IN CONVERSATION WITH BLAKE RICHARDSON
interview by JANA LETONJA
The Australian actor, comedian, and MMA fighter Blake Richardson is stepping into breakout territory with War Machine, the upcoming Netflix/Lionsgate release arriving on 6th March. Best known in Perth for his razor-sharp standup and relentless work ethic in the cage, Blake brings an unexpected grounded humor to what begins as a high-stakes military film before swerving boldly into science fiction. Physically imposing yet disarmingly funny, Blake represents a new kind of leading man, one whose discipline, unpredictability, and charm collide both on screen and off.
You’ve worn many hats—comedian, MMA fighter, now actor in a major studio film. Which identity did you discover first?
Acting came first. It’s always been the dream. Ever since I was a little boy playing with toy guns in my room, I would act out big dramatic scenes by myselfm my imaginary comrades bleeding out in my arms, or me, valiantly holding off hordes of enemies whilst my friends escaped. They’re some of my earliest memories.
War Machine starts as a military film before taking a sharp turn into sci-fi. What was your reaction when you first read the script?
Well, my first reaction was just “Holy shit!”. I hadn’t read anything like it before and loved the idea of a genre within a genre and that the audience would find themselves in multiple movies throughout the film. Action, sci-fi, horror, drama, it had it all. I had seen Patrick Hughes’s, our director, film ‘Red Hill’ years prior, which launched his career, so I knew he could pull it off.
Without giving anything away, how did that genre shift affect the way you approached your character?
For me, it didn’t change anything. I felt like I knew who the character “15” was the moment I read the script in the audition. How he saw the world, those around him and himself. I knew I just had to go through the motions of his journey in the film and trust in the director and my fellow cast mates and the rest would take care of itself.
You share the screen with Alan Ritchson and Dennis Quaid. What did you learn from working alongside them?
I learnt that there is a reason they are working at the level they are and have been for so long. They’re professionals in every sense of the word. Committed, connected and specific with their work and choices. More than that, I learnt that the quality of “human being” you are off screen and how you treat those around you is even more important. Alan was immensely gracious, collaborative and an incredible leader.
Coming from standup comedy, how do you bring humor into a film that’s rooted in tension and high stakes?
My character “15” is multi-faceted, but he undeniably brings some laughter and lighter moments in the chaos of the film. Knowing how to walk that line and bring that from my comedy roots was huge and something I am very proud of in the film.
Did your fighting background change the way action scenes were choreographed or performed?
Well, thankfully, the script didn’t call for any fist fights with Alan Ritchson, or I would not be alive at this moment. However, physicality was a huge part of this film and having body control and awareness was massively helpful. We were also lucky enough to have one of the best stunt teams in the world guiding us and protecting us the entire way through.
Perth’s comedy scene is known for being raw and tight-knit. How did that environment shape your voice?
Comedy, for me, is really about having a very specific point of view on various aspects and moments in life that we all share. That is what ultimately people relate to and find funny in the end. We are more similar than we are different as human beings and that has been invaluable in “finding myself” in different characters and how I approach my acting.
What surprised you most about yourself during the making of this film?
What surprised me most was how calm and at peace I felt during the entire process of making the film. We had an unbelievably supportive cast and crew. I knew that this role was an enormous opportunity for me and a dream come true, but rather than feeling pressure or fear, it was the opposite. It’s confirmed for me that acting is what I was meant to do.
As someone who thrives in multiple worlds, do you feel more at home on stage, on set, or in the cage?
On set is definitely my happy place. Outside of being with close friends and family, I’m never more content than when I’m on set. Doesn’t matter what the project is or how hard the day of shooting was, I always leave smiling and I never sleep better.
How do you mentally switch gears between training, performing standup, and acting?
Each world brings out something different in me and I enjoy exploring all facets of myself, the good and bad. However, I love the quote from Seneca, which says “He who is everywhere; is nowhere” and I find that to be true. I can only give my all to one thing at a time. I do my best to maintain balance, but when I am working as an actor, I try and make that the focus until the job is done.
Fashion and fitness often go hand in hand in editorial spaces. How do you express yourself stylistically outside the gym and the cage?
Living in Perth and the consistent heat, it is hard to wear more than a singlet and shorts most days. In my personal life, I often try to balance comfort and style. However, I’ve always loved fashion and fitness as vehicles for expression and character. One of my favourite aspects of acting is the chance to explore different looks and physicalities through characters and see how that affects my psychology and how I feel.
With ‘War Machine’ introducing you to a global audience, what kind of roles or projects excite you most right now?
For me, anything that I feel I can bring some of my unique tools and instincts to that will do the story and character justice. I always try and bring elements of humour, cheekiness, physicality, danger and vulnerability to any role I play. This role was a dream come true for me and I can’t wait to introduce the world to “15”.
TEAM CREDITS
talent BLAKE RICHARDSON
photography JOHNNY NICOLAIDIS
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
