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Her very own Cinderella story – Metro US

Her very own Cinderella story

British actress Gemma Arterton plays the beautiful Princess Tamina in Jerry Bruckheimer’s new, massive production, “Prince of Persia.” After roles in blockbusters “Quantum of Solace” and “Clash of the Titans” — and smaller but more dramatically intense films like “Tamara Drewe” — the 24-year-old now feels she’s able to be more choosy in the roles she takes. We caught up with her in London before the premiere.

With a string of blockbusters under your belt, it looks like Hollywood is knocking at your door. How does it feel?

Very strange and surreal. I feel like I’m a very normal girl and all of a sudden I’m with Jake [Gyllenhaal] and running around on horses. … It’s very strange for me. I’ve always seen myself doing theater and little jobs. I never thought of doing something like this, and now these jobs are coming and I still find it very strange.

How do you pick what films you’re going to do?

I didn’t really have the opportunity to choose, because it’s hard to get work, especially as an actress. For me, I just do it. Now I’m in a situation where I’m starting to be able to choose. I think it’s important with those films to be selective — because these films [like “Prince of Persia”], they are what they are — they’re popcorn movies and entertainment. But creatively for me, I’m very interested in challenges and [films that play] in small theaters.

Did you have a Plan B in case acting didn’t work out for you?

I never put pressure on myself, mostly because of the way I was brought up. My mom always told me, “Oh, just do whatever makes you happy.” And acting always made me happy. I thought if it doesn’t work it’s not the end of the world. There are a million other things that you can do.