Jordana Lajoie on ‘The Boys’ and Exploring The Comic Book World [Exclusive Interview]

The world was introduced to a new way to look at superheroes as The Boys made their Amazon Prime Video debut earlier this summer.

One of the characters that offered their expertise to help bring down the hyper commercialized “supes” was the mysterious Cherie, an explosives expert and a friend of Frenchie, played by Jordana Lajoie.

Lajoie took the time to answer some questions about her work on the show, whether to expect Cherie’s return for The Boys Season 2 and what it’s like jumping into the comic book world.

Tell-Tale TV: What drew you to the role of Cherie?

Jordana Lajoie: Cherie is a mystery to me. She’s misunderstood, and I can appreciate that. I also enjoy the fact she’s very skilled at things I can’t even imagine being able to achieve; there is something supernatural about that in my opinion.

Tell-Tale TV: What was the best part of working on The Boys?

Lajoie: Being directed by Eric Kripke, the showrunner of The Boys, was pretty sweet. Eric is really talented at what he does, there is no doubt about it, but you really see what the fuss is all about when you’re with him on set. He cares about his people just as much as he cares about telling a good story; anyone would love being around that kind of energy.

Tell-Tale TV: Cherie works with explosives and one of your scenes involved destroying one of Frenchie’s hideouts. How was it filming that getaway scene?

Lajoie: Possibly one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done on any project. I was under the impression I was just to set up a bomb, and that was that. When they showed me the firefighter trucks, and all those firefighters walked on set to prepare for the scene, I was stunned. Nobody told me I was going to outrun a real explosion beforehand, so that was a real rush.

I remember both Eric Kripke and Matt Shakman telling me I had only one chance to get it right; I was like “one shot? No problem. I’m cool, we’re cool, it’s gonna be cool.” I was full of it: I’m a klutz in real life, I walk into everything, so all I could think of was “girl you better not trip on that asphalt,” cause you know… it’s an actual explosion.

Those two though… just imagine two respectable grown men all giddy behind the monitor waiting for the right moment to yell “action” that was Eric and Matt that day. Boys will be boys, forever.

Tell-Tale TV: With The Boys being renewed for another season, what are the odds we will be seeing Cherie returning to assist The Boys for all of their explosive needs or joining in on the action?

Lajoie: Cherie will be around… I can’t tell you exactly how she’s feeling just now. There’s definitely a mixture of annoyance and curiosity, so to say she’s going to help them out… I think that really depends on the day and the circumstance.

Obviously, Cherie would do anything for Frenchie, but those other dorks? Not utterly convinced. They’re all super duper cute in real life so of course, Jordana would want to help them, just don’t tell them I said that, and erase the cute part.

Tell-Tale TV: I’ve read that you are a comic book fan and that you got to familiarize yourself with The Boys’ comics once you got the role. How was it getting to dive into this part of the comic book universe?

Lajoie: It was a blast. Honestly, I only read some of the issues, the final one I read completely because I just couldn’t help myself, I needed to know how it all ends. Knowing that Eric was planning something different, I didn’t want to let the comics influence me too much so I resisted but I know what happens here and there.

To say that I’m in a Garth Ennis and Darrick Robertson universe is probably the most badass thing I could say about myself this year. I don’t think words can really describe it.

Tell-Tale TV: What comics are you currently reading, if any?

Lajoie: I was about to start the Preacher series actually, but right now I’m holding back on that because we’re filming; I don’t want to mix both worlds. Otherwise, if we’re going to talk DC vs. Marvel… don’t get me started, I’d disappoint my best friends.

The thing is I’m a DC fan through and through but Marvel’s been kicking DC’s ass movie-wise. It’s taken me a lot of time to admit it so I’m surprised that I’m saying it now but there you have it.

Don’t get it twisted though, Stan Lee, bless his soul, was a badass and created something brilliant so there will always be love for Marvel. I own X-Men comics and some Amazing Spider-Man comics too, but for me, it all started with DC. Currently looking forward to Joaquin’s Joker, I mean if that isn’t brilliant casting I don’t know what is.

Tell-Tale TV: If you could work with anyone on TV, who would it be and why?

Lajoie: Gary Oldman. He is a chameleon and I absolutely respect his body of work. I think exploring a story with him would be satisfying. (I’m being really passive about how exciting this would be just in case he reads this one day.)
I would also love to add Maggie Smith to this imaginary scenario.

And Sir Ian McKellen. I mean if I could just have tea with them… that would be everything, my life would be complete. We don’t have to do anything, just sip tea.

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Be sure to catch Lajoie on The Boys Season 1 now available on Amazon Prime Video, with production on Season 2 now underway!

*Featured image credit: Daniel Esteban

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