Even though Jessica Alba is known as America’s sweetheart she puts up a good fight in the new crime thriller, Mechanic: Resurrection. Alba doesn’t consider her character Gina as a damsel in distress saying, “I was happy that we got to see Gina kick some butt, and that, you know, I think for these types of movies you don’t often get to see the female romantic lead kind of kick butt. I mean it’s usually she’s being saved by the guy and so it’s nice that I got to come to the table with a toughness, and a real heart.” Alba is an actor, mother, wife and an entrepreneur so it’s no wonder she likes playing strong female characters, “I mean I always love to see humanity in someone, but it is nice when you do get to see a girl or a woman kick butt and exhibit some type of strength.”

Screen Rant caught up with Jessica Alba at the film’s L.A. press day to discuss her time filming in Thailand, her role as Gina, and what she learned working with Jason Statham.

During the film, you had some kick-ass fight scenes! When you watched it back were you equally as impressed with how badass you looked?!

Alba: I was happy that we got to see Gina kick some butt, and that you know I think for these types of movies you don’t often get to see the female romantic lead kind of kick butt. I mean it’s usually she’s being saved by the guy and so it’s nice that I got to come to the table with a toughness, and a real heart. [Gina is] a social worker, she’s a grown up, she tackles kind of tough things, difficult things, and so when Bishop comes into her life she’s not just the silly vapid person but she actually has weight to her.

Jason Statham and Jessica Alba in Mechanic Resurrection
Jason Statham and Jessica Alba in Mechanic Resurrection

You said before that your character Gina isn’t a damsel in distress, are you drawn to those characters that have both a softness and a strength?

Alba: Yeah. I mean I always love to see humanity in someone, but it is nice when you do get to see a girl or a woman kick butt and exhibit some type of strength.

I agree, and as a female audience member I was watching it not only, you know, Bishop’s not only saving you but you’re on the boat too kicking ass as well, which is really refreshing to see. What was your favorite part about filming this project?

Alba: Being able to be in a movie with Jason, I am a fan of his, and I really enjoy watching his movies and I love watching action movies in general but I do like watching him kick butt in particular, and so to be able to be in a movie with him in Thailand and to do a bit of action myself it was all just really fun.

As actors when you're working together I'm sure it builds a friendship, so what did you guys learn from each other? What did you take away from that? 

Alba: I mean, the amount of how meticulous he is about every detail especially in the fight sequences in the action sequences he's done this so much that it's down to an art and a science and he takes his job very seriously and he works harder than anyone else on that side. I mean it’s really incredible, and to see that type of dedication and commitment was really cool and I really admire him.

Jason Statham's character pointing a gun in The Mechanic

How long were you guys in Thailand filming?

Alba: I was there for 10 days in December and 10 days at the end of January, so I was only there for two chunks of time [Statham] was there for much longer.

Awesome! Well I loved the film. Thank you so much for speaking with me.

Alba: Oh, I’m so happy you enjoyed it.

Oh I loved it!

NEXT: Jason Statham Interview for The Mechanic 2

Mechanic: Resurrection is now playing in U.S. theaters.