IN CONVERSATION WITH STEPHAN JAMES
interview by JANA LETONJA
Golden Globe nominee Stephan James has built one of the most compelling careers of his generation, defined by emotional precision, quiet intensity, and transformative range. From his breakout work in Barry Jenkins’ Oscar-nominated If Beale Street Could Talk to his riveting performance opposite Julia Roberts in Homecoming, he has consistently chosen roles that explore depth and complexity. That range is currently on full display with two strikingly different releases, the global Netflix sci-fi action thriller War Machine, and Ricky, a tender, deeply human drama that premiered at the 2025 Sundance Film Festival to critical acclaim, winning the Directing Award and earning standout reviews.
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This March & April brought two very different films for you, War Machine and Ricky. How does it feel to have such contrasting performances arriving back-to-back?
I feel very fortunate. It's not every day that an actor gets the opportunity to exist in two distinctly different pieces of art that feel equally relevant and palpable in the world at the same time.
Let’s start with War Machine. What drew you to the sci-fi action space, and what excited you about the role of “7”?
Firstly, when I read the script, I honestly couldn't stop reading. It was quite an experience, to say the least. I thought about what 7 could represent to the movie. A fighter, a brother, a sense of hope in the face of chaos. I'm a fan of Patrick Hughes, so, ultimately, I felt lucky to be a part of it.
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How did working opposite Alan Ritchson shape the dynamic of that film?
Only for the better. Alan's a beast of an actor and an artist. It was great to go to work every day with someone so locked in.
What challenges come with grounding a performance emotionally within a high-concept, action-driven world?
I think you treat it the same as any other world. If we as actors believe the circumstances, the audience usually will too. It's a credit to Patrick and the environment he helped create on set.
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Ricky is a much quieter, deeply intimate film. What first connected you to the character?
I saw the short film. It's amazing. There was something very specific about the way Rashad told the story. It felt inspired.
Critics have called this a career-best performance. What did this role demand from you emotionally?
To accept the responsibility that these stories aren't told every day. I think that was a thing in itself. And then, if we were going to do it as a feature, we should try to be as honest and visceral in our depiction as possible. In a way, this shines a light on recidivism and potentially even the conversation around prison reform.
What was it like premiering the film at Sundance and experiencing that reception?
Sundance was great. In a place that loves movies as much as this one, it felt special to have the film received the way it was.
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The film’s pay-it-forward release model is unique. Why is supporting independent cinema important to you?
Independent cinema is the core of all cinema, isn't it? I take pride in indie films and will always do them as long as I'm lucky enough to take part. Especially, in the ones that feel right.
How do you decompress after inhabiting emotionally demanding roles?
Usually, getting back home for a while does the trick. Back to routine, friends, family, etc.
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As your career grows, how intentional are you about the impact of the stories you choose to tell?
Very. I have always been. But the core of it all is entertainment, I think. So, I'll continue to be intentional in that way.
Is there a genre you haven’t explored yet that you’re eager to step into?
I think the potential is there for any genre. Rom-coms, horror, westerns. I watch them all, so I'd be excited about the right story in any new genre, honestly.
At this moment in your career, what feels most important to you — scale, storytelling, or something else entirely?
I think all of the above. I'm continuing to seek out roles where I can truly show different facets of my craft. I think that's how you last 20, 30+ years in this business. Always offer the audience something new every time they see you, inviting more and more people into your perspective as a storyteller. To do that with great filmmakers and fellow actors is always the north star.
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TEAM CREDITS:
talent STEPHAN JAMES
photographer TAYO KUKU JR.
stylist APUJE KALU
groomer EMILY ZEMPEL
