Irons and Saoirse Ronan say it felt “unnecessary” but eventually “worked out”

Mar 29, 2013 19:31 GMT  ·  By
Max Irons and Saoirse Ronan as Jared and Melanie in “The Host,” out today
   Max Irons and Saoirse Ronan as Jared and Melanie in “The Host,” out today

Fans of the novel “The Host,” written by Stephenie Meyer pre-“Twilight,” must be wondering how a certain scene in it, perhaps one of the most violent, was translated to the big screen in the movie adaptation that opens today.

*Spoilers ahead, don’t read if you are not familiar with the book.*

The scene in question sees Melanie / Wanderer (Wanda) slapped around harshly upon arriving at the desert caves, including by the man she loves the most, Jared.

Max Irons, who plays Jared in the movie, tells THR that he seriously considered sabotaging the scene to get the director to cut it because he felt it was truly “unnecessary,” a sentiment Saoirse Ronan, who plays Mel / Wanda, echoes.

In the end, though, they both believe it “worked out” even if they still think it could have been avoided.

“It was sort of a microcosmic example of Melanie and Jared’s struggle. There are feelings of loss, rage, pure sadness, happiness to see her but confusion – a whole bunch of [stuff]… it became an illuminating scene,” Irons says.