Monica Barbaro, known for her roles in Top Gun: Maverick and the film A Complete Unknown, is preparing to make her theatrical debut at London’s National Theatre. The 35-year-old American actress will star in the play Les Liaisons Dangereuses, sharing the stage with acclaimed performers Lesley Manville and Aidan Turner. This marks her first time performing in a play, and she has expressed excitement and some nerves about adopting a British accent for the role.
Experience and Reflections on Past Work with Timothée Chalamet
Monica Barbaro fondly recalled the moment she found out she had landed her part in Les Liaisons Dangereuses, describing it as a physical reaction.
“Oh yeah. I was at home in LA and I just collapsed to the floor. I always do [when I get big news]. I have to get on the ground. I hid under the table and called my agent,”
she shared. The actress has previously worked with rising star Timothée Chalamet in A Complete Unknown, a performance for which she was nominated for an Oscar in 2004.
Regarding the significance of receiving such a nomination, Monica commented,
“It’s a huge honour but it doesn’t actually give my work more meaning, and I know that to be very true.”
She continued,
“In some ways, it’s a validation, and it’s shoring up the infrastructure of a career, of course. And it [can] be really exciting. But to expect it, I think, is to look at your art in the wrong way.”
These reflections highlight her grounded approach to her craft and recognition.
Upcoming Film Projects and Chemistry with Co-Star Callum Turner
Following her stage debut, Barbaro is also set to appear in the romantic comedy One Night Only, opposite Callum Turner. The film centers on two strangers navigating a unique world where pre-marital sex is legal on just one night each year. Monica praised Turner highly, remarking,
“He’s like a labrador – kind, energetic, fun, collaborative.”
This enthusiastic description reveals a positive working relationship between the two actors.
Portraying a Fighter Pilot in Top Gun: Maverick
Monica Barbaro’s role as fighter pilot Phoenix in Top Gun: Maverick further solidified her status in Hollywood. She took care to honor the real female pilots she met during her preparation for the role, seeking authenticity and respect. Despite the sequel’s massive success at the box office, grossing over £1 billion, Barbaro admitted that the project faced challenges. She recalled,
“There was an immense amount of pressure. A lot of people felt you should never sequel Top Gun.”
Nevertheless, the film’s runaway success speaks to the team’s perseverance.
Addressing the Challenges of Mastering a British Accent
As she prepares to bring an American perspective to a British production, Barbaro commented on the challenge posed by her unfamiliar accent.
“I haven’t done a play before, and I’ll be doing a British accent, in Britain, as an American,”
she said.
“So… I’m sort of asking for it. The accent has to be absolutely flawless so that it doesn’t get in the way of the more important thing, which is telling the story.”
She drew parallels to other roles where extensive preparation was necessary, stating,
“That’s how I felt about music [in A Complete Unknown] and how I felt about pretending to be a pilot. I think it’s grounding in way because I can obsess over it, which I like to do.”
This disciplined approach reflects her commitment to authenticity in every project.
Timothée Chalamet’s Recent BAFTA Outcomes
Aside from Monica Barbaro’s latest endeavors, Timothée Chalamet, her A Complete Unknown co-star, has recently experienced a notable setback at the BAFTA Awards. His film Marty Supreme was nominated 11 times but failed to secure any wins during the ceremony held in London. The actor, who had been favored to win Best Actor following previous awards from the Critics Choice and Golden Globes, was surprisingly edged out by British newcomer Robert Aramayo for his role in the drama I Swear.
Marty Supreme tells the story of Marty Mauser, an aspiring table tennis player, and now shares a record for most BAFTA losses alongside films like 1969’s Woman in Love and 2004’s Finding Neverland. Although it missed out on key acting awards, the film was nominated in categories including Best Film and Best Supporting Actress, where Odessa A’Zion lost to Wunmi Mosaku for her role in Sinners.
The leading winner at the event was One Battle After Another, which had 14 nominations and took home six awards including Best Film and Best Director, but notably did not secure Best Leading Actor or Supporting Actress accolades.
Significance and Outlook for Monica Barbaro’s Career
Monica Barbaro’s entrance into West End theatre marks a significant expansion of her artistic portfolio, adding stage performance to her impressive film resume. Taking on a British accent for a classic play alongside esteemed actors speaks to her boldness and desire to challenge herself. Meanwhile, her continued film projects alongside notable co-stars like Callum Turner and her association with Timothée Chalamet through past collaborations maintain her visibility and relevance in the industry.
Her grounded view on accolades combined with a dedication to authenticity in every role suggests that Barbaro will continue to deliver performances judged by skill rather than awards alone. As she navigates her West End debut and new film ventures, audiences and critics alike will be watching to see how these developments shape the trajectory of her career.
