Empire Magazine, August 2024
1. Your career has covered a wide range of genres, from horror to drama to sci-fi. What drives you to choose such varied roles?
I guess I love torturing myself, or maybe I have a short attention span and just don't know what I want. But in seriousness, it's less about the genre and more about the challenge. If it doesn’t make me uncomfortable or force me to dig deep, I'm probably not that interested.
2. You've gained a reputation for being reserved during interviews, how do you feel about that perception?
It's probably an accurate perception, I don't think I want to change anyone's mind any time soon. Plus, if people think it makes me mysterious and interesting, then I'm all for it.
3. "The Crow" is such an iconic story, and now you're stepping into the role of Eric Draven. How did you approach this character without getting lost in the legacy?
I didn’t. The legacy is there whether you like it or not. The trick is to use it as a foundation rather than a ceiling. I just focused on finding what made Eric Draven human and then tearing that apart.
4. You’ve become known for taking on intense, emotionally charged roles. How do you unwind when you’re not on set?
I'm a fan of the great indoors. The more time I spend by myself the better, so music and books and just being somewhere familiar and comfortable.
5. What’s the most valuable lesson you’ve learned in your career so far?
I think when I noticed how the industry has a way of chewing up egos and spitting them out. Once I figured out that there wasn't any need to take any of it so seriously, a lot of things became easier.
6. "Archive 81" explores the impact of the past on the present. How do you deal with your own past experiences?
I don't want to say something like learning from them, but it feels like that's the right answer. We should probably learn from them, right? I guess I accept mine. Or ignore them. No one can explain the exact difference between the two of those things, anyways.
7. What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are just starting out?
Don't. But, if your heart is really set on it then I guess, do. Also, don't watch more movies just because you want to act. Read more books.
8. You've been in the industry for several years now. How do you stay motivated and passionate about your work after all this time?
Every new project is a shiny new distraction from the existential dread.
9. With all the intense roles you've taken on, is there a genre or type of character you haven’t explored yet but would like to?
No. And I'll leave that for you to decide if it's because I'm a one trick pony, or if I'm just incredibly fussy.
10. You've worked with some incredibly talented directors and actors over the years. Is there anyone you haven’t collaborated with yet who’s on your wish list?
Quentin Tarantino, maybe. He might be able to turn my brooding into something glamorous, or tolerable.