Moviefone Editorial

Tag: republic-pictures

  • ‘Preschool’ Interview: Josh Duhamel and Michael Socha

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    Available digitally on March 17th is the new comedy ‘Preschool‘, which was directed by actor Josh Duhamel (‘Transformers’ and ‘Buddy Games’). In addition to Duhamel, the film stars Michael Socha (‘Papillon’), Antonia Thomas (‘Bagman’), Charity Wakefield (‘Scoop’), and Fenella Woolgar (‘Judy’).

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    Josh Duhamel attends the LA Special Screening of 'Preschool'. Photographer Credit: Jesse Grant.
    Josh Duhamel attends the LA Special Screening of ‘Preschool’. Photographer Credit: Jesse Grant.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with actor and director Josh Duhamel, as well as Michael Socha about their work on ‘Preschool’, the film’s tone, how Duhamel’s previous experience directing prepared him for this project, Socha’s character, what it was like being directed by Duhamel, and shooting the movie’s funniest scene.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview.

    Related Article: Josh Duhamel and Director Allan Ungar Talk Action Comedy ‘London Calling’

    (Center) Josh Duhamel as “Alan” in Comedy, Family Film, 'Preschool'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (Center) Josh Duhamel as “Alan” in Comedy, Family Film, ‘Preschool’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    Moviefone: To begin with, Josh, can you talk about how your previous experience as a director prepared you to make this movie?

    Josh Duhamel: Good question. I think that my previous experience gave me the confidence that I could do it. I think that first time out of the gates is very scary, but I knew enough to know that I didn’t have to know everything. You surround yourself with a great cast, a great crew, a strong editor, a strong production team, and strong department heads. There’s nothing more collaborative than making a movie or a TV show because all these super talented people from different walks of production must all come together. Part of the beauty of this is that it is all hands-on deck, and everyone’s here to make a great movie. We just had a fun time making the movie. Especially when you’re trying to make a comedy, you want it to feel creative, collaborative, and light because that transfers to the screen. So, this one was no different than the other two in that I knew that I just needed to surround myself with talented people.

    MF: Can you also talk about the specific tone you were going for and how you were able to achieve that?

    JD: It was originally scripted from Malibu, this preschool was sort of a new age, progressive preschool instead of this 400-year-old institution, which was kind of like Hogwarts. That changed the dynamic of what the film was going to be, but I thought for the better. There’s no shortage of tremendous talent in the UK and everybody, Michael, Anatonia (Thomas), Charity (Wakefield), James Cosmo, Fenella Woolgar, and all my day players, they are Shakespearean trained actors. These are very talented people. It was intimidating for me if I’m being honest. But tonally, it does change that. It became more of a collaboration of American comedy and British humor, and I love British humor. Thankfully, I had actors who really understood that and pulled it off.

    (Top to Bottom) Josh Duhamel as “Alan” and Michael Socha as “Brian” in the Comedy, Family film, 'Preschool'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (Top to Bottom) Josh Duhamel as “Alan” and Michael Socha as “Brian” in the Comedy, Family film, ‘Preschool’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: Michael, can you talk about what Brian is willing to do to protect his child’s education and could you relate to your character?

    Michael Socha: The thing is with Brian, I understand him. I get it. Do you know what I mean? I’m working class myself. I grew up working class and I understand, I suppose, the preconceived ideas of what not being working class is. I know that a lot of the people I grew up with, they were always fighting to get out of the rut that they were in, assuming if they’re not working class, then life’s going to be amazing and they’re going to have everything they want. But that’s just obviously not the case. This film, I suppose, makes that quite apparent.

    MF: Michael, what was it like working with Josh both as a director and a scene partner?

    MS: Josh was wicked. I can’t fault him, I really can’t. He was a kind director and gave me all the time I needed. He’s a great actor to work with, and a definite team player in every sense. Honestly, I’m not just saying it. I thoroughly enjoyed myself working with Josh. So, if he ever wants to cast me again in any future projects, I’m available for you, Josh.

