As the unique and controversial yet always surprisingly good-natured Venom trilogy comes to an end (still considered the “gayest” Marvel franchise, despite public opinion), one thing we can all agree on is the pure delight of its breakout character: Mrs. Chen, the calm bodega owner and Eddie Brock’s only human friend. It was an honor to speak with Peggy Lu, the former pharmacist turned actor who brings Mrs. Chen to life on screen. The interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.
Gordon Jackson, from io9, asked Peggy Lu how she got involved with Venom, and she explained that she received an audition notice from her manager in 2018. Despite not having a background in comic books or sci-fi, she researched the character of Venom to prepare for the role. In the new movie, Peggy Lu had an incredible dance sequence where she was lifted by a tentacle, and she shared that there were wires involved in filming. She also talked about the experience of wearing a specially tailored gown for the first time and the challenges of getting dressed for the role.
When asked if Mrs. Chen is the character she feels closest to, Peggy Lu revealed that the character reminds her of her own mother and comes naturally to her. She also discussed her experience working with Tom Hardy, praising his ability to improvise and make the filming process enjoyable. Peggy Lu shared that Tom Hardy has been supportive of her and has helped her feel seen in the industry.
The conversation shifted to Peggy Lu’s role in the franchise and whether she could potentially take over if the Venom character resurfaces. She mentioned the support she received from Tom Hardy in portraying the character and how he made the process easier for her. Peggy Lu also discussed the challenges of reciting lines fed into her ear during filming and shared her experiences auditioning for pharmacist roles in the past.
Overall, Peggy Lu expressed gratitude for the opportunities she has had in her acting career and highlighted the positive experiences she has had working with her co-stars, particularly Tom Hardy. She reflected on the unique aspects of her role in the Venom franchise and the support she has received from the cast and crew.