interview by JANA LETONJA

Golden Globe nominated actor Sam Claflin is stepping back into the spotlight with a leading role in ‘Lazarus’, the latest thriller from bestselling author Harlan Coben, set to debut this fall. He also stars in ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’, which premiered at the Rome Film Festival in October 2024 and is slated for global release this summer. Known for his commanding screen presence, Sam has previously headlined some of the past decade’s biggest blockbusters, including ‘The Hunger Games’ franchise, ‘Snow White and the Huntsman’, and ‘Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides’.

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You received a Golden Globe nomination for your role in ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’. How did you approach portraying a character in such a richly layered story inspired by Fleetwood Mac’s legendary journey?

Due to the impact of Covid on the world, what was initially planned as an intense four week prep period transformed into a year and a half of singing and guitar lessons, accent coaching, research, and remote band rehearsals. We were fortunate to have the extra time, allowing us not just to immerse ourselves in the music, but to truly understand our characters on a deeper level and the world of Daisy Jones. I also independently spent countless hours watching Bruce Springsteen and Fleetwood Mac performances to get myself into their headspace, but I also used the downtime for deep self reflection. This period allowed me to bring a lot of my own life experiences to the character.

‘Daisy Jones & The Six’ explores the highs and lows of the 70s rock scene. What was it like diving into that era’s wild lifestyle and complex relationships?

I’d even go so far as to say that the most enjoyable part of my preparation was learning about the music of that era, the ins and outs of how such magic was made. Life was so different back then, yet the struggles and complexities of human relationships remain strikingly similar. Love is always complicated, and art and music will forever be one of the most powerful forms of self expression. Understanding how and why certain songs were made, when they were made, and what drove the artists behind the lyrics only deepened my connection to the role and grounded my performance.

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You recently starred in ‘The Count of Monte Cristo’. How did you prepare for such an iconic role, and what drew you to this classic story?

Before I got involved, I wasn’t particularly familiar with the book or the character of Edmond. However, for those who are familiar with the story, it’s easy to see why this would be such an appealing project. Edmond’s role in particular, is incredibly complex, so I made sure to prepare myself for the physical and mental challenges it would bring. What surprised me though, was how emotionally draining the role turned out to be. I’m quite a sensitive and empathetic person, but Edmond’s anger and rage were essential to his character. I’d isolate myself to maintain that mindset, which was unlike me. Typically, I love to be immersed in the environment, but for Edmond, it was necessary to find quiet corners on set to focus and stay in character.

You’ve worked in a wide range of genres from historical dramas to psychological thrillers and rom-coms. How do you decide on your projects, and what challenges do you enjoy the most as an actor?

I don’t actively go looking for anything in particular, I find that the right projects tend to find me. I’ve never had a set game plan of where I’ll be in five years. I live job to job. When a story resonates with me, when a character makes me laugh, cry, or keeps me glued to the page, that’s when I know it’s something worth exploring. Lately, I’ve gravitated toward roles that feel closer to home, characters I can relate to more deeply. It allows me to draw on my own experiences and emotions, bringing more authenticity to each performance.

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Tell us more about your upcoming role in Harlan Coben’s thriller ‘Lazarus’? What can fans expect from this Amazon Prime series?

Harlan Coben is renowned for his brilliant writing, and the adaptations of his books have been hugely successful. Nobody does suspense like him. The twists, the turns, the thrills, no one is ever safe, and anything can happen. What makes this particular project unique however, is that it’s an entirely original concept. You can expect the usual rollercoaster ride of suspense and cliffhanger twists, but there’s also a bit of levity woven in. One moment, you’ll be on the edge of your seat, and the next, you’ll find yourself smiling. I can’t say too much, but having seen the show myself, I’m confident fans of Harlan's work won’t be disappointed.

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You’ve recently stepped into producing with ‘The One Note Man’ and are exec producing the upcoming TV series ‘Barbaric’. How has the transition from actor to producer changed your perspective on storytelling?

Wearing the producer’s hat certainly comes with more spinning plates, that’s for sure. Developing projects is no small feat, it requires patience, resilience, and a real belief in what you're doing. I’ve always considered myself a bit of a perfectionist, though I’ve never had much self belief. That’s starting to shift. I want to ensure that everything is exactly where I believe it should be before moving forward. I can see the potential in things, and now I’m becoming more attentive to even the smallest details. I think that meticulousness will ultimately benefit the acting as well.

‘Barbaric’ has been described as ‘Deadpool’ meets ‘Game of Thrones’. What excites you about this project, and what role do you play behind the scenes?