    (L to R) Michael Socha as “Brian” and Director Josh Duhamel in the Comedy, Family film, 'Preschool'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (L to R) Michael Socha as “Brian” and Director Josh Duhamel in the Comedy, Family film, ‘Preschool’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: Josh, can you talk about shooting the scenes with the fictional children’s band ‘The Wild & Crazies’? Was that all scripted or was there improvisation involved?

    JD: It’s one of those things whereas you’re prepping for the movie, “Okay, we got ‘The Wild and Crazies’ coming here,” and then it’s like, “Wait a second, we have to actually create a kid’s show within the movie.” So, we really dove in on what drives me crazy about some of these kids shows, some of the creepiness, and the backstories of these characters. I decided that I wanted The Monkey to be sort of that Mick Jagger burnout who thought of himself as an actual rockstar and ended up accidentally in this kid’s band because he needed the money and then it turns into this giant thing. They’re smoking and drinking backstage, we don’t show it, but you can feel it. So, we really spent a lot of time, not only with their characters, especially The Monkey, but also their costumes. The kids think they’re funny, but the parents find them almost scary in a weird way because they’re so odd and strange. We had a lot of fun. This whole thing is just so weird.

    MF: Michael, your character has a huge fight scene with ‘The Wild & Crazies’, what was it like shooting that?

    MS: I remember just being knackered. I realized how unfit I was after probably by take two. I was like, “Oh no, I got to get back in the gym.” But it was great because they were stunt people in real life. Everybody except for Colin Carmichael, The Monkey, he was not a stunt person. So, they were just incredible and willing to take a couple of licks. Do you know what I mean? They took a couple of knocks. It was fun, but I realized how unfit I was.

    (L to R) Fenella Woolgar as “Mrs. Lawrence”, Charity Wakefield as “Lauren”, Josh Duhamel as “Alan”, Michael Socha as “Brian” and Antonia Thomas as “Sarah” in the Comedy, Family film, 'Preschool'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (L to R) Fenella Woolgar as “Mrs. Lawrence”, Charity Wakefield as “Lauren”, Josh Duhamel as “Alan”, Michael Socha as “Brian” and Antonia Thomas as “Sarah” in the Comedy, Family film, ‘Preschool’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: Finally, Josh, was it challenging directing the children on set?

    JD: It wasn’t so bad. The hardest part about directing kids is that you only have them for so many hours, so you really must be smart about how you schedule it. But they were both great kids and they were both willing to try all kinds of stuff. They were both also very athletic. The actor that plays Brian’s son was a Jiu-Jitsu artist, so we shaped a scene where he kicks my ass at their house and does the flip and the whole thing. This kid is an actual jiu-jitsu stud. He’s very good at it. Then the actress that plays my daughter in the movie is a gymnast, so I tried to incorporate as much of that as I could because the physicality makes it fun, but they’re also very good actors and actresses. They were both pros, thankfully, because that could have gone sideways quick.

    'Preschool' will be available digitally on March 17th.
    ‘Preschool’ will be available digitally on March 17th.

    What is the plot of ‘Preschool’?

    Two fathers (Josh Duhamel and Michael Socha) become engaged in a battle to try and enroll their children into a desirable preschool.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Preschool’?

    • Josh Duhamel as Alan
    • Michael Socha as Brian
    • Antonia Thomas as Sarah
    • Charity Wakefield as Lauren
    • Fenella Woolgar as Mrs. Lawrence
    • James Cosmo as Joe
    • Colin Carmichael as The Monkey
    (L to R) Josh Duhamel as “Alan”, Michael Socha as “Brian”, Antonia Thomas as “Sarah”, and Charity Wakefield as “Lauren” in the Comedy, Family film, 'Preschool'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (L to R) Josh Duhamel as “Alan”, Michael Socha as “Brian”, Antonia Thomas as “Sarah”, and Charity Wakefield as “Lauren” in the Comedy, Family film, ‘Preschool’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    List of Josh Duhamel Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Josh Duhamel Movies On Amazon

  • ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’ Cast Interview

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    Available on digital January 27th is the new comedy thriller ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance‘, which was directed by Jason Biggs (‘American Pie’) and stars Biggs, Meaghan Rath (‘Being Human’), Justin H. Min (‘The Umbrella Academy’), Anna Konkle (‘Rosewood’), and Arturo Castro (‘The Menu’).

