Krysten Ritter: Where Have You Seen Jessica Jones Before?
Recognise Netflix and Marvel's new TV heroine? Yeah you do...
Recognise Netflix and Marvel's new TV heroine? Yeah you do...
Marvel has had a lot of hits in the last ten years plus - Iron Man, Captain America, Thor and of course the Guardians of the Galaxy - but those superhero movies were a bit of a boy's club, so after after the unbelievable success of Daredevil, Marvel is ready to roll out their next Netflix TV series. This time focusing on a retired female superhero-turned-private investigator Jessica Jones, played by Krysten Ritter.
Based on the comic book series Alias, Jessica Jones is set in the same Marvel universe as Daredevil and The Avengers and will introduce Jessica as the first Marvel leading lady superhero on-screen, joining the ranks of some of Hollywood's most badass on-screen heroines.
In honour of the show's premiere today and to prepare ourselves for some serious weekend binge-watching, we've decided to get to know the girl behind the hero.
With more than 30 film and TV credits to her name, you may have recognised Krysten as 'that girl' from 'that thing' you saw that 'one time', so to help you figure out exactly where you've seen her, we've rounded up all the times Krysten has popped up on your TV...
Veronica Mars (2005)
'Wow. How Mission Impossible. I feel like at any moment Tom Cruise is going to dangle from the ceiling on cables.'
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Starting her career as a model, Krysten's then quickly landed a starring role in hip neo-noir television series, Veronica Mars (which also featured a pre-Mean Girls Amanda Seyfried). Playing Gia Goodman, the daughter of Mayor Woody Goodman (Steve Guttenberg) in Season 2, Krysten's ditzy and quirky character impressed fans so much, you probably spotted her in the 2014 fan-funded film as well, as Gia became more involved in the seedy underworld of Neptune. Gilmore Girls (2006)
'Okay now we're gonna have to start a girl band.'
In Season 7 of Gilmore Girls, Krysten landed another guest role, as Lucy, one of Rory's first friends from Yale. Though Lucy's storyline revolved around dating one of Rory's old friends, Krysten injected some much needed fun into the proceedings, taking on Gilmore Girls signature speedy dialogue and creating some serious #squadgoals with Rory and Olivia. With news that Gilmore Girls is returning for a new series via Netflix (YEEESSSSSSSS!), we wouldn't be surprised to see Krysten roaming the halls of Yale once again.
Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009)
'I hate her. Who is she?'
Finally making the move to movies, Krysten continued her sidekick streak as Suze, Isla Fischer's BFF in the guilty rom-com pleasure that is Confessions Of A Shopaholic. Providing the common sense to the shopaholic, Krysten's perfect comic timing and vulnerability showed she was worthy of a much bigger role... Breaking Bad (2009)
'This is blackmail. Do right by Jesse. Tonight. Or I will burn you to the ground.'
…Which came in the form of phenomenon Breaking Bad, no less.
Perhaps her biggest role thus far, Krysten was the emotional crux of the groundbreaking first season of Breaking Bad playing Jane Margolis, the destructive girlfriend of Jesse Pinkman. The important role allowed Krysten to finally flex her acting muscles where - in only a couple of episodes - she became addicted to meth, blackmailed Walter White and *spoilers* died of a drug overdose. Yeah, we're still in shock.
Gossip Girl (2009)
Source: Warner Bros. via Instagram.com/Jordache
'I am making it. This is what making it looks like.'
Back when Gossip Girl was the biggest thing on television, the show sought to capitalise on their popularity by sneaking in a spin-off. Focusing on the life of Serena's mother, Lily van der Woodsen, the second season episode 'Valley Girls' was set in the fashionable 80s where 17-year-old Lily (Brittany Snow) galivanted across sunny California, while Krysten played her outcast sister, Carol. Krysten, though, seemed destined to bigger and better things, so when the show wasn't picked up she went on to...
Don't Trust The B**** In Apartment 23 (2012)
Source: 20th Century Fox via Pinterest.com
'Sometimes, things don't click until Hollywood really spells them out for you.'
Krysten's first leading role was also her most high profile - as the titular b**** in the little-seen but appropriately titled Don't Trust the B**** in Apartment 23. With her signature dark hair, pale skin and red lips, Krysten shined as Chloe, a glamourous and obnoxious but lovably bitchy roommate in this weird sitcom where James Van Der Beek played her BFF and a warped fictionalised version of himself. Despite Krysten receiving critical praise for the role, the show only lasted two seasons.
Jessica Jones (2015)
'A big part of the job is looking for the worst in people. Turns out I excel in that.'
Krysten's long career in film and television finally paid off with her biggest role to date premiering today - as the lead star in Jessica Jones. Described as a psychological thriller and then a superhero story, Jessica Jones is sure to please fans of the equally dark Daredevil. Krysten's turn as the PTSD-suffering, alcoholic superhero has already garnered critical admiration, and by the time we finish binge-watching the show this weekend, we're pretty sure we're going to be massive paid-up fans of the Krysten Ritter Fan Club.
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