No doubt about it: it’s the age of the superhero adaptation. But unlike nearly all of the big-screen options, ABC’s Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. features an awesome female lead with layers upon layers of secrets. On the show, Agent Daisy Johnson, played by Chloe Bennet, is a brilliant hacker, hilarious field agent, and one of the mysterious Inhumans, with her own set of superpowers. If you’re new to Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. you may know Chloe from ABC’s Nashville, or if you’re an international music fan, her pop career in China. We sat down with Chloe to talk about kickboxing, Netflixing, and being turned into a videogame character in Marvel’s Contest of Champions mobile game. Oh, and for the record? Both she and her character totally kick butt.

Teen Vogue: You were a pop star before you played Daisy Johnson on Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. What’s that transition like?

Chloe Bennet: About as awkward as it sounds. I like to think of my career in China as that awkward teenage job that everyone has, whether it’s waiting tables or babysitting, I happened to be a pop star. But I never really felt like I was really connected to my own music, so I never really felt like it was the right thing for me. I felt like I was acting like a pop star. It’s been so different but I’m so much more comfortable doing what I’m doing now.

TV: Did you get to develop any cool new skills while playing a S.H.I.E.L.D. agent instead of a pop star?

CB: Oh my gosh, yeah. When I found out about how skilled Daisy was, I wanted to make sure that came across as authentically as possible. So during our hiatus, I put myself through my own training. They said, “Oh, a week before we start filming, you’ll do some training,” and there was just no way, in my mind, that was going to be enough. So I did two months of rigorous stunt training — kickboxing, boxing, krav maga, jiujutsu — to kind of build up my ability to do what Daisy does effortlessly. I mean, I try and make it look effortless.

Photo: ABC

TV: The Marvel Cinematic Universe has been criticized for starring, to quote, "a lot of white guys named Chris." But to many fans, the idea of strong women is not new or surprising! Have you been able to connect with fans excited to see themselves in a multiracial female protagonist?