Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II star Melina Jurgens has shared some behind the scenes footage of the making of the game and how she prepared for the lead role.
Since its announcement, little has been heard about the sequel to the hit 2017 game Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. However, the newly released video diary offered an insightful look at the effort actors have to put in to prepare for roles, whether that be for the next blockbuster or the sequel to a dark horse video game.
The video details Jurgens’ journey with learning how to do all of her own stunts for the sequel, including sword fighting.
Jurgens said of the idea: “This time around, we wanted the game to be even more realistic than the last one, so…maybe I should learn to do all of my own stunts.”
Also in the video, Jurgens opens up about her struggles with getting fit enough to perform her own stunts which was largely due to a condition she struggles with called fibromyalgia, which causes pain in the joints and bones.
The video revealed that Ninja Theory got in touch with C.C. Smith, a stunt choreographer who had worked on Star Wars and Game of Thrones, to get involved with further developing Jurgens’ sword fighting skills.
It appears that the sequel is amping up the gritty realism in terms of stunts and fighting sequences.
“It’s making it less about being a game,” said Rupert Brooker, Ninja Production Director, “and more about it feeling as natural as possible.”
The released video diary was supposed to air in December, but was delayed. However, Jurgens has assured fans that there will be more video diaries to follow.
There is no official release date for Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II as of yet, with the reveal trailer being released at The Game Awards 2019.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II will be available for PC and Xbox Series X/S.
