Mayling Ng – The Suicide Squad

By starrymag | August 6, 2021

By: David Virella Meléndez

 

 

Q) How was it working with James Gunn and did you have to audition for The Suicide Squad or did he already have you in mind after seeing you in Wonder Woman as Orana?

 

A) Without a doubt, working with James was one of the best – and most fun – experiences I’ve had, not just in my career, but in my life as well.  I auditioned for The Suicide Squad but wasn’t aware that the role was Mongal until after I got the offer.  

 

Q) Were you a fan of the first movie and or comic book prior to signing on?

 

A) I enjoyed the first installment. I’ve always loved the whole “Dirty Dozen” style concept where you’re rooting for the bad guys or, in this case, supervillains.  

 

Q) How did you feel when you got the call to be in this film?

 

A) Mind. Blown.  

 

Q) How extensive was your training for The Suicide Squad since you’re already in good shape with all the training and martial arts background that you have?

 

A) For Mongal, I trained heavier because, although I keep myself fit all year round, I wanted to look like the character in the comic book. So, I put on the extra muscle and then had to maintain it for the length of the shoot.  

 

Q) How much input if at all did you have on the look for Mongal?

 

A) James already decided the look and gave Mongal a makeover, which I was so down for. He wanted an orange character, as he already made yellow characters in Guardians, and I was down for whatever James wanted.

 

Q) Was it hard for you to try to make this version of The Suicide Squad your own but also try to keep it for fans as good as the first?

 

A) As the writer and director, James Gunn did all of the heavy lifting in that regard and made this a totally new take. Fans won’t be disappointed.

 

Q) How hard was it to keep your composure on set and not break character working with the funny Flula Borg?

 

A) Actually, many of the cast members have backgrounds in comedy, so there were a lot of laughs on set and keeping one’s composure was a challenge every day.

 

Q) Did you get to keep anything from the set of The Suicide Squad?

 

A) I received a personalized director’s chair with “Mongal” embroidered on the backrest, which is my pride and joy.  

 

Q) How different was your time on set compared to the other films you’ve done?

 

A) This was certainly the biggest set I’ve ever worked on, the biggest ensemble cast I’ve ever worked with, and the most makeup I’ve ever worn for a character. So, there were a lot of career “firsts” for me on The Suicide Squad and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

 

Q) I’ve seen a past interview where you said James Gunn is a blast to work with, so is there a moment that on set from start to finish that you hold dearly and remember most?

 

A) I wouldn’t say there was one particular moment that I hold dearly and remember most, but rather many moments that tie for first. Just working with James was a bucket-list moment for me. If I get hit by a bus tomorrow, trust me, I died very creatively fulfilled.  

 

Q) How much of your part in The Suicide Squad was “scripted” and how much as improv?

 

A) Generally speaking, there was a fair bit of improvisation on set, but I don’t think much of it, if any, made it into the final film. It’s fun to improvise and we bonded a lot over it, but it’s hard to improve upon a James Gunn script. He clearly knows what he’s doing.

 

Q) With Asian representation for Asian roles slowly coming to the forefront and being given to Asians, how much do you feel as a “role model” for young Asian kids and how much do you strive to be like those who came before you like Michelle Yeoh, Bruce Lee, Ming Na-Wen, Jet Li, Jackie Chan, etc.?

 

A) I never tried to go for my dreams full heartedly until five years ago. When I grew up, I never saw anyone like me. So, with the tide finally changing for equality for all, I hope kids don’t have to go through the same insecurity of fitting in.

 

Q) You have talked about wanting to be the female Arnold Schwarzenegger. Do you see yourself as a T-1000 in a possible future Terminator film or maybe do a film similar to those he’s done in the past like Commando or Predator?

 

A) I’d love to play a female terminator in a sequel, but I’m open to anything. I’ve always felt like I’d do well as a Bond villain, too. [smiles]

 

Q) What would you like to say to ALL your fans/supporters out there and also fans of The Suicide Squad about this go round of the film?

 

A) To my fans, thank you for supporting me, following me on social media and for the kind words. Those mean a lot to me, especially when the going gets tough.  

 

To The Suicide Squad fans, please trust me when I say you have to see this movie on IMAX to have the optimal experience.