Onscreen and off, Karen Fukuhara is a badass. She stuns in her portrayal of the mostly silent and deadly Kimiko Miyashiro in the Emmy-nominated Amazon original series The Boys, proving that one does not need words to win an argument.
Fukuhara’s kickass résumé has prepared her well for her role as comic-book darling Kimiko–also known as The Female. She played the deadly assassin Katana in David Ayer’s Suicide Squad, starred in Joe Still’s independent film Stray, and was seen in David Leitch’s Sony film Bullet Train opposite Brad Pitt, Sandra Bullock, and Zazie Beetz. When she’s not doing her own stunts on set, she’s in the animation booth, where she’s voiced the character of Glimmer in the Netflix series She-Ra and the Princesses of Power and Kipo Oak on Netflix’s Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts.
Watching her behind the scenes, as she flies around on set practicing the stunts that make The Boys fight sequences so explosively awesome, it’s obvious why Fukuhara was chosen to bring Kimiko to life onscreen. With the ability to use her body language to emphatically communicate for her mute character, she is the perfect anti-princess. Fukuhara’s Kimiko doesn’t need saving; she is the one who saves. And if you doubt her, you just may need to be saved yourself.
Since season one of The Boys, we’ve seen Fukuhara’s character flourish from a traumatized girl in a cage to arguably the strongest superhero of them all. Don’t you call her that though, as superhero is a label she rejects as part of the vigilante team, the eponymous Boys, set on stopping the corrupt “Supes” that make up The Seven. Bankrolled by the multibillion-dollar conglomerate Vought, The Seven are a group of celebrity superheroes led by the vicious Homelander. As Homelander descends deeper into his own feral madness, Kimiko and The Boys must embrace their own darkness in order to stop him. Season Three’s explosive finale left The Boys with the consequences of their choices—both good and bad.
Fans have been eagerly awaiting Season Four of The Boys, which premieres exclusively on Prime Video on June 13, 2024. BUST chatted with Fukuhara ahead of the premiere to learn more about the dynamic actress and her badass role.
It’s the question everyone wants the answer to: how to break into the entertainment industry. What was your first gig?
My first gig in this industry was working as a host for a Disney show, then I became a reporter for NHK [a Japanese public broadcaster], which helped me get through college. I interned at KTLA [an LA television station]. All signs pointed to me becoming an interviewer/reporter, but after graduating UCLA I decided to throw my parents a curveball and go into acting. I’ve never looked back since then—dreaming big and taking a chance on myself somehow paid off.
What inspired that curveball and made you set your sights on acting?
I can’t remember the exact moment, but I’ve always been drawn to how certain actors can really pull you in, make you feel connected, conflicted, and capture you in the most vulnerable ways.
Dreaming and doing are two very different things. What challenges did you face in the early stages of establishing your entertainment career?
In the beginning my biggest hurdle was getting into the audition room. I didn’t even realize how many doors were closed to me back then. There were also fewer roles for someone that looked like me.
How do you feel about Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) representation in Hollywood and popular media? What are your hopes for that representation in the future?
There have been an increasing number of AAPI stories being told over the past few years. It’s a really exciting time to see AAPI narratives evolve and grow in our industry. It brings me joy that we are getting a spot at the table, and I’d love to work on projects that stay true to our experiences and not just an idea of who we are.
As a Japanese American actress, what advice do you have for AAPI aspiring actors and actresses?
Finding a supportive network can be difficult, but when you do, hold onto them. Believe in yourself more than anyone else; you are your biggest advocate.
So many of your roles are fierce female icons. Are you planning on continuing your superhero streak?
I love being able to play a badass character with powers. If the script is good and there are good creatives attached that inspire me, I’m always in!
Let’s get into the upcoming season of The Boys. Do you have any favorite memories of filming Season Four?
We’ve had so many great days on set together. I love this cast and crew. One that comes to mind right now was on my last day of shooting Season FourErin [Erin Moriarty, who portrays Starlight in The Boys], Tomer [Tomer Capone, who plays Frenchie], and I were walking back from set to the green room during the farm sequence. By this point, everyone—the crew especially—was exhausted, but the sunset was beautiful. I remember thinking to myself, “Karen, remember this moment. You’re living your dream, doing what you absolutely love with great friends, what more could you possibly want? Remember this moment, savor it.”
What does the cast do to pass the time between takes? Any traditions?
Backgammon or bust!
Watching behind-the-scenes videos of you practicing stunts is both incredible and painful. How do you recover from such physically demanding scene work?
I never take my own advice, but a hot bath and great sleep. If I had a sauna and an ice bath at home I would use those every day.
[After filming] my favorite late-night snack from crafty is Maria’s tuna melt, toasted, with celery for that extra crunch. Green apples with nut butter for something sweet.
What’s your ritual for getting into character?
Stunt training and getting into Kimiko’s trademark fishnets and black wardrobe does the trick!
Kimiko is a complex character. What’s something you want people to understand about her?
That even though her communication is inaudible, she still speaks volumes.
The whole cast embodies their characters so well it’s hard to imagine any of you as someone other than the person we see on TV
I think most of us are unlike our characters. It’s always a treat watching the episodes for the first time because everyone is so different from when we just hang out outside of work.
Who is your favorite Vought superhero to watch?
I always look forward to watching The Deep’s scenes. They’re hilarious and so different from Chase in real life. I always end up cracking up and replaying his scenes.
This feels obvious but, favorite member of The Boys?
Frenchie, hands down.
Homelander is straight-up insane. What would you do if you encountered him in a dark alley?
That would be terrifying. Running or fighting would be of no use so I’d probably try to talk my way out of his sight!
What would Kimiko do if she encountered the same?
She’d claw his eyes out. Or peel his face.
Do you think fans will be surprised by anything this season?
Season Four is full of surprises in every episode. I’m curious to see how fans will react to Rob Benedict’s character…
What’s it like to live our dream of being a kick-ass female superhero?
I absolutely love what we get to do. It’s a dream job and I wouldn’t trade it for anything! I’ve met so many wonderful people through work. That’s one of my favorite things about filmmaking—every department comes together to create this one thing, it’s our precious baby that we get to tirelessly work on for months, and then it goes out into the world for people to enjoy. It’s beautiful. I’m so grateful to be able to do what I love in this life.
What’s something cool about you, outside of your roles?
I absolutely love traveling. Ant [Antony Starr, Homelander] and I went to the Frida Kahlo museum in Mexico City while we were doing press for The Boys Season Four release. This museum was built inside her real home, and seeing her art and the challenges she faced during her life moved me deeply. If you have the chance to visit, I highly recommend it.
Photo Credits: Photographer: Famke Vanhagen, Assistant Photographer: Gabriel Novis, Styling: Mari Siviakova, Makeup: Denika Bedrossian, Hair: Yuma
