'Game of Thrones' Alum Natalie Dormer Hopes Taking on Strong Roles Will Make Her a 'Great Seductress'

Game of Thrones alum Natalie Dormer has just debuted in a new role in Penny Dreadful: City of Angels, and she recently revealed to The Mirror that she relishes the challenge of playing a strong character.

Dormer's performances as Cressida in The Hunger Games films and Margaery Tyrell in Thrones earned her acclaim, as well as worldwide recognition, which the actress says is no accident. "I'm fascinated by powerful women who transform their strength into sensuality. I'm very shy in real life and I think there's a side of me that hopes that by taking on these roles, I can become a great seductress," Dormer shared. "But I also want to be part of stories that show how women can lead interesting, engaging lives apart from their romantic relationships. We need to keep sending that kind of message to young audiences, and young women in particular. I keep gaining confidence every time I play these kinds of women."

Dormer's desire to play strong women is evident in her passionate portrayals, and it seems her talents are very much shown off in her latest role.

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels is a spinoff of the Eva Green-led horror drama, and it seems that Dormer has three roles all in one. Her character of Magda can transform into German immigrant Elsa, political aide Alex, and ruthless gang leader Rico. While some actors might be overwhelmed with the prospect of playing such a multifaceted character, Dormer doesn't break a sweat. "That's why I want to find projects that frighten me in many respects, because I know at the end of it, I will be much more confident. It's the old saying, 'What doesn't kill you makes you stronger,'" she explained. "I believe in pushing myself whenever I can because I know that's the best way I can grow as an individual. I'm constantly trying to challenge myself."

Dormer also said that playing such a transformative character was "a delicious kind of thrill," and she's enjoyed exploring the philosophical side of the spinoff. "One of the big philosophical questions the series poses is whether mankind is innately selfish and prejudiced, or whether there is something fundamentally good about being a human being," the actress stated.

Penny Dreadful: City of Angels airs on Showtime every Sunday night, and fans of The Witcher should keep a lookout, as Dormer is reportedly appearing in the second season!