No Shrinking Wallflower

In the inevitable blockbuster Fast Five (out April 29), Pataki holds her own opposite Vin Diesel, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Paul Walker and Jordana Brewster. “I love cars, and love speed—I’ve been riding motorcycles since I was 16 and have a Ducati—so I was really excited to do this film,” Pataky says.

As a woman of action, Pataky’s role required intense physical preparation—a challenge she dove into without reservation. “We had full-on SWAT training,” she says. “My character is one of the only women among all these guys, and she wants to show that she’s just as strong.”

While she plays Diesel’s love interest, many of her scenes are opposite Johnson, the head of her SWAT unit. “He’s such a big guy and I’m such a tiny girl, so it’s funny to watch us on-screen next to each other,” she laughs.  


ON ELSA: Jacket, Chloe ($2495). Jumper tank, Osklen ($797). Skirt, Jenni Kayne ($895).