Hot 10: Ciara Renee

There’s a lot you need to know about TV’s hottest Hawkgirl.

Ciara Renee has always been interested in exploring new mediums. After starting off as a singer and musician, the Pennsylvania native stumbled into the world of musical theatre, becoming the first thespian of the family. “After being excited by the idea of storytelling and getting to play someone besides myself, I decided to pursue acting in all of its forms,” she told Maxim.

Though she stole the show in classic Broadway tellings of Big Fish, Pippin, and The Hunchback of Notre Dame, it wasn’t long before this 25-year old starlet spread her wings and transitioned into television as Kendra Saunders, better known as the mace-wielding heroine Hawkgirl of Legends of Tomorrow.

“I mean, who wouldn’t want to be a superhero?” said Renee of the role. “The cool factor was enough to entice me, but I was also excited by the physical stunt aspect as well as finding the balance between the fantastical and the human.”

Hawkgirl is just one addition to the ragtag team of superheroes and villains (including Firestorm, The Atom, and White Canary, to name a few) who’ve set out to prevent the world’s destruction on CW’s newest superhero series. In a generation where comic books almost always have a second life on the big screen, actors have to make sure their portrayal is a loyal representation of the characters fans have been fawning over so much. For Ciara, her approach to Hawkgirl was a no brainer. 

“I read quite a few comics before starting work so I had a wealth of knowledge about this universe and how it works,” she told Maxim. “As for Kendra, I really feel like we’re giving her a fresh face by incorporating aspects from her many storylines and allowing something a bit more relatable to grow from that organically. I’m lucky that we’re not trying to match cuts from the comics since there’s a serious level of unreality we would be hard-pressed to translate to the screen.”

Lucky for you, the wait is almost over. You’ll be able to see Hawkgirl soar onto your TV screens in Legends of Tomorrow when it premieres Thursday, January 21st on the CW.

Ciara told Maxim all about being the ultimate badass, loving her legs, and crushing on J-Law.

1. What is your ultimate goal as an actress?
To tell meaningful and entertaining stories that captivate and rouse the hearts and minds of those who watch. I want to help challenge people to think and feel outside of their comfort zones. And have a little fun while doing it!

2. Do you have a favorite curse word?
It’s very solidly the word, “Fuck!” It’s classic, poignant, and multi-functional. And I sorta love when it riles people up or makes them uncomfortable. Words can be powerful, but only as powerful as you let them be.

3. What do you wear to feel your sexiest?
Probably my yoga clothes and my (boxing) wraps. Skin-hugging yet movable pants, tight top that shows my arms and the wraps for ultimate badassery.

4. What’s something on your bucket list that you’ve yet to accomplish?
I really want to go live with some buddhist monks for like a month and not be connected to the outside world at all. I love shutting down since I so rarely get to do it, and it might be cool to shave my head.. though I feel like my head might be weird shaped under this mop! [laughs]

5. What is your favorite part of your body?
I think that changes constantly, which is great because I have a new appreciation for my whole body over and over again. But I’m constantly impressed with my legs. They stay looking trim, no matter what! 

6. How can a man go about getting your attention?
Not be an actor and not work with me! Been there, done that! [laughs]

7. Do you have any girl crushes right now?
J-Law to the nth degree! I just know we’d be biffles, but she playin!

8. What would you do on an ideal date?
Something outdoors! I’d love to go snowboarding or something and then get cozy by a fire afterward.

9. What is the worst pick-up line you’ve ever heard?
Probably one of the weirdest “catcalls” I’ve gotten on the streets of NYC was, “Ooo baby I want you to kick me!” Like, uh, sure but do I get to decide where?

10. So what’s next for you?
I’d love to put out a CD in the next year or so! Music will always be my first love. 

All fired up? Check out the other sexy ladies to grace our ‘Hot 10’ column.

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