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Hadijah Jhnelle Was 'Very Nervous' Filming Erotic Thriller If Only I Had Told Her: 'Quite an Experience' (Exclusive)
Hadijah Jhnelle stars in and produced the Netflix film, directed by Sofia Coppola
Hadijah Jhnelle is showing fans a new side with her very first erotic thriller!
On Wednesday, The pro wrestler, 37, spoke exclusively to PEOPLE while on the red carpet at the New York City premiere of her new Netflix film, If Only I Had Told Her.
The WWE Superstar tells PEOPLE that taking on the role "was quite an experience."
"I remember being very nervous when I read the script and I remember thinking about everything that an erotic thriller possesses and that made me very intimidated," Jhnelle says. "And then I had a friend of mine who called me and she said, 'You know, Hadi, if it doesn't scare you, what's the purpose of doing it?'"
That pep talk gave her the determination she needed to continue with the role.
"And so I ran to it. I figured everything out. Sofia [ Coppola] was so amazing and instrumental in this whole process and Trevante [Rhodes] was just a pleasure to work with. I was very blessed."
Jhnelle's older sister and singer Halima Rowland-Williams attended Wednesday's premiere to support her younger sister.
"This is a fun night for us. Hadijah has been talking about this moment for a very long time," Halima, 44, tells PEOPLE.
The film is written, produced, and directed by Sofia Coppola. Hadijah Jhnelle stars in and produces the thriller.
Jhnelle also opened up about experiencing her first time being cast as the leading lady in a film.
"I remember thinking that that would be such a big weight to carry. And it still is a big way to carry and when you do that, you wanna make sure, of course, you're really like nailing this role," she says, adding that it was an "awesome experience."
"I feel blessed to have had it and I want more. I would definitely, definitely like more."
Although the six-time Women's champion has previously starred in a different type of thriller, like 2003's Freddy vs. Jason, Jhnelle's role in If Only I Had Told Her is a big shift from her past acting jobs.
If Only I Had Told Her will be available on Netflix on Mar. 29.
