IN CONVERSATION WITH JOSHUA ODJICK

interview by JANA LETONJA

Award-winning actor Joshua Odjick is starring in Stephen King’s and Lionsgate’s adaptation of ‘The Long Walk’, which released on 12th September, and in HBO’s ‘Welcome to Derry’ series, coming out in October. He previously starred in ‘Wildhood’, ‘Little Bird’, ‘Bones of Crows’, ‘The Swarm’, and ‘NCIS: Origins’, among others. With aspirations behind the camera, he is currently developing multiple scripts and is embarking on his directorial debut through the prestigious Governor General’s Artists Award, Canada’s highest distinction for artistic achievement in visual and media arts.

You’re starring in ‘The Long Walk’, a major Stephen King adaptation dropping this fall. What’s it been like stepping into this iconic universe?

It’s been pretty surreal. Stephen King and our Francis Lawrence are legends. It’s such a privilege to have been chosen to participate in such a powerful film. Francis was so amazing to work with. He allowed me the space to work and develop my character, and tweaked things along the way to ensure a solid character arc. It was definitely painful at times walking in those boots with bleeding blisters, but absolutely worth every step.

In ‘The Long Walk’, you play Collie Parker, a rebellious yet emotionally layered character. What drew you to him, and how did you approach balancing his toughness with his vulnerability?

That’s a good question. It happened somewhat organically in an art imitates life kind of way.  I personally felt more guarded, even shy, at the start of the shoot and as time went on, the fatigue and heat and all of it, brought the walls down and the emotions to the surface, in life and in the film. We also had it mapped out for Collie to start that way and with each day, he got more and more aware of his mortality and I think that’s where a deeper need for connection kicks in.

The film tackles dystopia, endurance, and survival. What do you think ‘The Long Walk’ says about society, and what resonated with you personally?

People are getting so accustomed and numb to violence. Spectators are watching children die in the name of greed. It’s eerily close to home.

We’ll also be seeing you in ‘Welcome to Derry’, which explores the origins of Pennywise. Without giving too much away, what can fans expect from this prequel and your role in it?

Fans can expect to be on the edge of a wild ride. My character definitely goes through his own hero’s journey. There really isn’t much more I can say without giving too much away, but I’d be surprised if the fans didn’t totally love this show.

You’ve taken on everything from dystopian thrillers to Indigenous coming-of-age stories. How do you choose roles? What makes a script speak to you?

It feels like the roles choose me. It’s really fun to work in multiple genres and styles of storytelling. At this stage, I want to explore all possibilities. It’s always exciting to receive a new script with a character that really goes on a journey, both inside and out.

You’ve been called one of Stephen King’s new “IT” boys. How do you stay grounded as your profile rises?
To stay grounded, I look for spaces in nature, in the quiet, either in a forest, like back home on the rez or some kind of water. When I’m in LA for example, the city is big and loud. When I get overwhelmed there, I take a drive to the ocean. It’s very calming and it clears my head and takes my stress away.

Winning a Canadian Screen Award and Best Ensemble for ‘Little Bird’ are huge honors. How did those acknowledgments affect you, if at all?     

I think having the accolades on paper seems pretty, but I never did the roles for awards. I did it because the source materials and character traits resonated with me. Certain events like the 60s scoop had left a scar on my family. I sometimes feel like I shouldn't have the awards because I'm telling their stories and receiving “glory” for their pain. I feel that my entire team deserves the recognition more than I do.

As an actor of Algonquin-Anishinabe/Cree heritage, how do you see your roles contributing to broader Indigenous representation in film and television?

I believe that today depression runs rampant in all reservations/reserves amongst the youth. I grew up in a system where most kids don’t believe in themselves and become stagnant. Their spirits can’t feel growth because we were taught to accept the tragedies that have happened to us to this day. I hope to inspire Indigenous youth, so that the younger generation can see in themselves that there is a future, there is hope. As long as there is art, there is life. 

You’re also developing multiple scripts and preparing for your directorial debut through the Governor General’s Artists Award. Can you share what kind of stories you’re drawn toas a filmmaker?

When I was on set, I watched how everything would unfold, from the crew setting up the set, the director talking to ads about how they envision their shots. The whole set works in unison. I was lucky enough to have worked with directors who were excellent at translating their vision of any given scene. That's when I thought to myself “Why not do both?” I have been blessed to have worked with very talented people who inspired me to veer into directing. I have visions people.

What has the transition from acting to directing taught you so far?

I learned that the “fun” happens when you're on set, and the real work is in post-production. Direction requires patience due to the different variables, your actors personalities, and communication to the crew. I have a new respect for the art of directing.

How do your cultural roots inform your creative decisions, both in front of and behind the camera?

I know that the elders in my community got to live so long because they were happy and they worked on something creative, whether that was basket weaving or making traditional crafts and tools. They were connected and passionate in what they did and they wore it with pride because it is in a sense spiritual. I use that same mindset when I approach a set. I become alive in a new way. The late Graham Greene told me “Our people need storytellers to distract us from the harsh winters. To get by until spring, we still need more storytellers.” Also, “If you have a fall back plan, you will fall back. Don't dip your toes into acting, you either are or you're not."

TEAM CREDITS:

photography DANIEL MATALLANA
styling CHARLIE WARD
grooming CHELSEA GEHR