IN CONVERSATION WITH SAM RECHNER

interview by JANA LETONJA

Sam Rechner is having a moment and it’s only just beginning. Discovered by Steven Spielberg and cast in The Fablemans, the Oscar-nominated film that introduced him to the world, he quickly emerged as one of Hollywood’s most exciting new talents, earning GQ’s Breakthrough Actor of the Year honor soon after. Australian-born and effortlessly charismatic, he now steps into a very different kind of spotlight with Scream 7, Paramount’s next chapter in the iconic horror franchise, arriving on 27th February. With a career already marked by bold choices and quiet confidence, Sam is defining what it means to break through on his own terms.

full look PRADA

Being discovered by Steven Spielberg is the kind of origin story people dream about. How did that moment change your life?

It really is the dream origin story, and I don’t take that lightly. I was 19, naïve, perhaps a little clueless even, and shipped off to LA with no idea what I was walking into. Looking back, that naïveté was a gift. It let me fully surrender to the world Mr. Spielberg creates so naturally when you work with him.

It also gave me my first real seat at the table, a community I felt connected to. My Grandpa always told me that if I followed my heart, and contributed to the community, it’d lead me to a place where I belonged and could make people around me feel a little brighter. That is where happiness is found, on reflection I think my grandpa has it pretty well figured out. Not about his vinyl player though, I had to set that up for him last week.

blazer and trousers STRATEAS CARLUCCI
top ALIX HIGGINS
shoes VALENTINO

The Fabelmans was such a personal film for Spielberg. What did working on that project teach you about storytelling?

Very personal, and he’s one of the most emotionally intelligent, open-hearted people I’ve ever met. He taught me to work from the heart. Honestly, he and my Grandpa should get coffee.

On set, I learned how powerful it can be to approach storytelling with lightness, physicality, and genuine love for the material. And to always come to the text from a deeply personal place.

The film went on to receive seven Oscar nominations. How did you process that level of recognition so early in your career?

I mostly just felt proud to be part of something so personal, a film that felt like a love letter to cinema itself. A pretty wild and beautiful way to start my journey.

full look VALENTINO

You’re Australian and now working across major Hollywood productions. How has that transition felt culturally and creatively?

I’m super grounded in my Aussie upbringing, but I’ve also spent time in the US, and Americans have this big, bold sense of possibility. Blending those two energies has been exciting. Creatively, the work has given me space to explore what kind of artist I want to become.

 Scream 7 places you inside a legendary franchise. What excited you most about stepping into that world?

Joel McHale’s promise to buy us all Rolexes and pay for our kids’ college. Not sure my cheque will cover the education of any future kids, but I loved the idea of us all being invested in the success of the film.
But also, Scream is iconic. Being part of that team and that legacy is just very, very cool.

blazer and trousers SPEED
boots CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Horror has a devoted fan base. How does it feel knowing audiences will be watching you scream or cause screams on a massive scale?

It feels magnificent. I’m a big fan of screaming in cinemas. Finally, I get to contribute to the noise. I'm excited for the premiere and watching the response.

top and pants SONG FOR THE MUTE
boots CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

What can fans expect from this new film in the Scream franchise?

A proper nod to the original, a heartfelt mother daughter story, and copious amounts of bloody, viscous chaos, all carried by a fresh ensemble and guided by the franchise veterans.

What kind of characters are you most curious to explore right now?

I just watched Train Dreams with Joel Edgerton, and I’m fascinated by characters who are simply getting by, ordinary people navigating life’s trials. I’m also drawn to father son dynamics: what it means to be a man, how we inherit behaviours, how we break cycles. I like the idea of holding up a mirror to our behaviour. It leads to generational change mostly, but not always for the better. I also love how this leans into the women in our lives, how this change is core to our treatment of women and the acknowledgement that they do the heavy lifting in society and family.

jacket, shirt and pants SONG FOR THE MUTE
boots CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

top ALIX HIGGINS
pants WYNN HAMLYN

Fame can arrive quickly in this industry. What helps you maintain perspective?

I haven’t had to deal with fame in any big way yet, but staying close and transparent with my family and loved ones keeps me grounded.

layered tops STRATEAS CARLUCCI
pants SONG FOR THE MUTE
boots CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN

Outside of acting, what keeps you creatively fulfilled?

Doing backflips into any available body of water. And being goofy with my friends, that keeps me playful.

Looking ahead, what kind of risks are you excited to take?

In my work, risk is the whole point. “Normal” actually scares me more. I love tapping into my weird side and rising to big moments.

Outside of work? Maybe I’ll start walking around in public without shoes. Feels rogue. Feels risky.

hoodie STRATEAS CARLUCCI

TEAM CREDITS

talent SAM RECHNER
photography LEVON BAIRD at The Artist Group
styling NICHHIA WIPPELL at The Artist Group
makeup and hair CELESTE GUBB
set design JASMINE CHRISTIE at Hart & Co
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director and interview JANA LETONJA