IN CONVERSATION WITH JACK MARTIN

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actor Jack Martin is having a breakout moment this spring with two major projects that position him as one of Hulu’s rising comedic talents. He delivers a scene-stealing performance as the RA villain in Pizza Movie, which premiered at South by Southwest before its early April release, while also stepping into leading-man territory in the upcoming Hulu comedy Not Suitable for Work, produced by Mindy Kaling. With his sharp comedic timing, charismatic screen presence, and a growing reputation on the indie festival circuit, Jack is quickly emerging as one of the platform’s newest talents to watch, both for his performances and his distinctive personal style.

full look BOTTEGA VENETA

You’re having a big moment with both Pizza Movie and Not Suitable for Work. What has this spring been like for you professionally?

It’s been incredible. As an actor, or anyone creative, the dream is to make work you’re proud of, that connects with people, and that you’d genuinely want to watch again and again yourself. I feel insanely lucky to have had that opportunity with both of these projects, especially with them coming out back-to-back.

In Pizza Movie, you play the RA villain. What made that character fun to step into?

Brian McElhaney and Nick Kocher, the writers/directors, asked the question, “What if we put Christoph Waltz’s character from Inglorious Basterds in the middle of a college stoner comedy as an RA?” That was how the role was originally presented to me, which was immediately hilarious. I thought the funniest version of this would be to play the character straight, like a dramatic role, and hope the comedy ends up working on screen.

full look BOTTEGA VENETA

The film premiered at SXSW. What was it like experiencing the festival circuit with this project?

I had never been to a film festival before. I had this weird superstition that I shouldn’t go to a film festival until I’m part of one. This was the first chance I had to fulfill that, so it was very satisfying. It was a little nerve-racking seeing the film premiere in front of a big crowd since it was my first time seeing it, but thankfully it played great.

How do you approach comedic antagonists so they feel entertaining rather than purely unlikeable?

Some classic acting advice that maybe sounds stupid, but is absolutely true, is that you have to empathize with and advocate for your character. As insane as the circumstances may be, like my character in this movie sincerely hating an anthropomorphized butterfly and being deeply passionate about order in a college dorm, I tried to get into his head and find real justifications for how he would feel, so that I could actually be present and feel real feelings when we shot the scenes.

full look VALENTINO
ring MEJURI

What do you think makes Pizza Movie stand out within the comedy genre?

It is a rare movie in that it is both a true, full-throated comedy and one that is also intensely self-aware. The first email Nick and Brian sent to me about it, lovingly called it a stupid movie. And it is, it’s very smart and stupid at the same time, in the best way. There’s a lot of meta stuff going on, self-referential jokes. It feels like the kind of thing you could watch over and over again and always find something new.

You’re stepping into a series lead role in Not Suitable for Work. What attracted you to the project?

I heard about that show years ago from a Deadline announcement saying Mindy was working on a show about Murray Hill, where most of my friends from college moved after graduation. I had so many friends sending it to me, saying I had to be in that show. I’ve wanted to be in it since then, so it’s pretty wild that it worked out. I feel like I manifested it.

full look VERSACE

What has it been like working on a series produced by Mindy Kaling?

It’s the best. Mindy is a genius. It amazes me how she can be both wildly smart and funny, while also remaining very humble and focused, not on her ego but just on making a great show. Having her on set was the best. She would come over and pitch new jokes in the middle of a scene that were always so good. She’s a comedy veteran of many hit shows for a reason.

How would you describe your character and the world of the show?

The show is about Murray Hill, which, if you’re not familiar, is full of young professionals, many from elite schools in elite jobs, but at the absolute bottom rung of those places. It’s sort of like college 2.0 in that everyone lives in these dorm-esque apartment buildings, knows each other, and goes to the same bars. The show captures that world perfectly. My character, Josh, is a bit of a pretentious nepo baby who tries, and sometimes fails, to be a great guy.

sweater LE PERE
pants SIMKHAI
shoes SCAROSSO
bracelet PYRRHA
rings RAT BETTY

You’ve developed a reputation as a bit of a fashion enthusiast. How does fashion play into your personal identity?

I’ve been lucky enough to work with a lot of great brands at events over the years, and I appreciate fashion as an art form just as much as acting or writing. It’s a powerful way to express yourself or make a statement. It’s fun to incorporate it into different areas. The way a character dresses can significantly shape how they present themselves on screen, and it can do the same for you in life.

What kinds of roles would you love to explore next as your career continues to grow?

I like challenging myself and pushing myself to do roles that are increasingly further from who I am as a person. Blake in Pizza Movie was such a fun part for that exact reason. He’s such an insane person that I have basically nothing in common with, so I had to really stretch to make it work. I’d love to keep finding new ways to do that.

What keeps you fulfilled outside of acting?

Spending time with the people I love. My favorite thing to do is hang out at home with my girlfriend and our dog. I’ve become a true homebody at this point in my life, but I have no regrets or doubts about that. There’s nothing better than being at peace with loved ones.

full look CITIZENS OF HUMANITY
glasses JAMES ORO

TEAM CREDITS

talent JACK MARTIN
photography JJ GEIGER
creative direction RYAN LUCCA
styling LUCA KINGSTON
makeup & hair KOH
set/props designer SAMUEL KEAMY-MINOR
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA