IN CONVERSATION WITH OWEN PAINTER

interview by JANA LETONJA

Owen Painter is the breakout star of the second season of Netflix’s global hit series ‘Wednesday’, which premiered its first part on 6th August, with the second part following on 3rd September. Owen was last seen starring in Hulu’s ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’ and had an arc on ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’. 

Congratulations on landing such a buzz-worthy role in ‘Wednesday’. What was your reaction when you found out you’d be joining one of Netflix’s biggest global hits? 

Oh, thank you. I remember it was rainy season in Los Angeles. During that time, when the city was wetter than a rain forest or something, I stepped outside to take the call and was just getting dumped on. It was kind of romantic. Just kidding. But in all seriousness, I mostly just felt that I wanted to bring something of value. Something thoughtful. Something that wouldn’t get me fired.  

Without giving too much away, what can you tell us about ‘Slurp’? How would you describe him beyond the monster exterior? 

Heart of gold. He likes Sufjan Stevens. He can bake. 

Your character transitions from a zombie-like creature to a heartthrob villain. How did you prepare for that transformation both physically and emotionally? 

I mean, Tim is a certified genius when it comes to character design. Making an iconic silhouette. We spent the first month or two of the job just building on that. The attention to detail from everyone in the prosthetics department, in costumes, from Tim, blew me away. All these people at the top of their professions, taking the ideas further and further every day. It was so exciting and collaborative. 

Personally? Lots of moaning and groaning, flopping around. I watched lots and lots of movies. The James Whale Frankensteins, Buster Keaton. I especially looked at Klaus Kinski, who is a delight.  

There’s always a twist in the world of ‘Wednesday’. What was it like stepping into a show with such a devoted fanbase and gothic aesthetic? 

I loved it. The show is so playful, and the people are so great. It felt to me like we were at summer camp. Although, I do like the image of all of us just sitting around in black and white, smoking cigarettes, all upset about something.  

The show drops in two parts. Can we expect a big turning point between the first and second part? 

Oh yeah. Absolutely. I think Netflix will murder me if I say anything more. 

From ‘Tiny Beautiful Things’ to ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’, you’ve had some powerful supporting roles. How did those projects shape you leading up to ‘Wednesday’? 

Hugely. I’ve been enormously lucky in the people I’ve gotten to work with. I think about certain things I learned from Kathryn Hahn and Merritt Wever pretty much daily. I’m probably in for a rude awakening some day, but so far I’m totally spoiled. I also just got to make such great friends. I just got to see Sarah Pidgeon the other day. Love her. 

Netflix is clearly excited about you. How are you navigating the sudden attention and social media buzz? 

Me and Netflix are besties. We go way back, to the DVD days.

You’ve got a striking look that people are noticing. How do you see your personal style evolving now that you’re stepping more into the spotlight? 

One of my friends describes my style as “the grey man.” Which I’m sure is code for “boring.” 

If you could pick your next dream role, whether in film or TV, what would it be? 

I don’t know, actually. I think I have a hard time knowing what’s best for me. Maybe something on stage. ‘Girls’ reboot? I’ll be Marnie.

What are you most passionate about outside of acting? 

I think I’d like to be a teacher someday. Although, dealing with academia seems miserable.

CREDITS

photography JJ. GEIGER