The uniqueness of this project lies in the fact it’s sexy, gory, action-packed and darkly comedic in nature, all set in a fantastical, original world. There have been some incredible TV shows over the years that have made some really big waves and I believe this will be something to rival them. What excites me most is that I haven’t seen anything else quite like it. Our team feels as passionate as I do, and I’m grateful to be part of something that feels so fresh and original.

What do you look for in projects you choose to produce, and how involved are you in shaping the creative direction?

The approach varies depending on the project. We’re currently focused on several different things, and no two are alike. Some we’re more actively involved in creatively, while in others, we’re happy to take on the role of student. My producing partners and I have experience, but we’re still early in this journey and aware that there’s a lot to learn. Right now, we’re playing to our strengths, building connections, and leaning on our new friends for guidance. Our project choices are much like how I choose my acting roles. If the story resonates and the people involved inspire me, we’ll jump in. We don’t want to pigeonhole ourselves into one niche, we’re exploring all aspects of the industry and hoping to collaborate with like minded people who are passionate about meaningful work.

You’ve played roles in blockbuster franchises as well as intimate dramas. How do you maintain balance and keep challenging yourself artistically?

I approach every job with the same mindset, whether it’s a blockbuster or a low-budget indie film. I’ve never actively sought balance. I think it’s just naturally fallen into place. I remember there was a stage where I made a conscious decision not to just play the hero or good guy because I wanted to prove I had more range. In ‘The Riot Club’, I was initially asked to audition for the character of Miles, who was the least villainous of the ten boys. But when I read the script, I was drawn to Alistair Ryle, who was the complete opposite of me. The challenge of making such a dislikeable character likable was irresistible to me. Thankfully, I was allowed to read for that part, and it paved the way for more bad guy roles in projects like ‘The Nightingale’ and as Oswald Mosley in ‘Peaky Blinders’. I’ve never chosen a project based on its budget, it's always been about the material or the people involved. Maybe I should think more about the business side of things, but honestly, I don’t. I focus on the work itself and give it my all. Luckily, I have a great team of agents and friends who help guide me when needed.

What have been some of your most rewarding moments in your career so far?

Landing my first job is still one of the most pivotal moments of my career. After six months of auditions without so much as a hint of success, I began to think this wasn’t meant for me. The feedback was always the same, "We’re looking for someone with more experience." But of course, experience comes when someone takes a chance on you. Thankfully, someone did, and the connections I made on that first job led to securing my next roles.

‘Journey’s End’ also stands out. We had no budget, but we still managed to assemble an incredible cast. The fact that we were releasing our little war film at the same time as Christopher Nolan’s ‘Dunkirk’ filled me with immense pride. Sure, we didn’t make the same splash, but watching it back, I was amazed by what we accomplished with so little. And lastly, ‘Daisy Jones & The Six’. That remains the most transformative experience of my career, learning to sing and play the guitar from scratch over the space of a year. Seeing the final result, I couldn’t be more proud of how far I came. It’ll always hold a special place in my heart and gifted me lifelong friends and an album to share with my kids.

When you’re not acting or producing, how do you like to unwind?

I’ve developed a new love for reading. A year ago, I was pushing myself too hard, not listening to my body and feelings of exhaustion. Like many men, I found it hard to ask for help or communicate my feelings. Recently though, I’ve become obsessed with understanding why I do what I do and working to change it. Losing myself in that journey of self-exploration has been incredibly insightful. But the way I unwind the most is by spending time with my kids. Before I’m an actor, I’m a dad. I love watching my son play football or answering my daughter’s endless questions. They’re both so curious, so active, and wise beyond their years. I’m so fortunate to have them in my life. They ground me. When I’m not working, I throw myself fully into them, and they do the same for me.

What can you share with us more about the upcoming projects you have on horizon?

Right now, I can’t share too much about my next project, but I’m really excited about it. It ticks off a lot of boxes on my bucket list, and it’s a departure from anything I’ve done before. So, as much as I’d love to talk about it, I can’t just yet. I’ve also just wrapped filming an original four-part TV thriller called ‘Vanished’, starring the amazing Kaley Cuoco. It’s about a couple on their honeymoon in France, enjoying the bliss of the early stages of their relationship before he suddenly vanishes on a train and she is left to work out exactly what has happened.

TEAM CREDITS:

talent SAM CLAFLIN
photography LEE MALONE
styling TOM O’DELL
styling assistant AMBER COX
grooming JOE MILLS using Woolfe Knights X, Kevin Murphy and Circa 1970
first assistant JAKE MILSOM
second assistant CAROLINA MURCIA
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
interview JANA LETONJA
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN

IN CONVERSATION WITH SAM CLAFLIN

IN CONVERSATION WITH ISAAC ORDONEZ

IN CONVERSATION WITH EELCO KEUNE