Sela Ward Modeled Her IDR Presidency on Hillary Clinton

There’s a new president sitting in the Oval Office in this summer’s blockbuster film, Independence Day: Resurgence. Turns out, it’s Sela Ward playing the role of U.S. President Elizabeth Lanford who happens to also be leading the charge to save the world after an epic alien invasion. Best known for her role as Teddy Reed in NBC’s Sisters, for which she received her first Primetime Emmy Award, Ward prepared for the role in a very specific way. Read on as she describes who inspired the way she approached her character:

So is it true that you based your character on Hillary Clinton?

Yes—she’s the only presidential candidate that comes close to a female president to emulate. I definitely studied her in terms of mostly mannerisms, approaches and her physicality.

What was the energy like on set?

The energy was great. I worked with [director] Roland [Emmerich] before on The Day After Tomorrow in 2004 so, in a sense, I was reuniting with the director. He’s a very serious but very playful soul. When he’s working, he’s hyperfocused. When he’s not, we would have fabulous fun dinners. He lends a sense of family and camaraderie to the set. He’s a wonderful man.

Were the veterans and the newbies having fun together?

Absolutely. The interaction between everyone was wonderful. They’re lovely young actors—all of them. Then again, Roland never picks bad apples.

Do you think audiences will be blown away by the film?

I’ve seen bits of it but haven’t seen the whole thing put together—they’re still filming little pieces—but the special effects are so huge. What I have seen is maybe one of the greatest popcorn movies of all time. It’s wonderfully fun and escapist. It has lots of emotion in it. It’s going to delight people. It will be a great summer movie.

How do you go about picking your projects?

At this point in my life and in my career, I’ve learned through many difficult experiences how important it is to pick carefully. At this point, I’m not interested in working with people who aren’t lovely. Life is way too short. I’d rather be at home with my family.

What’s coming up next for you?

I did a table read for Graves, a show that will air in October that’s being produced by Epix and Lionsgate Television. Graves is  the name of this black comedy and it’s also the last name of Nick Nolte’s character. He’s the former president and I’m the former first lady. This is a theme in my life all of a sudden! It’s really smart writing. It’s about a president’s life 20 years after leaving office. Sort of the Reagans or the Clintons after the presidency. It’s a combo plate of both of those families.