Photographed by: John Russo
Interview: Teri Maurel
Styled by: Raymond Avalos
Grooming: Thea Istenes for Exclusive Artists using Augustinus Bader
Location: 1 Hotel West Hollywood
TM: It’s the movie that keeps reinventing itself, “I Know What You Did Last Summer.” When you read the script, what were your initial thoughts? Did you have any doubts about taking the role, and if so, why?
AN: When I first read the script, I immediately thought that the balance of old blood to new blood was perfect. Hahaha. No pun intended. What I mean is, we get just enough of the original world and characters that we love combined with new characters to ignite some fresh excitement. The art of the reboot is not easy. And I think they did an excellent job. I also know that Jennifer (director) was very adamant about not being too careful with these characters’ lives. She wanted to go big and bloody and make a splash. And I think she crushed it. I didn’t have any doubts about taking the role, per se, I was thrilled to get the call, but I was curious about the character’s motivation. There was a certain amount of secrecy about the ending, as there should be with a movie like this. So I just wanted to speak with Jennifer and get some clarity about my character, Pastor Judah, and learn as much information as possible so I could do my job the best I could.
TM: Are there any other upcoming projects you’re excited about that you can share with us?
AN: The Salamander King. My first film as a director. Watch my socials for updates on where and when you can see it!
TM: What has been the most significant change in Hollywood since you started your career?
AN: The most significant change in Hollywood has been the internet and streaming. I’m not saying anything new here. Everyone knows it. I don’t think it’s AI at all. I think AI is going to help us make some incredible things! Right now we are all in a strange place where everything is in flux. We will be back on steady ground again soon. But as soon as we are, another new breakthrough will arrive on the scene. It’s just the nature of the beast!
TM: If you could go back in time for 1 hour to any period in history. Who would you spend that hour with and why?
AN: Oohhh. Tough question. I would go back to 1956, gently poison Roger Vadim so he could not direct, AND GOD CREATED WOMAN, and take over as director so I could work with Brigitte Bardot. Haaaaa!
TM: So the dream roles, some actors have had it, some actors are searching for it. Have you had your dream role and if so, what was it, and if not, what would you like it to be?
AN: I think it’s a trap to think that you have never had the role of a lifetime. The funny thing is, it doesn’t matter what I think. It matters what the audience thinks. And sometimes, we won’t know what my great role was, until years later. I have been so lucky to play so many fun and interesting characters. But one in particular always comes to mind. Johnny Monad, in John From Cincinatti. The HBO David Milch series. Roles like that don’t come around very often. I was so lucky to play that guy and be surrounded by so many talented people at such a young age. But if I had to pick… Tom Cruise.
Hahaha. Kidding. Kind of. Well I want to make a movie about the making of COCKTAIL, where I play Tom Cruise, making that movie. Super meta weird idea. But fun to think about.
TM: So these days, anybody with an I-Phone is now a filmmaker. Filmmaking is more accessible than it was back in the day. What do you think about this whole revolution of young filmmakers basically creating their own vehicles, or actors creating their own vehicles. Are you on board with this new approach to filmmaking?
AN: I am definitely on board. I wake up everyday, wondering how I can make something that has a big impact, but cheaply and easily. It’s tough because we are desensitized by big movies and tv shows. They look epic. They spend millions to do that. And we watch in our homes and it’s just normal. There is nothing normal about it. Making a tiny movie takes a Herculean effort. So I welcome ideas and tech that can help us keep the cost down. At the end of the day, we are moving forward. We are evolving. Everything is streamlining and those that don’t run at these challenges are gonna get left behind.
To learn more about Austin Nichols follow him @austinnichols