Exactly. Speaking of “Grey”–
Joe Carnahan is sitting right next to me. So, if you want any “Grey” questions…
You mentioned in an interview that while filming “The Grey” and braving the brutal conditions–
When we shot “The Grey,” it was literally -35 degrees. We only were shooting seven hours a night, and the cameras would freeze. And we were in 17 layers of clothing. It was bananas.
That’s insane. One comment that stood out to me was that you mentioned that you’re limited in talent and that the conditions made it easier. Well, that’s a sentiment that we, at The Playlist, fundamentally disagree with because you’ve shown a tremendous amount of range in your roles.
[Laughter] Oh, that’s sweet. Thank you. Thank you, brother. That touches me. I appreciate it. That word, “talent.” What is it? It’s so ambiguous. I don’t know what talent I have, but I do know how hard I work. And I do take pride in trying to out-work everyone. And I feel like it’s that thing; it’s that blue-collar, Charlie Hustle mentality. Because acting’s like anything else in that the harder you work at it, the more work you do, the better you are. But I appreciate you guys thinking I’m talented. That’s always nice [laughter].
Of course, man. In your opinion, is on-the-job experience or education more valuable?
Education is great if you’re a doctor or a chemical engineer. My friend Joe Carnahan is sitting next to me in my cell. I didn’t go to Juilliard, and he didn’t go to NYU film school. But guess what? A lot of people did. And you know where they are? I don’t know. They’re not here. So, basically what we did was we forced ourselves to learn on the job because we’re passionate about something. And eventually, we become an outlier. And, to me, that’s the greatest education, to be here, doing it, and to figure out all the pitfalls, and to live it.
You can sit in a classroom or on a stage in school for eight years and get a master’s in acting. I’m always amazed by that. A master’s in acting. Go to a museum and stare at paintings. Look at people in the mall. Watch people gaze. Why are people crying? Why are people laughing? All these things…behavior – listen to people tell stories. I don’t think you need that conventional education. You have an MFA in acting? I don’t know what that means. As opposed to Leonardo DiCaprio, [who] didn’t go to acting school. He started acting when he was 12 years old [laughter]. And somehow, he learned how to be one of the most technically proficient actors I’ve ever seen in my life. So, I’m all for on-the-job training.
“Into the Ashes” is obviously a smaller film, in scale, than something like the MCU films. Do you prefer indies or bigger films with larger sets and set pieces?
I just did a movie called, “Hitman’s Bodyguard 2,” which is kind of a big movie; a lot of explosions and shit. But Joe and I just last year finished a film we did that Joe wrote and directed called, “Boss Level,” which is kind of “Die Hard” meets “Groundhog Day.” It’s me and Mel Gibson and Naomi Watts. And we’re producing. And compared to an “Avengers” movie, it’s a small movie. And the experience that we had as partners, as friends, as collaborators, there’s nothing that a movie with superheroes or any big-scale movie could ever come close to fulfilling for me. I’d much rather be able to do what Joe and I are doing together, or a movie like “Into the Ashes,” even, which is really creatively satisfying. And I’m grateful to be a part of any part of the Marvel world. But that’s not what gets my juices flowing. It’s this. It’s what we’re doing at Warparty. It’s what “Into the Ashes” is.
Speaking of Naomi Watts, you were reunited with “The Purge” director, James DeMonaco for “Once Upon a Time in Staten Island,” which sounds like an amazing change of pace for the director. Can you speak a little bit about this project?
Brilliant. It’s a family drama that takes place in 1984 on Staten Island. It’s this Italian-American family that’s going through what appears to be a serious crisis. And it’s subject matter that is very sensitive, especially during 1984, which is homosexuality and transgender children. And DeMonaco just wrote an amazing script. And it’s a really beautiful little movie that needs to be seen because it’s very relevant today. And listen, DeMonaco’s known for “The Purge,” and it’s 180 degrees from what that is. So, I’m excited for people to see it.
What was it like to be reunited with Anthony Mackie outside of the MCU in “Point Blank?”
It was great. It was all by design. Joe wrote the script with Adam Simon. And Mackie was the only guy that we wanted to do it. And from the beginning, it was him. And we have great banter, me and him, in real life. So, we tried to, as much as we could, apply that to the film. And I think it comes off. And I don’t think it’s the last time you’ll see him and I together in a movie. And again, Joe and I – that was our baby. From soup to nuts, we created and produced that movie. And so, it’s so satisfying that people are watching it now and seem to be enjoying it.
Do you have any plans to return as The Sergeant in “The Purge” franchise?
I wouldn’t be against it. I’ll tell you that much. If they approached me, I wouldn’t be against it.
“Into the Ashes” is released theatrically and on VOD on July 19.
“Point Blank” is available to stream on Netflix now.
