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Catherine Zeta-Jones Uses Welsh Accent in New Thriller Kill Jackie
Confirmed
In Short: Catherine Zeta-Jones, known for her Welsh roots, uses her Swansea accent for the first time on screen in the new thriller series Kill Jackie.
Zeta-Jones told BBC Radio Wales that she drew inspiration from the comedic and tough side of Swansea for her character. 'I played on people I know in Wales, people who are comedic and the accent makes it funny and real and true,' she said.
The actress, who is also an executive producer on the series, explained that the character was originally a man named Jack in the book. 'We flipped it for her to be a woman with all the quirkiness and craziness that Jack had in the book,' Zeta-Jones noted.
Zeta-Jones expressed her excitement about filming in Wales, stating, 'I've never played real Welsh Swansea ever, never shot in Wales and I think it would ground me in her character and add nuances that I would know.
Fans have praised Zeta-Jones for her use of the Welsh accent, with one fan saying they loved hearing the 'queen of Wales sounding Welsh.' Zeta-Jones herself was surprised by the positive reception, saying, 'I could not believe how many of my fans noticed the use of my accent and it made me very happy.
In an interview with The Sunday Times, Zeta-Jones also discussed her children, Dylan and Carys, and her thoughts on the term 'nepo baby.' She said, 'This horrific phrase “nepo baby” is horrible because these kids didn’t ask to be born into this, they’re finding their own way in life.
Zeta-Jones, who has been married to Michael Douglas for 26 years, also shared her pride in her children's acting careers. 'They’re plugging away,' she said, adding that they both 'love' and are 'good' at acting.
The actress, who has an array of previous roles including Morticia Addams in Netflix's 'Wednesday,' is looking forward to exploring a female-driven plot in 'Kill Jackie' that 'encompasses empowerment, identity and redemption.
What this adds
Zeta-Jones's decision to use her Welsh accent in 'Kill Jackie' marks a significant departure from her previous roles, highlighting her connection to her roots.
The series is Zeta-Jones's first major role using her Welsh accent, and she has been praised for her authenticity in portraying a character from her hometown.
What's confirmed
- Zeta-Jones says she "could not believe" how many of her fans noticed the use of her accent in the thriller Zeta-Jones, also an executive producer on the series, said she had an idea for one scene to use a song by Welsh singing legend Tom Jones, and have him help save the day.
What's still developing
- Óscar Jaenada as Zigor and Zeta-Jones as Jackie Price in Kill Jackie The series is based on a book called The Price You Pay, set in the US, and the central character is a man called Jack.
- Catherine said she did not know if Jones realised he had such a crucial role and said she needed to text him to tell him about it.
- Catherine Zeta-Jones says her husband Michael Douglas is "the ultimate nepo baby" Despite her Welsh pride, Zeta-Jones has also revealed that she turned down an appearance on Welcome To Wrexham, alongside fellow Hollywood stars Ryan Reynolds and Rob Mac.
- It is the first time she has played a role using her Swansea accent, external and the first time she has filmed a drama in Wales.
- Catherine Zeta-Jones on using her real accent in Kill Jackie The actress chats to Lucy Owen about her new drama.
- Indeed, Zeta-Jones—who grew up in Swansea, Wales—got to use her Welsh dialect while playing the titular character, an ex-cocaine dealer whose peaceful life of anonymity comes to an end when elite hitmen are hired to kill her.
- Kill Jackie is the first time Zeta-Jones has used her Welsh accent on screen.
- TV production for Zeta-Jones, an Oscar, Tony and BAFTA-winner, who made her breakthrough with the British television series The Darling Buds of May in the early 90s before moving to Hollywood.
- Zeta-Jones currently stars in Netflix’s immensely popular Wednesday, and was also part of the main cast of Disney+’s National Treasure: Edge of History, which was canceled after one season.
- Zeta-Jones noted that Carys “wanted to be Amal Clooney for a while,” referring to the human rights lawyer, “but you have to go with your dreams, your passion.” According to the actress, “it’s hard for [Dylan and Carys] to forge a way forward on their own” because they have famous parents.
- The family business is also what Zeta-Jones credits for her long-lasting marriage to Michael.
- “Much better than waking up, going, ‘What do you want for breakfast, honey?’ I don’t think our marriage would ever have lasted if it was like that.” Zeta-Jones marked her 25th wedding anniversary in November 2025 with a touching Instagram tribute to her husband.