Actress Deborra-Lee Furness Returns to the Screen in Rainforest Thriller "Force of Nature: The Wet"

News - 31 January 2024

Deborra-Lee Furness, a 68-year-old actress best known for her role as Hugh Jackman's ex-wife, recently had a unique experience on a film set. Despite being in the industry since the 1970s, Furness has taken a step back from acting in recent years to focus on her family. However, for the new film Force of Nature: The Dry 2, she found herself back in front of the camera, this time in a very wet rainforest setting.

Furness described the film as being so wet that it could have been titled "The Wet" instead. The entire cast had to spend a significant amount of time in the water, much to their dismay. Her co-star, Jacqueline McKenzie, jokingly mentioned that when she first read the script, she noticed that everyone had to go into the water except for her.

However, McKenzie was relieved to find out that she was allowed to keep her clothes on during those scenes.The film is set in the mountains, and Furness described the climbing sequences as incredibly intense. She admitted that it was the hardest thing she had ever done in such an inhospitable environment.

The cast had to deal with leeches on a daily basis, with the pesky creatures finding their way into noses, ears, and mouths. They were seemingly everywhere, causing discomfort and leaving scars on the actors. In hindsight, they joked that they should have negotiated hazard pay for such challenging conditions.

Despite the adversity they faced on set, Furness revealed that the leeches did not bother her as much as one might expect. She even quipped that her time in Hollywood had already desensitized her to dealing with such challenges. The experience, while difficult, added a unique element to the filming process and brought the cast closer together as they navigated the tough conditions.

Beyond the physical challenges of filming in a rainforest, Force of Nature: The Dry 2 also presented emotional hurdles for Furness and her fellow actors. The story itself is an intense one, filled with drama and suspense that required the cast to dig deep into their emotions to portray their characters authentically. Furness shared that the combination of the demanding physical environment and the heavy emotional scenes made for a truly challenging yet rewarding filming experience.

As an actress, Furness is no stranger to portraying complex characters and delving into the depths of human emotions. Her career spans decades, during which she has showcased her talent in a variety of roles across film, television, and theater. While her personal life may have taken precedence in recent years, the opportunity to work on Force of Nature: The Dry 2 reignited her passion for acting and reminded her of the joy that comes from immersing oneself in a character and a story.

In addition to her work on screen, Furness is also known for her advocacy and philanthropy. She is a passionate supporter of adoption and child welfare initiatives, having adopted two children with her husband Hugh Jackman. Furness has used her platform and influence to raise awareness about important social issues and to advocate for positive change in the world.

Overall, Deborra-Lee Furness's experience on the set of Force of Nature: The Dry 2 was a challenging yet rewarding one. Despite the physical and emotional obstacles she faced, Furness approached the role with dedication and professionalism, delivering a performance that resonated with audiences. As an actress, advocate, and humanitarian, Furness continues to inspire others with her talent and her commitment to making a difference in the world.