“The Suicide Squad”
Photoshoot / Interview
When did you decide that acting is your calling in life?
I was about 20 years old and had decided to try out for the national theater institute in Sweden. And during the process of applying, I had a powerful experience that made me realize this is my path. It was the first time I thought that I’d found something I could actually be good at.
Can you tell us about your early experience with stage fright and panic attacks?
I had very bad stage fright the first 3-4 years of my acting journey. I would throw up every time before I went on stage before an audience. It was brutal.
Have you always been a fan of DC Comics?
I always liked Superman and Batman but to be honest I didn’t know what DC was until I moved to the US.
Can you tell us about working with James Gunn?
It was a fantastic experience. Besides him being such a nice person who also surrounds himself with great people so the environment on set is so fun and friendly. He also has such a clear vision of what he wants so you can completely trust him.
As most actors don’t get to see the final cut until the premier, when did you get the chance to watch it?
WB screened it for me and my fiancé on the WB lot a couple of months ago.
Are you impressed with the final cut of Suicide Squad?
I was super impressed with it. On the one hand, the film is very close to the first draft of the script but what surprised me was how many layers the film played. I knew it was gonna be a wild ride and really funny but I wasn’t expecting it to also be so heartfelt and beautiful.
James Gunn and DC assembled a pretty stellar cast. Who else would you personally like to see in future Suicide Squad sequels?
Man, I don’t know. But I’m sure James will find some obscure DC character that no one thinks about and reinvents the character. That’s what he does.
Do you have any fun stories from the set?
I can just tell you it was a huge mistake to spend so much energy training and eating good to prepare for this shirtless scene that I had. For some reason, I don’t realize that John Cena took his shirt off, literally two minutes before that! Huge mistake.
Can you tell us about your character Rick Flag?
Flag is the colonel who’s gotten the thankless job of trying to keep the suicide squad in line.
Are you happy with the directions James Gunn took your character?
Yes, I loved how this version of the character was a little lighter and more comedic. I also really like how the relationship with Harley had evolved.
You are known to portray a variety of emotions as an actor. Who’s is your favorite character so far?
Man, that’s so hard to say….
Can you tell us about your rescue dog, Zoe?
She is the sweetest little doggie and I love her so much. When we got her it felt like we went from being a couple to becoming a little family.
If you had a chance to give your younger self a piece of advice, what would it be?
Relax dude. Just be yourself.