Alicia Vikander, divulging a personal milestone, revealed that she had embraced the arrival of her second bundle of joy earlier this year, amidst a heartfelt confession about her pre-parenthood struggles portraying childbirth on screen. "Before becoming a mother myself, every portrayal of childbirth felt like an act of impersonation," she confessed to Elle, her eyes glistening with introspection. "I had to simulate the miracle of birth four times on camera before experiencing it firsthand," she added, her voice laced with humility. Married to the esteemed Michael Fassbender, Vikander welcomed her first child into the world in 2021, admitting, "Each time I enacted childbirth, I apologized profusely to the women around me on set, feeling like a fraud in the midst of such a profound experience."
Elaborating on her journey through pregnancy and childbirth, Vikander's words painted a vivid picture of resilience and admiration. "Each woman's journey is uniquely etched, and mine, through it twice, proved more arduous," she shared, her tone tinged with empathy. "Yet, training prepared me mentally, turning those nine months into a marathon where strength of mind and body were paramount. The physical demands were overwhelming, inspiring profound admiration within me for every woman who has braved this path."
In a separate segment of the interview, where Vikander engaged in a captivating conversation with Taylor Russell, both actresses, poised to star in the upcoming thriller 'Hope,' delved into Vikander's transformative performance as Katherine Parr, Henry VIII's enigmatic sixth and final wife, in 'Firebrand.' The film, which premiered at Cannes last year and graced theaters last month, triggered a profound revelation within Vikander. "My initial encounter with the script left me abashed," she reminisced, her eyes widening with surprise. "Katherine Parr, the first woman to be published in British history—how had I been oblivious to her existence? My British acquaintances shared my ignorance, underscoring the historical significance we had overlooked. I delved into her writings, bridging the 500-year gap, and felt a personal connection that was both eerie and enlightening. Married to Henry, a man capable of whimsical murder, including that of his own wives, her life was a testament to emotional turmoil. It illuminated the harsh realities women faced and the indomitable spirit that persevered through those tumultuous times."
