In Resident Evil, Rain Ocampo, played by Michelle Rodriguez, was a member of the Umbrella special commando unit. A skilled marksman, Rain and her team were dispatched to contain the infection after the outbreak by any means possible. But after Rain was infected with the deadly T-virus and transformed into a zombie, she was killed.
Rodriquez was thrilled when Anderson called to say they had found a way to bring her character back to life. “I’m really happy to be back,” she says. “I didn’t think there’d ever be a possibility of bringing back my character. But there’s always an open window when you’re dealing with science fiction. The possibilities are endless. I’m really happy we have a director who is so creative.”
In the film, Rodriguez portrays two characters, a hard-as-nails weapons specialist working for the Umbrella Corporation, and a Prius-driving, tree-hugging student with a fondness for high heels. Known for playing strong female characters who operate in traditionally male fields, the actress loved playing against type. “I’m avid about guns and a bit of a tomboy,” she says. “Much of my career has been defined by that. It was a nice shift into playing someone a little laid back and sexy for a change. It was cool and fun to play someone who is quirky and doesn’t know how to handle a gun.”
Says Anderson of the actress, “I’ve never met a woman who feels more at home wearing a pair of combat pants and carrying a heavy machine gun. But when I talked to Michelle about returning for this movie, she said she was really interested in exploring different aspects of herself as a woman in her movie persona. We developed a character for her that is more traditionally feminine. The biggest challenge for her was wearing a pair of high heels. It was fun to see Michelle navigate in stilettos. She was unsteady on them, which shows a completely fresh side of her.”
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