Eva Green delighted in playing ‘unusual’ Miss Peregrine

Eva Green relished playing the enigmatic titular character in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.

The Tim Burton-directed fantasy adventure is based on the 2011 novel of the same name by Ransom Riggs, and follows the travels of a 16-year-old boy named Jacob Portman, played by Asa Butterfield.

Jacob’s ordinary life takes an extraordinary turn when he finds himself working for a mysterious woman named Miss Peregrine, played by Eva, on an island where he helps a group of peculiar, orphaned children - all with strange powers and traits.

And Eva, 36, fully embraced the opportunity play such an intriguing role.

“She’s such an unusual character,” she told Total Film magazine. “And I love the fact she’s ready to risk her life, to kill, to defend her children.”

But Eva admits to help set up her mysterious character, she didn’t initially try and bond with the child actors in the film. The Paris-born star claims creating “a tiny bit” of distance between herself and the kids created the level of respect needed, though she wasn’t trying to be a method actor.

“I’m just very shy. I’m just intimidated. It’s not an actor thing. But then, of course, I relaxed,” she shared.

As well as being a strict yet caring headmistress, Miss Peregrine has the ability to transform into a peregrine falcon. And Eva’s character has plenty of quirky props, including a crossbow and pipe.

“I really like (smoking the pipe),” she added. “It’s a real pipe, and it’s kind of a ritual. It’s not easy. I love the smell though.”

The film, which also stars Samuel L. Jackson as Barron and Chris O’Dowd in the role of Jacob’s father, is set to hit theatres on 30 September (16).