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    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jason Biggs and Meaghan Rath about their work on ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’, their first reactions to the screenplay, why Biggs wanted to direct, Rath’s approach to her character, her experience working with Biggs as both an actor and director, balancing the right comedic tone, if Biggs will direct again and what he learned from this experience.

    (L to R) Jason Biggs and Meaghan Rath star in 'Untitled Home Invasion Romance'.
    (L to R) Jason Biggs and Meaghan Rath star in ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews.

    Related Article: Moviefone’s 2026 Movie Preview: Theatrical and Streaming Releases

    Jason Biggs as “Kevin” in the Comedy, Thriller, Action and Crime film, 'Untitled Home Invasion Romance'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    Jason Biggs as “Kevin” in the Comedy, Thriller, Action and Crime film, ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    Moviefone: To begin with, Jason, can you talk about your first reaction to the screenplay and why you wanted to direct this movie?

    Jason Biggs: I read the script, and it was originally offered to me just to play the role of Kevin. My agent said to me, “I think you may want to direct this one,” because we had been looking for something to direct for a few years. What I loved about it was that it was unexpected for me, I think. As an actor there are connections that people make for me, and I thought that would have extended to my first time directing as well. I even had an opportunity to direct something that was much more like ‘American Pie’, and I ultimately thought, “I’d rather challenge myself in a different way and try to do something that was a little unexpected.” So, when I first read the script, I was like, “My God, this is really great”. It’s the kind of movie that I like to watch. I’m a big Coen Brothers fan and it felt like it had that tone to it, and it was populated with similar characters, structure, gore, and comedy. So, for me, it was like, I really wanted to direct this. It felt like the right one for me. I don’t think I anticipated just how difficult it was going to end up being, but it was a challenge that I took on, and here we are.

    Meaghan Rath as “Suzie” in the Comedy, Thriller, Action and Crime film, 'Untitled Home Invasion Romance'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    Meaghan Rath as “Suzie” in the Comedy, Thriller, Action and Crime film, ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: Meaghan, what was your first reaction to the screenplay, and did you recognize immediately that this would be a great part for you to play?

    Meaghan Rath: Yes, absolutely. I was in shock when I was reading it because I really felt a connection and an urge that I needed to play her. I thought that there would be so many actors that want to take that on, because it is a terrifying challenge with of all the emotions that she goes through, but also playing those tonal shifts. I felt that it weirdly combined a bunch of different skills that I had from previous shows that I’ve done. So, it felt like it was right for me, and it felt like it was mine, and it was.

    (L to R) Jason Biggs as “Kevin” and Meaghan Rath as “Suzie” in the Comedy, Thriller, Action and Crime film, 'Untitled Home Invasion Romance'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (L to R) Jason Biggs as “Kevin” and Meaghan Rath as “Suzie” in the Comedy, Thriller, Action and Crime film, ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: Meaghan, what was it like working with Jason on set as both an actor and as a director?

    MR: I felt very safe. We got on well just from the beginning and it’s so nice to be able to have that comfort with somebody that you’re getting on this runaway train with. It was 20 days. It was such a grueling shoot, and it was mostly nights. To have somebody that you knew that you could trust to take you through it, and not just as a scene partner, but as a director, figuring out this character, because it was very overwhelming. I came on not long before we went into picture, so I didn’t have that much time with it. It was nice to have somebody to figure it out with that I knew that I could rely on. So many times, during the shoot, I was like, “I don’t think we got it.” We had such crazy time restrictions, but he always gave me another take if I wanted it. So, that’s really something.

    (L to R) Justin H. Min as “Stu Cho” and Jason Biggs as “Kevin” in the Comedy, Thriller, Action and Crime film, 'Untitled Home Invasion Romance'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (L to R) Justin H. Min as “Stu Cho” and Jason Biggs as “Kevin” in the Comedy, Thriller, Action and Crime film, ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: Jason, can you talk about the challenges of balancing the right tone of comedy and suspense?

