Reel Talk: Katherine McNamara Talks High Ground, Shadowhunters, and Playing Strong Female Leads
Known for her lead roles in Shadowhunters, Arrow, and Air Force One Down, Katherine McNamara is expanding her talent even further in Paramount’s newest western film High Ground. McNamara sat down with Reel Talk and Reviews to discuss her popular roles and the importance of women in film.
In Paramount’s newest film High Ground, McNamara plays Cassie, a strong headed girl with perfect aim. When a dangerous cartel gang threatens her small town, she must work alongside Sheriff Jake (Charlie Weber) in order to protect their town. McNamara talks about the importance of her character and getting to play a fierce female role. “She’s a combination of all the women I was raised by. It’s that that became Cassie as this immovable strength of emotion. It is so classic in so many westerns to have the woman become the emotional core as chaos is flying around them.”
McNamara was joined by Charlie Weber, Jon Voight, Henry Thomas, and James Oliver Wheatley to tell the story and showcase some incredible performances. “Each one of them brought my favorite thing that an actor can ever bring to a set, which is the openness and willingness to collaborate.”
Like many western classics, High Ground also offers a ton of action-packed scenes. When it came to the stunts, McNamara worked closely with the same team from her previous project Air Force One Down. “It really just felt like coming home, which made it more fun. You’ve already established that trust and mutual respect. They know what I’m capable of and I know how amazing they are to work with; then it’s just fun!”
This isn’t McNamara’s first time in the action, in fact, most of her roles thus far have been nothing short of girl-boss! “I’m so thankful to have played so many girl-boss characters in my career. I’m very grateful to have been raised by women like that, and hopefully bring them honor by bringing them to life on screen.”
McNamara also pointed out the importance of storytelling and the power of film. “The fact that these stories I put blood, sweat, and tears into means something to someone is the biggest thing for me. I think in this world we have become so divided. Film in itself is a universal language, and to be even a small part of it is a beautiful thing.”
Even reminiscing on her days in Shadowhunters, McNamara said, “I miss playing Clary. That story will forever live rent free in my head. I became an adult on that set and I grew up with Clary. If Shadowhunters could ever have another life, I would go back to that in a heartbeat.” McNamara concluded, “No matter where you go in the world, you’re going to find a beautiful film community. That is the beauty of what we do for a living.”
You can find Katherine McNamara as Cassie in Paramount’s newest western film High Ground which is out now, and in many more projects to come!
