For the success of the film, it is of utmost importance to find right actors to play the characters. For Peter Jackson’s next, Mortal Engines, too, it was very crucial to find an actress for the role of the protagonist, Hester Shaw. The search for Hester was extensive, global and critical. Often, it takes a several audition rounds for actors; but for Hera Hilmar her audition tape did the job for her. Finding an actress who could convey strength, vulnerability, mystery and danger, righteous anger and wounded spirit, proved elusive until, an audition tape arrived from Icelandic actor Hera Hilmar.

The filmmakers claim that the tape was so flawless that it only took them a Skype call with Hilmar to bring her on-board without ever meeting her in-person. Hilmar will be seen in Universal Pictures International India’s upcoming movie Mortal Engines which releases in India on December 7 in English, Hindi, Tamil and Telugu.