    JB: They’re in lie the biggest challenge, for sure. Meghan kind of alluded to it. It’s performance, its lighting, its shots, it’s the edit for sure, and the score. I always wanted it to feel as grounded and real because it’s a high concept movie. It’s a guy who fakes a break-in with his friend to win his wife back, and it goes wrong, and someone’s dead. It’s a high concept, but I felt like we would have the best chance of making it work if we kept it grounded. Because there’s a very broad version of this movie, for sure. But the version I wanted to see and make was as grounded as possible, because then I always thought that we would be able to go to some more extreme places, and ultimately be able to tie it together more organically in the end. So, yes, there’s laughs and very clear comedic moments, but there’s gore, there’s the thriller, and there’s the whodunit. It was the challenge of this movie, between the performances and everything else, and even right until the end, until the score was placed in. That was the sort of the final thing that we had to do. They did such a great job. So, that was the final thing, and it’s fascinating how much that helps connect everything. Anyway, that was part of the fun challenge for me.

    (Center) Director Jason Biggs on the Comedy, Thriller, Action and Crime film, 'Untitled Home Invasion Romance'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (Center) Director Jason Biggs on the Comedy, Thriller, Action and Crime film, ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: Finally, Jason, do you think you will direct again, and if so, what have you learned from making this film that you will take with you to your next project?

    JB: Yes, I would love to direct again. That’s saying a lot because this was a very hard shoot, as Meaghan said earlier. It was ambitious and very difficult at times. But for me, the moments that I will take from it, particularly working with Meaghan and the other actors and having that interaction, giving notes, having them change their performance. That was, for me, a high. It was such a great thing. So, I want to do it again. What have I learned? An insane amount. I mean, there is so much that I will take onto a next project if I get the opportunity. From little things to a big thing like, letting go, and being able to let go. You can’t get stuck. If you don’t get the shot, you just don’t get the shot. I remember missing shots and thinking, “That’s it. How am I going to put it together? It’s going to be impossible. Like, without that shot, there’s no way that this could work,” and that’s just not the case. There’s always creative solutions and ways around it. So, not getting as caught up in that, I think, maybe, is a big lesson to take.

    'Untitled Home Invasion Romance' will be available on digital January 27th.
    ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’ will be available on digital January 27th.

    What is the plot of ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’?

    As a last-ditch attempt to save his failing marriage, an actor (Jason Biggs) stages a home invasion during a romantic getaway weekend.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’?

    • Jason Biggs as Kevin
    • Meaghan Rath as Suzie
    • Arturo Castro as Ernie Guerra
    • Justin H. Min
    • Anna Konkle
    (Right) Director Jason Biggs on the Comedy, Thriller, Action and Crime film, 'Untitled Home Invasion Romance'. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    (Right) Director Jason Biggs on the Comedy, Thriller, Action and Crime film, ‘Untitled Home Invasion Romance’. Photo courtesy of Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    List of Movies & TV Shows Featuring Jason Biggs:

    Buy Jason Biggs Movies and TV on Amazon

  • Movie Review: ‘Shell’

    (L to R): Kate Hudson and Elisabeth Moss in 'Shell'. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R): Kate Hudson and Elisabeth Moss in ‘Shell’. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.

    In select theaters and on digital October 3rd is ‘Shell’, a blend of body horror, comedy and thriller that stars Elisabeth Moss (‘The Handmaid’s Tale’) and Kate Hudson (‘Running Point’) in the story of a seemingly revolutionary beauty treatment with horrific side-effects lurking within.

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    Directed by Max Minghella (‘The Social Network’) from a script by Jack Stanley (‘Lou’), the movie also stars Kaia Gerber (‘Bottoms’), Este Haim (‘Licorice Pizza’), Arian Moayed (‘Succession’) and Peter MacNicol (‘Ally McBeal’).

    Related Article: Elisabeth Moss Talks Max Minghella’s ‘Shell’ and Acting with Kate Hudson

    Initial Thoughts

    Kate Hudson in 'Shell'. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.
    Kate Hudson in ‘Shell’. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.

