From a real-life prince in The Young Victoria to a ruthless assassin in Hitman: Agent 47, Rupert Friend’s career has been nothing if not varied. Since his 2004 film debut in the The Libertine, Friend has become one of the most prolific actors of his generation, with a list of credits that includes 57 episodes of Homeland. The 39-year-old Brit-turned-New Yorker tells us about shunning social media, smuggling cigarettes, and stepping outside of his comfort zone.
When did you move to the States? Was it when you were cast in Homeland?
Yes, exactly. In this job you go where the work takes you. This Homeland thing came up and it was a very strange scenario for me. I’d never done television in any country, but here you sign up with an open-ended contract… and [my character] Peter Quinn became very beloved, so we kept on exploring him.
But you weren’t keen on doing TV initially?
I never wanted to sign up for anything that was going to have a hold over me indefinitely but, in the end, jumping in with both feet and saying, ‘Oh stuff it. Let’s go for it,’ was actually a blessing in disguise… I think was in a bit of a grenade-throwing mood when I said yes.
Your next release is Wes Anderson’s The French Dispatch. What can you reveal about it?
This story is from the Schön! 39 | Letitia Wright #AllAboutFilm edition of Schön! Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Schön! 39 | Letitia Wright #AllAboutFilm edition of Schön! Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
On The Phone With Rupert Friend
Schön! talks to Rupert Friend about working with Wes Anderson and why variety is the spice of life.
we can be heroes
As Season Two of The Boys hits our screens, actor Erin Moriarty reflects on what it takes to be a superhero in 2020.
we rise
From princess of Wakanda to real-life Black Panther, actor Letitia Wright explains why film is more than moving images — it’s about manifesting a new reality.
talkin' ‘bout my generation
With an Ivor Novello Award for Rising Star already under her belt, singer-songwriter Griff is breathing fresh air into the world of pop.
the invisible muscle
Bright new star Victoria Pedretti is poised to thrill tens of millions again — this time with The Haunting of Bly Manor.
say it right
Kelvin Harrison, Jr. is making a change. With a Netflix film and Euphoria Season Two on the horizon, the 26-year-old actor is taking his career in a new direction — and garnering considerable acclaim.
prince of the south
There’s a fine line between dreamers who achieve their goals and dreamers who keep destiny on the back burner.
never has he ever
Not long ago, Darren Barnet was working at a West Hollywood SoulCycle, parking a mile away just to avoid a $4 fee. Today, he’s the lead of a top Netflix Original series.
living doll
Whether on RuPaul’s Drag Race or off-screen, one thing is certain: Gigi Goode has more than one trick up her sleeve.
alt renaissance
Beabadoobee is reviving Grunge for the Gen-Z masses. Her first song became a viral TikTok sensation, and now she hopes her poetic debut album Fake It Flowers will inspire a new generation of women in Rock.
