Rebecca Ferguson’s path to stardom has been anything but a fairy tale. Having begun her career in Sweden in 1999, it wasn’t until 2015 that she truly captured the world’s attention as the enigmatic Ilsa Faust in Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation. Her rise has been a testament to resilience, grit, and an unwavering belief in her craft — a journey that shaped her into the magnetic force we see on screen today. Reflecting on her role as Lady Jessica in Dune, Rebecca candidly admitted: “She’s too powerful”. Watching her shine after more than two decades of relentless effort, we, as her audience, can’t help but feel the same sense of awe.
Blazer, pants and shoes, all Ferragamo. Shirt, Vintage Gucci from Found and Vision. Tie, Thomas Pink. Tie pin, Shaun Leane.
Ferguson’s piercing gaze, now iconic, has left an indelible mark on audiences around the world. Her gaze is as strong as her will. Case in point: while playing Mission: Impossible’s Ilsa Faust, she insisted on performing her own stunts – even when she was pregnant – a decision that speaks volumes about her determination and grit. Last year, her portrayal of the warrior Lady Jessica in the sci-fi epic Dune cemented her status as a powerhouse performer, earning her widespread acclaim. But this year, Rebecca charted new territory, stepping into a different kind of challenge: producing. With Silo, her first project as both producer and lead actress, she brought to life Juliette, a brilliant and resourceful woman navigating a post-apocalyptic world. Balancing these dual roles for the first time was a bold move, one that marked yet another evolution in her already impressive career.
Top and dress, all Loewe. Socks, Prada. Sock suspenders, Thom Browne. Shoes, Alena Nevedrova.
Dress, Givenchy. Socks, Falke. Shoes, Alena Nevedrova.
At first glance, the characters Ferguson plays seem invincible — women who are unshakable and unbreakable. But beneath the surface of her performances lies a masterful depth as she allows these strong women to occasionally shed their armour, revealing their vulnerability and humanity. “It’s very difficult to act and to blow life into a character without creating nuances and levels […] to find multi-faceted, onion-layered characteristic traits. That is what makes a character. And that takes research and thinking and talking to your director. You have to break down what is vulnerable? What is triggering? What is childhood?” she muses. Her humility shines through with her simple response to how she digs deep in this challenging process: “that’s what my job is”.
Coat, shirt, socks, sock suspenders, shoes and bag, all Thom Browne.
Top and pants, all MM6 Maison Margiela. Belt, Vintage Gucci from Found and Vision. Gloves, Handsome Stockholm. Shoes, Thom Browne.
Ferguson is soon returning to the big screen in two of the most highly anticipated sequels: Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One and Dune: Part Two. In the latter, she reprises her role as Lady Jessica, the warrior and mother who defied her destiny by giving birth to her son, Paul. As a mother herself, Rebecca finds great depth and relatability in Jessica’s journey. “I love the arc of going from a mother and powerful Bene Gesserit to, in the first film, seeing her broken and vulnerable when they get kidnapped and thrown into the desert. She sort of becomes a reversed Benjamin Button – she feels younger – and I love the shift of power with Timothée, her son Paul,” she shares. “He gets more powerful and much more in control, and she has to step back and let the creation she has brought into the world take its own shape and form, which is very scary.” she shares, reflecting the complex and ever-evolving relationship between parent and child.
Coat, top, shorts and socks, all Prada. Shoes, Alena Nevedrova.
Perhaps it’s the trials and triumphs of Ferguson’s two-decade career that have given her this magnetic, mysterious presence on screen. While she’s often seen as reserved and enigmatic, Rebecca’s true personality lights up when she talks about her work. “I’m like a child — I just can’t wait [for the movies to come out!]” she exclaims with infectious enthusiasm. Even after all these years, she approaches her craft with curiosity and an open heart. To her, being a great actor means being constantly “collaborative, prepared, curious.” She continues: “[It means] constantly embracing the people around you, being open to ideas and visions. I believe that a never-ending sense of curiosity is really important: to learn more, to never think that you know better, and to listen and be alert to the environment around you — always with kindness.”
As for what’s next? Rebecca’s answer is as brave as it is intriguing: “[I want to do something] that I am terrified of.” It’s a sentiment that perfectly captures her boundless passion and fearless drive — qualities that have carried her through every triumph and challenge. And as she continues to embrace the unknown with open arms, one thing is certain: Rebecca Ferguson is just getting started.
Photography: Royal Gilbert
Creative Direction: Katherine Ho
Styling: Karen Clarkson
Makeup Artist: Emma Lovell
Hair Stylist: Jillian Halouska
Set Designer: Mitchell Frank Fenn
Fashion Assistants: Molly Ellison & Laura Becali Hernandez
Production: Nalima Toure
On set Producer: Maggie Curwin
Editor
Kaitlyn Lai