    ‘Shell’ aims to take some comedically horrific jabs at beauty standards, Hollywood hypocrisy and rich types putting their faith in dodgy technology, yet the stew of different ideas never quite gels.

    And in a world in which ‘The Substance’ exists, it looks all the more an example of skin-deep satire.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R): Director Max Minghella and actor Elisabeth Moss on the set of 'Shell'. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.
    (L to R): Director Max Minghella and actor Elisabeth Moss on the set of ‘Shell’. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.

    Writer Jack Stanley’s previous credits include Netflix action thriller ‘Lou’ and 2023’s ‘The Passenger’ and ‘Shell’ follows a familiar pattern for his script work –– a decent idea somewhat undercut by a descent into trope and familiar plot turns.

    As director, Max Minghella finds some entertaining moments, but the overall effect is somewhat hindered by a lack of grasp on tone and some very predictable points being made.

    Cast and Performances

    Kate Hudson in 'Shell'. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.
    Kate Hudson in ‘Shell’. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.

    Moss’s ‘Handmaid’s Tale’ connection to Minghella might explain her presence in this when she’s otherwise normally known for more complex and intriguing stories. But she’s perfectly fine in the role of an actress suffering the slings and arrows of a near-future Hollywood.

    Kate Hudson, meanwhile, has a largely predictable role as a seemingly beneficent owner of the eponymous beauty company who turns out –– to surely no-one’s surprise –– be harboring some dangerous secrets.

    Both the leads do solid work, but neither can really prevent it from going off the rails in the final act.

    Final Thoughts

    Elisabeth Moss in 'Shell'. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.
    Elisabeth Moss in ‘Shell’. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.

    The themes presented in ‘Shell’ are worth repeating; it’s just a shame that the movie has a very basic view on them all. There’s some gloopy body horror to be had, but it’s a minor effort in the genre.

    ‘Shell’ receives 60 out of 100.

    Kate Hudson in 'Shell'. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.
    Kate Hudson in ‘Shell’. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.

    What’s the story of ‘Shell’?

    Desperate to reclaim her career, once-beloved actress Samantha Lake (Elisabeth Moss) is drawn into the glamorous world of wellness mogul Zoe Shannon (Kate Hudson)—only to uncover a monstrous truth beneath its flawless surface.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Shell’?

    Elisabeth Moss as Samantha Lake
    Kate Hudson as Zoe Shannon
    Arian Moayed as Dr. Hubert
    Kaia Gerber as Chloe Benson
    Este Haim as Lydia
    Elizabeth Berkley as Jenna Janero
    Amy Landecker as Detective Flores
    Lionel Boyce as Detective Abramson

    Elisabeth Moss in 'Shell'. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.
    Elisabeth Moss in ‘Shell’. Photo: © 2025 Paramount Pictures.

    List of Elisabeth Moss Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Elisabeth Moss Movies and TV on Amazon

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  • ‘Trust’ Interview: Sophie Turner and Director Carlson Young

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    Opening in theaters on August 22nd is the new thriller ‘Trust’, which was directed by Carlson Young (‘Upgraded’) and stars Sophie Turner (‘Game of Thrones’ and ‘Dark Phoenix’), Rhys Coiro (‘Entourage’), Billy Campbell (‘The Rocketeer’), and Katey Sagal (‘Sons of Anarchy’).

    (Left) Sophie Turner stars in 'Trust'. (Right) 'Trust' director Carlson Young.
    (Left) Sophie Turner stars in ‘Trust’. (Right) ‘Trust’ director Carlson Young.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Sophie Turner and director Carlson Young about their work on ‘Trust’, Turner’s first reaction to the screenplay, her approach to the role, the themes Young wanted to explore with the movie, and the challenges of directing a dog.

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    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interview with Turner and Young.

    Related Article: ‘Game of Thrones’ Sophie Turner in Talks to Be Lara Croft for Prime Video’s ‘Tomb Raider’ Series

    Sophie Turner in 'Trust'. Photo: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    Sophie Turner in ‘Trust’. Photo: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    Moviefone: To begin with, Sophie, what was your first reaction to reading the screenplay and what were some of the aspects of your character that you were excited to explore on screen?

