Christine Adams Talks Hijack Plus More Exciting Projects!

Christine Adams remains a commanding presence on screen, with a career that continues to span both film and television.

Known for her range and ability to bring depth to complex roles, she continues to take on bold and dynamic projects. Following her return to Hijack alongside Idris Elba and her appearance in the latest season of Dreaming Whilst Black, Adams adds to her recent work with roles in Amazon’s thriller Malice and upcoming series Kill Jackie.

Here, she reflects on her latest projects and the experiences shaping her approach to storytelling.

Please introduce yourself … 

My name is Christine Adams. I’m a Leo, with Egyptian heritage on my mother’s side and Ugandan roots from my father.

Describe your life in one word or a sentence …
A quantum leap.


Why are we here?
To create meaningful connections with other people, that’s why storytelling is so important.

You’re back this season as Marsha, but we see her in a very different light, isolated in the wilderness and away from everything she knows. What was it like stepping into that version of her, and how did filming in that environment shape your approach to her vulnerability?
I was really excited to explore this new facet of Marsha. Often, roles as the emotional anchor can feel a bit thankless – traditionally “the wife” roles don’t always have an interior life. What Jim (Field-Smith, writer and director) wanted was almost like creating a secondary timeline, where the stakes are just as high and the storyline can stand on its own. Marsha has endured the absolute worst and is at her most vulnerable and raw, all while fighting for her life. It’s remarkable to see how the human spirit can endure even in the toughest circumstances.

While you and Idris don’t share much screen time, Marsha’s presence drives so much of Sam’s journey. How do you view the cultural impact of seeing two Black British characters at the heart of a global thriller, where their identity informs them but doesn’t define the plot?
I think what Idris has done for black British actors at large is phenomenal. We didn’t really have a black British movie star until Idris. He’s transcended that to become a global icon and a truly bankable box-office draw. Beyond that, he’s a multi-hyphenate – director, producer, brand ambassador – and has inspired a whole generation of black creatives. Being part of his orbit is truly amazing.

In Amazon’s psychological thriller Malice you step into a world of manipulation and dark family secrets. What drew you to Jules and how is she different from Marsha?
I really connected with the imposter aspect of Jules. She comes from very humble beginnings but now moves in elite circles. Everything she has is the result of hard work and talent, yet she still feels unworthy compared to her wealthy best friend and the lifestyle she benefits from. That power imbalance between the two best friends is fascinating and creates brilliant drama.

You star opposite Jack Whitehall and David Duchovny in Malice. What kind of creative energy does that pairing bring to a psychological thriller?
Casting Jack was a brilliant choice – he brings that sinister clown energy. David, on the other hand, has such a dry sense of humour. His sharp, cutting sarcasm plays perfectly against Jack’s seemingly foppish, posh persona.

You also joined Season 2 of Dreaming Whilst Black which has become such a culturally important
I was truly flattered that Adjani asked me to join. He’s such a genius and has captured a very specific moment in our industry regarding diversity, or the lack of it. In 2020, after the swell of Black Lives Matter, every black creative felt a massive shift in their favour, and we experienced what that actually looked like in real time. For many, it was a bumpy transition, and in many ways, it still is. These are the conversations the industry often struggles to have, and this is what Adjani portrays so brilliantly. It’s honest, awkward, and really, really funny.

And you’ve completed filming Kill Jackie alongside Catherine Zeta-Jones. When you look at this run of projects, thrillers, cultural comedies, high-stakes drama, it feels like a deliberate expansion. Are you consciously curating roles that place women like Marsha at the centre?
I’m not consciously doing anything. I’m naturally drawn to complex, strong women, and those are usually the scripts that come my way. I think the variety is one of those magical moments – it allows you to explore very different worlds all at once.

Has this intense run of work felt intentional, or are you simply in a season of saying yes to the right stories?
It’s probably a confluence of things, to be honest. I’d like to think my work is strong, people enjoy working with me, and that reputation follows you. Experience and confidence are things you can’t fake, and maybe I’m in a moment where I embody both. I just wish I knew the winning formula!

At this stage in your career, are you thinking more about legacy, impact and ownership, perhaps producing, developing, shaping stories, rather than just stepping into roles?
Absolutely! That’s always been part of my plan. Between working and raising a family, it hasn’t always been easy to carve out the time to focus on developing projects. But I’ve been busy behind the scenes writing and developing several ideas I’m passionate about.


GETTING TO KNOW …

If not this, then what? I’d be a cook and own my own restaurant


What’s made you sad, mad, & glad this week? Racism, Trump & Michael B. Jordan winning the Best Actor Oscar.


What are you watching? The Pitt, Industry, The Traitors.

What are you reading? My Year of Rest & Relaxation

The last film you watched? Wuthering Heights


The last play you saw? David Harewood’s Othello


The last live music event? Laufey with my 13 year old

What’s currently on your playlist? Sasha Keable, New Jill Scott Album, Leon Thomas. Safe place track is on repeat!

Which podcast are you listening to? You’ll Hear It, Fashion Neurosis, Vibe Check, Dish.

What’s on your bucket list? Japan, Vietnam and Korea. Food & Culture excellence!


Where’s your happy place? At home, around my big table, surrounded by a gaggle of people, kids, food, and music.

Celebrate someone else … I’d celebrate Adjani Salmon and Mara Brock Akil. Adjani, for all the reasons I mentioned earlier. I can’t wait to see where his career goes. Mara Brock Akil is someone I’ve admired from afar for years; she created some of the most iconic and aspirational black characters on TV. I was lucky enough to work with her and become friends, and I feel like she’s only JUST getting the recognition she truly deserves. What she achieved at the time was incredibly gutsy – she was the only black woman in some very big, high-stakes rooms in Hollywood. Not only is she immensely talented, she’s an amazing human being and a true champion for up-and-coming talent.

Celebrate yourself … I’m really excited for people to see Kill Jackie – it’s such a different kind of show, and the character I play is absolutely wild. I’m also writing a TV show loosely inspired by my unusual relationship with my non-existent father.

Where can we find you? Social media is not my natural habitat, but if you want to see some pretty pictures @officialchristineadams.

Where can we watch you at work? If you’re up to date with recent releases, I highly recommend Black Lightning on Netflix – a truly unique perspective on the black experience in America.