interview by JANA LETONJA

Garrett Wareing, fresh off his role as Lucas Russell in Netflix’s ‘Ransom Canyon’, is now stepping into a gripping new chapter with Lionsgate’s ‘The Long Walk’, hitting theaters on 12th September. Based on Stephen King’s acclaimed novel, the dystopian thriller follows a deadly annual contest where competitors must keep walking, or face execution. Garrett takes on the role of Stebbins, a mysterious and formidable contender in this tense, high-stakes story, marking a bold shift from his previous work as the kindhearted underdog to a harrowing, unforgettable performance.

For those unfamiliar with Stephen King’s novel, how would you describe ‘The Long Walk’ in your own words?

'The Long Walk' is quite actually “walk or die.” We take 50 boys and follow them on a high stakes journey until there is only one man standing. And while this may seem intense, it really feels like an emotional drama as you get to know these boys’ stories and what brings them together. It’s a performance driven thriller in the world of 'Hunger Games' meets 'Stand By Me'.

Stebbins is described as “the one to beat”. What drew you to playing this particular character?

Well, what an honor that is. But in all reality, Stebbins is one of the more complex and mysterious characters in the story, with a nuance and depth that really drew me to the role. Initially, I had auditioned for Barkovitch, Charlie Plummer’s role that he is absolutely incredible in, but I had asked my team if I could read for Stebbins instead and I guess the casting gods were listening. I wanted to bring a sense of heart and truth to this character, and with Francis’ direction, I think we found a space with Stebbins that stayed true to the book but also gave him empathy on screen.

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The concept of the film is intense, a walking contest with life-or-death stakes. What was the most physically demanding part of the shoot?

We were walking 8-15 miles every single day. Those limps you see on screen were all real. The blisters were real. The fatigue was real. There was a sequence we shot on a hill, which is quite a climactic part of the film, and man that hill was brutal. But I want to give kudos to each and every crew member, AD, background performer, and co-star who walked that walk with us. We were all there putting in that work, and only together were we able to make something great. And that is what you see on screen.

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How did you prepare mentally for a role that’s so psychologically and emotionally heavy?

I think at a certain point, we reached a level of exhaustion where the acting became instinctual and, in a way easier. We shot chronologically, so I decided early on that whatever my body was feeling that day, I was going to incorporate. Whether it be a limp, whether I’m cold, whether I felt exhausted or sad, it all would be incorporated. I’m also a big fan of Spartan Race, so I thought back to how I was feeing at the end of my hardest races and then multiplied that.

Stephen King fans can be very passionate. What do you hope they’ll think of your portrayal of Stebbins?

All I hope is that we honor and do justice to the fans of the book with our adaptation. JT Mollner did an incredible job at adapting Stephen King’s story for the big screen, and the heart and grit of the book is all there on screen. And while the film adaption is quite faithful to the book, I will say that JT infused a sense of newness and camaraderie into the screenplay that keeps it fresh for the audience. Fans of the book are in for a treat, and if you’re going in blind, what a treat that will be.

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In ‘Ransom Canyon’, you played a much warmer, more hopeful character. How did it feel to transition into something this dark and gritty?

The fans of 'Ransom Canyon' have been so incredibly supportive and I’ve truly never felt anything like it. So I thank you all for that love, I have felt it all. In the upcoming season, the fans will be quite surprised to see Lucas in such a different way, and that is the joy of being an actor. Showing you the contrasts between characters. There is no part of Lucas within Stebbins, and I think that will be really fun for fans of 'Ransom Canyon' to watch. It is such a joy to be blessed with such complex characters and allowed the freedom to explore. And I invite the fans of 'Ransom Canyon' to explore that with me in 'The Long Walk'.

Do you actively look for roles that push you out of your comfort zone, or did this one just feel like the right challenge?

Always. I want to play roles that people would be surprised to see me in. Whether it be the monster in 'The Shape of Water', Michael Fassbender’s David in the 'Alien' franchise, Mr. Tumnus from 'Narnia'. I want to explore it all. Stebbins fit exactly that challenge for me. Someone so far from myself and yet I crave the challenge to figure out how to live in this guy’s shoes, literally.

What was the biggest thing you learned about yourself as an actor while working on ‘The Long Walk’?

That I, alongside many others, can do hard things. If you had told me at the beginning of production that I will have walked 261 miles by the time I wrapped, I probably would have laughed at you. And yet, through blood, tears, and so much sweat, I walked. And I walked. And eventually walked for a final take and once they called cut on me for the last time, I just about burst into tears because such an impossibly hard task was completed. And it was completed by the sides of so many. We did that walk together. And we earned those steps together. And I learned that I can do hard things. And so can you. And I think this movie is a testament to that.

After playing a character as intense as Stebbins, how do you unwind and recharge?

I’m a work hard, recover harder kind of guy. Me and the boys would go get Dairy Queen on Fridays after shooting and get a blizzard as a little treat for a week well done. And I definitely enjoyed my time in a hot tub after the grueling weeks we had on set, only to get back up before sunrise the next Monday and do it all again. I think it’s important to take the time to recover physically, but also mentally. And it’s hard to find the time to do so sometimes, but it’s important.

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What can you share with us about your other upcoming projects?

I’m feeling quite blessed these days. 'Ransom Canyon' Season 2 is coming in hot. I am so excited to be sliding my Ariat boots back on and hopping back in the saddle with everyone’s favorite cowfolk to bring you a steamy, emotional, and beautiful second season of 'Ransom Canyon' comfort. I just got the scripts and I am so excited for audiences to get to return to our little slice of Texas. Keep an eye on my Instagram for sneak peeks as we head into production.

And on top of 'Ransom Canyon', I am currently shooting a film I am incredibly grateful to be a part of. And while I can’t share much yet, I’ll be teaming up with Iliza Schlesinger, Lola Tung, Megan Mullally, and Tom Welling to bring you a funny, heartfelt, and emotional film unlike anything I’ve been part of yet, directed by the immensely talented Josephine Decker. More to come on this one soon.

And lastly, thank you for the love. I cannot do what I do without each and every one of you and it means so much to have folks with me on this journey, from 'Manifest', onto 'Ransom Canyon', now through to 'The Long Walk'. We got more work to do, and I’m grateful to have you by my side for this adventure. Onward.

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full look STRIKE OIL

TEAM CREDITS:

talent GARRETT WAREING
photography TYLER NEVITT
styling ADRIÁN JOSEPH
grooming RACHEL BURNEY at The Wall Group
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA

IN CONVERSATION WITH GARRETT WAREING

IN CONVERSATION WITH LUCA CASULLI AND EUGENIO CALINI

IN CONVERSATION WITH THIBAUD CRIVELLI