    Sophie Turner: I mean, my initial reaction reading the screenplay was like, is there a higher power that has dropped this into my lap? Because it felt like it came at the perfect time in my life to get some anger out, and it was so cathartic. The thing I was so excited to play was, I mean, there are so many elements that she’s so multifaceted, but there’s the motherhood element I was incredibly excited to play, but it was more her journey. I mean, it’s so extensive this arc that she goes on throughout this movie, and I don’t think there’s one emotion that we didn’t explore or one kind of challenge that we didn’t take. Then it was also just the physical aspect of it that I was so excited to play. The fact that I’d never done any sort of thriller in my life. So, that was something that I’d never done before and I was just excited to be vulnerable and bring so much of my own stuff into it. I think that’s what I was the most excited about.

    MF: Carlson, as a director what were the themes you wanted to explore and what did you want to say with this film?

    Carlson Young: I wanted to explore so many things. I wanted to explore how the universe has this way of putting things in front of you and that we will keep colliding with patterns until we change the story. It had this contained survival thriller aspect of it on the surface, but I saw something much deeper. When I met Sophie as a creative partner, it just made sense to me. She had a bravery and a fearlessness and the way that she spoke about the material, I knew that it was a creative kindred spirit, and I could not have made this movie with anyone else. I can say that cosmically.

    Billy Campbell in 'Trust'. Photo: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    Billy Campbell in ‘Trust’. Photo: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: Just to follow up, you said that there was something “much deeper” to the screenplay than just a survival thriller. What do you mean by that?

    CY: That there’s a predator through line and it was important for me to take the power away from them, from that narrative, to tell the full story about what it means to be a mother, to accept that responsibility, to accept a child with someone who is a perpetrator of your deepest trauma. Oh, there was a lot and fighting your way through that, and absolutely facing that challenge and being brave and everything kind of working out in the end because of that bravery. You’re rewarded for that bravery in a sense. There’s a freedom that comes.

    MF: Sophie, can you talk about where Lauren is personally, emotionally and mentally when we meet her at the beginning of the movie? What is her mindset when she arrives at the house?

    ST: When she arrives there at this mansion, we’ve all been in that place where I think, or at least I have so many times where you’re so overwhelmed that you are paralyzed, and you genuinely don’t know what to do about it. I think she’s in that stage where she can’t think in a straight line. She can’t think logically. She can’t see the forest for the trees. It is an existential crisis, basically, her coming and arriving at this place. I think in earlier drafts of the scripts, there was mention of, maybe I just want to walk into the woods and let the woods swallow me up. I think there’s a full chance that she was going to that place to go and commit suicide. There’s a chance that she was going there to just get some rest away from the world. But I think she’s almost inside, totally catatonic. It’s not a good place to be in. But also, again, there’s a relief to be there and a relief to be away from all of this. So, it was balancing all those things at once. I think so many times she’s sitting outside watching the trees blow in the wind, and then suddenly, she gets this feeling of, “Oh my God, I’m so overwhelmed I don’t know what to do with my body.” So, you need to go. I think she’s just all over the place, basically.

    Katey Sagal in 'Trust'. Photo: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    Katey Sagal in ‘Trust’. Photo: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: Carlson, what is like directing a dog?

    CY: I love Georgie. Let’s talk about the dog. It’s such an element of light, I think, in the face of that existential crisis that she’s going through. There’s a friend just before she steps off the edge. Her name was Penga and she was an incredible performer. She was good and it was a joy to work with her. They say don’t work with kids and dogs. We did have both, and I can report a really good experience with that. She was dialed. She could hit her mark.

    MF: Sophie, did you enjoy working with Penga and can you talk about how Georgie helps save Lauren in more than one way?

    Sophie Turner: You’re so right. Georgie’s like, he grounds her. I think later, when eventually Georgie runs or gets kicked out, literally, then the grounding force becomes her baby, her unborn child. So, it’s nice to have that grounding theme throughout the show and that grounding thing, because otherwise, I don’t know if Lauren would’ve made it out of that room without having that.

