Jessica Chastain on Supporting the 'Women-Led Revolution' in Iran and Using Her Platform for Good (Exclusive)

ET spoke to Chastain, who has been vocal about the issue, at the premiere of her new film, 'The Good Nurse.'

Jessica Chastain is supporting the women of Iran. ET spoke to Chastain at the premiere of her new film, The Good Nurse, Tuesday night, where she shared why she chose to speak out about the ongoing protests in the country, and the importance of using her platform for good.

"It's really important for me to use my platform to amplify anyone's struggle for freedom and peace and safety. And what's happening in Iran right now is heartbreaking to me. I'm following the news every day as I hope everyone is, and my heart's with those girls," Chastain said.

The Eyes of Tammy Faye actress took to social media to shed a light on the protests happening in Iran, following the death of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini, who was murdered by the country's morality police for not wearing her hijab correctly.

"#MahsaAmini is an Iranian woman who was beaten to death last week in a 're-education center' for not wearing her hijab correctly. Her death led to thousands of Iranians taking to the streets, demanding an end to violence and discrimination against women," Chastain began in a September Twitter thread. "Dozens of these protesters have been killed. In an attempt to quiet the noise, journalists on the ground have been arrested, and the Islamic Public of Iran has shut down the internet.  But the people of Iran will not be silenced."

"I stand with the women of Iran and will amplify their voices from afar," she added. "When one woman is attacked, it is an attack on us all 🖤."

 

 

Calling the ongoing movement in Iran a "women-led revolution," Chastain praised the protesters' strength and sent them love and support as they continue to fight for their freedoms and their rights.

"This is a women-led revolution. And I have such belief in them, and I send them so much strength and love and support," Chastain told ET. "And I think it's incredible what they're doing."

On-screen, the Academy Award-winning actress is amplifying the voice of another heroic, real-life woman, Amy Loughren. In The Good Nurse, Chastain plays Loughren, a nurse who is forced to act as a detective after she learns that one of her colleagues, Charlie Cullen (Eddie Redmayne), is responsible for the murder of dozens of patients over a period of sixteen years -- a murdering spree that spanned across two states and nine hospitals, without Cullen ever being charged.

In addition to the star-studded cast, which included Redmayne, Kim Dickens and more, Loughren was on-hand for the premiere, a moment Chastain called "everything."

"It's part of the reason I wanted to make the film," she explained. "I love using my platform to amplify the stories of women, because I find that [in]  this country, for some reason, they haven't been acknowledged up until now. And so, I want to celebrate women's heroism and their incredible stories, and Amy's story is mind-blowing and compassionate.

"And it's a great lesson for us all to see," Chastain continued. "She's a hero."

The Good Nurse will be in select theaters on Oct. 19 and on Netflix Oct. 26.

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