterlife” is now showing on Video On Demand. Check your cable system for availability.

__________________________

© 2011 Columbia Pictures Industries, Inc. All Rights Reserved.