Claudia Kim Discusses Her Role In ‘Avengers: Age Of Ultron’ And Her Transition To Hollywood [EXCLUSIVE]

Korean actress Claudia Kim is prepared to dazzle moviegoers as Dr. Helen Cho in “Avengers: Age of Ultron.” The film is based on the Marvel Comics superhero team Avengers, with production by Marvel Studios and distribution from Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” serves as her Hollywood film debut, following Korean drama roles in “Brain,” “7th Level Civil Servant,” and “Standby.”

Some fans of the Avengers franchise may be unfamiliar with Dr. Helen Cho but the renown geneticist is a key character within the film. She is a Korean scientist who works closely with Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo), before joining forces with the Avengers.

In an exclusive interview, Claudia Kim discussed the casting process, filming pivotal scenes in Korea and her favorite co-star in the highly anticipated film.

She expressed her enthusiasm for the project, when asked about the casting process for “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

“Since it was Marvel, every step of the audition process was on high alert,” Kim said.

“First, I went to Disney Korea to tape the audition on-camera. Then, it was sent to the United States. Next, there was a meeting with the casting director in U.S. This was followed by a final audition in Korea with Joss Whedon and the producers.”

The 30-year-old actress continued to excitedly describe the events leading up to her selection as Dr. Helen Cho.

“I will never forget the final step in the audition,” said Kim.

“It was so enjoyable and pleasant. The director made me feel comfortable and at ease. He gave me compliments and encouragement along the way, without any reservation. The audition process was the most memorable for me.”

Her love of the iconic mid-nineties fantasy series “Buffy the Vampire Slayer” influenced her decision to join the film. Joss Whedon was the creator and producer of “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” a prime time show which maintained a seven-year run on American television.

“As a young kid, I was a huge fan of Joss Whedon,” said Kim. “When I went into the casting session, I was so hopeful and honored. I was so beyond thrilled when I found out that I was cast to work alongside Joss Whedon and the incredible cast of the film.”

 In “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” Whedon continues his on-going theme of women who are strong enough to defeat adversity. While the Avengers are gifted with supernatural powers, Dr. Helen Cho is applauded for her brilliance as a geneticist. Claudia Kim prepared for the role by interviewing scientific specialists.

“I questioned various doctors and scientists about genetics alternations,” said Kim.

“When Joss gave me pointers, I concentrated on his instructions. I also read the Marvel comic books but I think the most helpful thing was when I was acting with the other actors, in harmony.”

Kim also touched upon the importance of Dr. Helen Cho, in the grand scheme of the movie.

“The Avengers are powerful,” said Kim. “One of the reasons they function well as a team is because they support each other’s weakness. Even though, they are superheroes in their own right, if one fights alone in a battle, there is no guarantee in safety. Dr. Helen Cho delivers responsibility to the team.”

Her commitment to acting was demonstrated by her flexibility with the trans-continental filming schedule of “Avengers: Age of Ultron.”

“I enjoy new challenges and changes,” Kim said. “Working in a new environment and with different actors was a huge benefit for me. The environment and the setting was systematically setup to help us work and made me feel like I was acting in the moment.”

Most Hollywood actors do not have the opportunity to see their film in its entirety, until they attend an official premiere.

“The first time I saw the film in entirety was at the LA World Premiere,” said Kim.

“When the character of Ultron first came on the screen, it reminded me of all the memories. Seeing James Spader on-screen and hearing the applause was inspiring. Throughout the film, Joss used his unique humor to lift the story, so I hope everyone catches it in theaters.”

“Avengers: Age of Ultron” features a star-studded cast including Robert Downey Jr., Chris Evans, Chris Hemsworth, and Mark Ruffalo. She was candid when asked about her favorite co-star from the movie.

“If I had to choose one person, it would be the one that shot scenes in Korea with me, Mark Ruffalo," Kim said. "Before he is an amazingly talented actor, he is first and foremost a great person with a heart of gold. He was so supportive and patient, I learned so much from him.”

While “Avengers: Age of Ultron” has served as her Hollywood film debut, her first role for American audiences was in the 2014 Netflix series, “Marco Polo.”

The series is set within the court of Kublai Khan, the fifth Great Khan of the Mongolian Empire and founder of the Yuan Dynasty. She portrays Khutulun, a niece of Kublai Khan. “Marco Polo” was renewed for a 10-episode second season. When asked asked about her next project, she discussed the upcoming season of “Marco Polo.”

“We are getting ready to shoot the season two of Marco Polo,” Kim said. “To get ready to play the Khutulun character, I’ve been physically getting my body fit and ready. I’m so excited and am anticipating to shoot the next season.”

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