Katheryn Winnick Stops By to Talk About “The Dark Tower”: A Captivating Conversation with the Talented Actress!

Hello fans of action, sci-fi, and Stephen King’s dark tales! Today, I’m excited to share an incredibly engaging interview from the BUILD Series, where Katheryn Winnick stopped by to discuss her role in “The Dark Tower” (2017), alongside updates on the blockbuster series “Vikings”. If you’re a fan of Winnick—known for her fierce warrior persona in Vikings or her brave motherly role in The Dark Tower—this is a must-watch video!

Who Is Katheryn Winnick and Why Does She Shine in “The Dark Tower”?

Katheryn Winnick, born in 1977 in Canada, is an actress, director, and real-life martial artist (she earned a black belt in karate at 16!). Winnick gained global fame as Lagertha, the legendary Viking warrior in Vikings (2013-2020), where she showcased strength, intelligence, and captivating charm. But few know that Winnick has been a lifelong Stephen King fan, which drew her to “The Dark Tower”, the film adaptation of the iconic novelist’s epic series.

In “The Dark Tower”, Winnick plays Laurie Chambers, the single mother of Jake Chambers (played by Tom Taylor). Laurie is a pivotal character in the film’s real-world setting, where Jake gets entangled in the battle between The Gunslinger (Idris Elba) and The Man in Black (Matthew McConaughey). This role demanded Winnick portray both maternal protectiveness and intense action sequences as the dark forces invade reality. The film revolves around a multiverse theme, with the Dark Tower at its core, where its collapse could destroy everything—a philosophical and action-packed premise!

Interview Highlights: Juicy Insights from BUILD Series (August 1, 2017)

This interview was filmed at BUILD, an intimate talk show where guests sit close to the audience for candid conversations. Winnick appeared radiant, dressed casually yet exuding her signature strength. Here’s a comprehensive rundown of the key moments:

1. Experience as Laurie Chambers:

• Winnick shared that she was instantly drawn to the script for its blend of action, horror, and family emotion. “Laurie is an ordinary mom pulled into a supernatural world—it’s relatable and terrifying,” she said. Winnick highlighted her action scenes, where she had to flee from dark forces, and how the role allowed her to explore a “tiger mom” instinct to protect her child.
• She also revealed her preparation process: training in martial arts to make fight scenes authentic and how director Nikolaj Arcel encouraged her to add emotional depth to the character.

1. Working with a Stellar Cast—Idris Elba & Matthew McConaughey:

• As a Stephen King fan, Winnick gushed about starring alongside Idris Elba (Roland Deschain) and Matthew McConaughey (Walter Padick). “Idris is a true gentleman, always supporting everyone on set. Matthew brought this eerie, dark energy—perfect for the villain!” She laughed while recounting fun behind-the-scenes moments, like Elba and McConaughey playfully “competing” over who could act cooler.
• Winnick praised the cast’s chemistry, which elevated the film’s high-stakes confrontations, especially the climactic battle to protect the Dark Tower.

1. Stephen King Fan and Vision for the Film:

• Winnick admitted to reading the entire Dark Tower book series as a teenager. “I love how King builds a layered world—from Western to dark fantasy. The movie is just the tip of the iceberg, but I hope it paves the way for a TV series or sequel!” She expressed excitement about exploring this universe further and urged fans to read the books for the full experience.

1. Updates on “Vikings” and Her Career:

• The interview didn’t stop at The Dark Tower—it also touched on Vikings, which was at its peak during this time. Winnick shared challenges of filming in Ireland, the complex relationship between Lagertha and Ragnar (Travis Fimmel), and how the role transformed her career. “Lagertha taught me that strong women don’t need saving—they save themselves!”
• She also discussed her passion for directing (later directing episodes of Vikings) and upcoming projects like Big Sky and The Marksman.

The 20-minute video is filled with laughter, behind-the-scenes stories, and insightful commentary—perfect for anyone wanting to know more about Winnick beyond the screen.

Why You Should Watch It Today?

While “The Dark Tower” may not have been the massive hit fans hoped for (due to complex production issues), Winnick’s performance is a highlight, and this interview showcases her genuine passion. If you love action-packed films like “John Wick” mixed with King’s horror, or simply admire girl power from Vikings, this video will hook you instantly!

Watch it here: Katheryn Winnick Stops By to Talk About “The Dark Tower” & “Vikings” on YouTube

What do you think of The Dark Tower? Is Laurie the most underrated character in the film? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!