    Sophie Turner in 'Trust'. Photo: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    Sophie Turner in ‘Trust’. Photo: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    MF: Finally, Sophie, your character is isolated through much of the movie, and it is a physically and mentally demanding role. Can you talk about the challenges of playing this character?

    ST: I mean, to be honest, it wasn’t a challenge. It really fed into the performance. It was all so useful to basically shoot. I mean, I think there were maybe two or three scenes where, maybe more than that, but most of my scenes were on my own. So that isolation, you do feel it and the set was practical. We were in a very small room shooting that, and I’m really breaking the walls and I’m really scratching at the wallpaper and really being covered in these horrible cockroaches. So, because of the practicality of it all, it made it so much easier to step into that world. But again, it’s a challenge for me. I don’t really do that, or I haven’t really done that much physical stuff in my career before this. So, it was something totally new and different and I loved every minute of it.

    Sophie Turner in 'Trust'. Photo: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    Sophie Turner in ‘Trust’. Photo: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    What is the plot of ‘Trust’?

    After a scandal, a Hollywood starlet (Sophie Turner) retreats to a remote cabin—but she’s not alone. Betrayed by the man she trusted most; she’s trapped in a brutal game of survival. She can hide, but she can’t run.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Trust’?

    'Trust' opens in theaters on August 22nd. Photo: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).
    ‘Trust’ opens in theaters on August 22nd. Photo: Republic Pictures (a Paramount Pictures label).

    List of Sophie Turner Movies:

    Buy Tickets: ‘Trust’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Sophie Turner Movies on Amazon

     

  • ‘High Ground’ Interview: Jon Voight and Charlie Weber

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    Available to buy on digital beginning March 18th is the new modern day Western ‘High Ground’, which was directed by James Bamford (‘Shadow Land’), and stars Charlie Weber (‘The Painter’), Katherine McNamara (‘Arrow’), Henry Thomas (‘E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial‘), and Oscar winner Jon Voight (‘Heat’ and ‘Megalopolis’).

    Related Article: Jon Voight Talks ‘The Painter’ and If He’ll Appear in ‘Heat 2’

    (Left) Jon Voight in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures. (Right) Charlie Weber in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    (Left) Jon Voight in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures. (Right) Charlie Weber in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Jon Voight and Charlie Weber about their work on ‘High Ground’, Voight’s first reaction to the screenplay, how Weber developed the project, their characters, working together again, their respect for actress Katherine McNamara, preparing for the action sequences, collaborating with director James Bamford, on set and if Mr. Voight is still having fun making movies at this point in his career.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Voight, Weber, and Katherine McNamara.

    Jon Voight in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    Jon Voight in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Mr. Voight, what was your first reaction to this screenplay and why did you want to be involved in this project?

    Jon Voight: Well, I was recommended to it, and it’s always exciting to get somebody who wants you for a part. I had worked with Charlie on a picture called ‘The Painter’, and it was a big success with the Paramount+ folks, a popular movie. So, I was excited to read it. Then, when I did read it, I found that it could be very powerful, actually, and all the pieces playing their proper parts. I thought I could probably do the part they asked me to do, playing his father and the story. I said, “Yeah, let’s do this.” It turned out to be a good picture. I’m very pleased with the picture, Jami.

    MF: Charlie, can you talk about your approach to this character and how Jake’s military background makes him uniquely qualified for the situation he finds himself in?

    Charlie Webber: Absolutely. I developed this script for months. I found it. My friend Jon Thaddeus, who I had wanted to work with on a prior movie but had to drop out because of a scheduling thing with a show I was on. So, I wanted to produce something, and I saw this script of his, ‘High Ground’, and just shaped it into what it is, a sort of a modern day western. The character, Jake Wilcott, is based, not even loosely, on his son who served as an Army Ranger. I wanted to bring that to the movie. But anyone with that kind of training that’s been through those experiences can take care of business, so to speak, but also, they bring with them an experience having come home. He just wanted to kind of lay low and not be involved. He had to find himself throughout this story to step up to do what he does.

