In the second episode of the much-anticipated return of The Night Manager, Camila Morrone’s portrayal of Roxana Bolaños makes a memorable impact with a striking entrance in a vibrant red Versace gown. This character, embodying the classic femme fatale archetype, adds captivating layers to a story that has kept audiences eagerly engaged since its original adaptation of John le Carré’s novel a decade ago. The first episode marked the series’ return on January 1, showcasing the same level of glossiness, sultry drama, and nail-biting suspense that fans appreciated the first time around.
Morrone, who fought hard for this substantial role, expressed her determination to make an impression right away. “I was adamant about wearing Versace and wearing red for that moment. I said, Roxana needs to walk in in this bombshell colour. It’s a very fiery Latino colour,” she said, highlighting the significance of her character’s entrance. The character of Roxana is complex and pivotal, as Morrone describes, “You can never really read what side she’s on… Roxana ultimately chooses herself. She is by no means a damsel in distress.”
The Night Manager follows Tom Hiddleston’s character, Jonathan Pine, who returns to action as a low-ranking MI6 surveillance officer with a new identity in Colombia. The dark intrigue builds as audiences witness Pine navigate a treacherous criminal world led by arms dealer Richard Roper, played by Hugh Laurie.
Morrone’s rise in the industry comes after her notable performance in the series Daisy Jones & The Six, for which she earned an Emmy nomination. Before cementing her identity as an actress, she faced challenges with media scrutiny related to her past relationship with actor Leonardo DiCaprio. However, she now reflects on her Hollywood upbringing, where she gained a unique understanding of the entertainment industry’s highs and lows.
Morrone’s journey has been supported by her upbringing in Los Angeles, where she balanced a life between celebrity and a more ordinary childhood. Her mother, model and actress Lucila Solá, and her father, male model Maximo Morrone, provided a foundation that would shape her perspective on fame and success. Morrone acknowledges that while her mother’s relationship with Al Pacino brought glamour into her life, she also experienced moments of financial struggle.
Transitioning from modeling to acting posed its own challenges. Morrone faced perceptions that limited her opportunities strictly to fashion rather than performance. Determined to break away from such confines, she worked diligently to prove her talent and commitment to the craft, acknowledging that she needed to “work my butt off” to earn her place.
As Morrone looks towards the future, she has several exciting projects on the horizon, including the Netflix horror series Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen and a filming role in the period drama The Age of Innocence. With her career taking off, she is adapting to the evolving demands of Hollywood.
Reflecting on her transformation and achievements over the past decade, she expresses gratitude for her journey. “I feel really proud of where I’ve come,” she stated. The combination of her experiences, friendships, and growing confidence positions her as a talent to watch in the industry, promising an exciting future ahead.
The Night Manager is currently available for streaming on BBC iPlayer and Prime Video, capturing both old and new audiences with its compelling blend of thriller elements and character-driven narratives.