When Rogue One: A Star Wars Story comes out next month, it’ll introduce a new hero to the world. Felicity Jones plays Jyn Erso in the Star Wars spinoff, and she seems to get a kick out of what a female protagonist can be these days as opposed to when she was growing up. 

“When I was growing up, I was obsessed with The Little Mermaid,” Jones said at an event hosted by Vanity Fair. “I just hope that girls like the movie and can invest in Jyn’s story and care about her,” she continued. “It is quite nice now that instead of a fish’s tail, girls can see a cool female character who’s got a blaster and can run really fast.”

Jones also seemed to enjoy the rough and tumble nature of films like Rogue One and Inferno. For both films, Jones says she was very involved with the stunt teams and would often come home with the marks on her body to prove it. “I loved it because I got to kick some ass,” Jones shared. “I loved the physical side of making these larger films. I worked closely with the stunt teams and got to learn a new skill. I mean, you do go home covered in bruises, but it’s worth it.”

Jones was also asked what it’s like to get to deliver iconic Star Wars-y lines like the one in the last trailer where Erso rallies the troops by saying that “Rebellions are built on hope.” “There are some really strong lines that you definitely want to feel like you’ve rehearsed,” Jones admitted. “I would always be reciting different lines, walking around my house, doing the ironing and saying, ‘The force is with you,’ over and over again.“

Jones was at the Vanity Fair event because she’s about to get a British Artist of The Year honor at the Britannia Awards. Sounds like all the hard work she’s put in was definitely worth it.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story arrives on December 16.

SOURCE: Vanity Fair