Chopra Jonas Prepares for Congo Mission in New Sci-Fi Thriller

Priyanka Chopra Jonas is trading armed action for the work of interpretation in the upcoming film Bluefly.

The science fiction thriller features Chopra Jonas as Myla Reese, a United Nations interpreter. She accompanies Russell Crowe’s character, Benny, on a covert mission in the Congo. There, the duo discovers a powerful force hidden in the jungle.

Chopra Jonas spoke to The Hollywood Reporter shortly before production started in Australia. She said the role allows her to explore a different kind of strength after starring in action projects like Citadel and The Bluff. Instead of leading physical confrontations, she aims to develop her character’s dramatic qualities. She wants to combine vulnerability with resolve, portraying a person who dislikes conflict rather than one who lacks training.

Her preparation relies on roughly 15 years of work with UNICEF. During that time, she met U.N. interpreters and learned about their daily experiences. She recalled conversations during long bus rides that showed how their duties go beyond exchanging words. Understanding a person’s circumstances and intended meaning is central to the job, particularly in war-affected areas.

Chopra Jonas is working with a dialect coach on Swahili, Zulu, and Lingala. As a bilingual performer, she takes the linguistic demands seriously to portray an interpreter responsibly. She also emphasized the emotional core of the story. “There’s no good sci-fi without heart,” she said, noting that technology needs characters to give audiences a way into the plot.

Nimród Antal is directing the film from a screenplay by David Frigerio, William Eubank, and Carlyle Eubank. Highland Film Group holds worldwide rights. Chopra Jonas praised Antal’s enthusiasm and his willingness to share production plans. Although she is not producing the movie, she said her background in producing influences how she views costs and resource allocation. She described a shared desire among the cast and crew to protect the production.

Australia will stand in for the Congo, with production designers recreating the setting in detail. Chopra Jonas praised the Australian crew’s experience. She said the Gold Coast is among her favorite filming locations. Her daughter is accompanying her there, and the pair plan to spend time together on beach walks and breakfasts during the shoot.