Amita Suman is one of the leading stars of Netflix’s YA fantasy series, Shadow and Bone, which debuted in 2021 and swiftly became a cult favourite. Based on two series of books by Leigh Bardugo - the Shadow and Bone trilogy and the Six of Crows duology - the TV adaptation was an instant lockdown success and its revival has been eagerly awaited.
Now, the cast are back with more action, more gore and more complex characters than ever before. Rising star Amita, 25, returns to the show as Inej. A face to know - and a talent we're sure you'll be seeing everywhere in the next few years, we caught up with her to talk season two secrets, her path to stardom, and why she'd love to play a Bond Girl.
What can fans expect from season two of Shadow and Bone?
'It’s a much bigger world compared to season one. The characters are visiting lots of different places and the world feels much more real. In terms of my character, Inej, she is really taking control of her own narrative and she’s testing her independence and battling with faith, which is so dear to her and is the one thing that’s never left even when everything else is taken away from her.
'There’s a lot more violence. Certain people’s back stories are really traumatic and horrific. Netflix has not held back and I think that’s amazing. There are some pretty gruesome scenes that affect you. And in terms of intimacy, season two is definitely steamy for sure.'
What was the best part of filming season two?
'For me, the best part was stepping back into [Inej's] shoes and carrying on that journey. It’s crazy how it can take our whole lives for us to still not really figure out who we are, then when it comes to being on screen there's the challenge of showing your character in a 3D way. Even though it’s been two seasons, there’s still so much more to see and more to realise in terms of where the characters are going. The story is still very much left unfinished.'
There were a few years between the first and second series, was it hard picking up a character that you hadn't visited in a while?
'It had been two years since season one aired when we started filming again. It was after Covid as well when the whole industry was completely shut off and in this space of confinement, so it was nice having that freedom again.
'The drive from season one was there but this time it came from a place of maturity. Two years is a long time to grow and to go through what the whole world went through!
'But it was scary and I thought ‘have I got the character right?’ I did so much prep for episodes one and two – too much prep if anything. But then it was nice to let go of all that and just trust yourself again. This character hadn’t gone away, she was there to be picked up again...'
What made you want to get involved in a fantasy project like this?
'I read Six of Crows when I got my audition and, as much as it’s catered to a YA audience, even as an adult the book is so beautifully written. I’ve never read something so real and original and the material was fantastic. Anyone would be lucky to play them.
'It’s fantasy, you know? How often to we get to create something new? And the fandom is so passionate – it was just a no brainer.'
How do you relate to your character?
'I love that she has the strength to do what’s right even though she’s had a lot of bad things happen to her. She always has the strength and power to tackle whatever is thrown at her – I think that’s pretty inspiring. It’s pretty hard to get through some things in life.
'I’ve moved around a lot in my life, going from one environment to another. I moved away from my family at a very young age to a new family and built my life up. Inej is the same – albeit under very different circumstances – and she learnt to thrive. She’s a force to be reckoned with.'
Have you always wanted to be an actress?
'I did. I didn’t know what acting was, but my first experience into this world was when I saw a TV for the first time in my village. I didn’t know what it was and I hadn’t experienced electricity before. When the TV turned on, I was hypnotised by these people and what they were doing and the dichotomy of them being in this box but having more freedom to see the world. The world was bigger in that box, and that’s when I knew that’s where I wanted to be.
'Then over time I realised that to have no limits in your head is to be an actor. When I first came to the UK [aged 7] I was really shy and insecure, I didn’t speak the language and I didn’t know the culture – everyone around me was so different. I felt isolated within my own skin and then at primary school my drama teacher gave me a script and said "this is what you’re character is like" and gave me a couple of words and we improvised and I couldn’t believe how amazing it felt – the class fell silent. Then I auditioned for drama school and I’ve had a lucky career so far.'
How has the show changed your career?
'When the show came out it was during lockdown, so my life felt exactly the same. The only thing I walked away with, which was so valuable to me, was the experience of filming. On social media, my life changed and my name was going around a bit but as soon as I put the laptop down I was back in my own world. I had a nice transitional phase of my life slowly changing in front of my eyes.
'Also, I’m at the very beginning of my career. I know I’ve had a pretty strong start, especially as a woman and a person of colour and someone from Nepal. At one point it felt like everything was against me, but life has proven otherwise.'
What projects do you have coming up next? Are they any roles you're particularly drawn to?
'Right now I’m just auditioning for things. I know the things I don’t want to do, but in terms of what I’d say yes to the options are almost limitless. I don’t want to play stereotypes that I’ve faced in the past. I always think: how will people connect to this? Is it worth the watch? Can I pick up new skills?'
Did you pick up new skills making Shadow and Bone?
'Yes! I love stunts and fight scenes. I’d love to be in a James Bond movie as a Bond girl or anything in a James Bond movie where I get to fight and have an interesting storyline. Or Lara Croft, that would be really good in terms of action and storyline. With Shadow and Bone I learnt fighting, tumbling, flexibility, strength – my body felt so healthy after filming!'
Shadow and Bone Season 2 will premiere globally on 16 March only on Netflix
Main Image: Photographer - Rachell Smith, Stylist - Chloe Stewart, Hair - Dan Martin, Makeup - Amanda Grossman. Amita wears Jersey Top by Chanel, 'COCO CRUSH' Earrings in 18k White Gold and Diamonds and 'COCO CRUSH' Ear Cuff in 18k Yellow Gold, 18K White Gold and Diamonds by CHANEL Fine Jewellery.