    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Jon Voight in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Jon Voight in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Mr. Voight, can you talk about Ezra’s relationship with his son Jake, and how he helps him through this situation?

    JV: Well, he’s been the sheriff. The character I play has been his dad and the sheriff for quite a long time, 35 years. He’s gotten a little older, and he’s going to be stepping down, and he’s passing it on to his son. He knows that his son has been through quite something in his military service and is shy in many ways of taking it on. He’s concerned about his son. I think that makes the piece rich, this, “You know, I’m capable of things,” and occasionally, I step up and say, “You want me to handle this son?” He says, “No, Dad, I’ll take it,” or whatever. I think it’s a good relationship. Then, we both come to the finale, and everyone involved must be capable of holding off this evil attack of many bad folks who are capable of just annihilating us. We’re only a few people, but we’re all skilled. Then, the audience sees what happens, and the final battles are quite extraordinary and fun for the audience. The skill set of this guy (Charlie) is terrific.

    MF: Charlie, you and Mr. Voight have worked together before, did that help with the father/son relationship you have in this movie?

    CW: Jon alluded to that, the relationship he and I have, and we’ve worked together before and we had a shorthand going into this movie. We work well together. I really enjoy working with Jon. That relationship and the sense of family and love that you get from this movie, by the time you get to the showdown, the stakes are very high.

    MF: Charlie, can you talk about the way the town’s residents rally together to support Jake when they are attacked?

    CW: They absolutely do. I think, as I said, when I was developing it, I’m from a small town, and I wanted to sort of reflect that and the mentality of people that are in this small place together. When you’re used to something, change can be tough for everybody. When someone’s been the sheriff for 35 or 40 years, to have somebody else come in when you’re used to something else can be hard for everyone. But it was hard for Jake. He didn’t know if he wanted to take on that responsibility after what he’d been through. So, I think the movie reflects that and ultimately the community rallying together.

    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Katherine McNamara in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Katherine McNamara in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Charlie, can you talk about Jake’s relationship with Cassie and working with Katherine McNamara?

    CW: Kat was perfect. She was such a great Cassie. We just really got along immediately and had a great rapport, respected each other’s work, and it was just breezy. We really got along great, and the scenes together were so fun and just natural. I really enjoyed working with her.

    MF: Mr. Voight, what was your experience like working with Katherine McNamara?

    JV: You know, the thing about Kate, I mean, she’s really gifted in many ways, and she’s gifted physically in terms of all of her understanding of martial arts and stuff. She’s very talented, and she has quite a following because of that. But she’s also a wonderful actress, too. She’s good.

    Charlie Weber in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    Charlie Weber in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Charlie, can you talk about preparing for the action sequences and how you executed them on set?

    CW: (We had a) great stunt team and great stunts. The gunplay, like I said, you have a great team of people surrounding you. I’m very fortunate to have gotten to work with a lot of great people over the years and have received a lot of training from a lot of talented people. We just had great stunt and fighting guys, like Max Kraus, who was an absolute pleasure, and I’d love to do it again, but just a great crew. You show up early. You dedicate yourself to just learning everything and focusing on making everything look right. Now, I’m a big fan of working extremely hard to master the things they try to teach me. I think it’s sort of a way to honor the people that do these things.

    MF: Charlie, does training stay with you from film to film, or do you have to train differently for different roles?

    CW: It’s nice to brush up on things, but I stay active in my personal life as well, when it comes to shooting, et cetera, and martial arts. So, for me, it’s nice to get in with a true professional and brush up on everything. But luckily for me, I’ve been fortunate enough to do enough of these movies where it’s pretty much in my bones at this point.

    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Jon Voight in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Jon Voight in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Mr. Voight, you’ve worked with director James Bamford before, what do you enjoy about working with him?

    JV: He’s appropriately named “Bam”, you know, Bamford. Because he has a dynamic personality. All together positive, and he’s very prepared. He’s been a martial arts guy, and he’s fought in the cage, you know, he’s the real thing. So, he has a very high expectation for the work that the stunt people do. He puts them through a lot of stuff. Sometimes I get scared. I said, “Wait, what are you going to let that guy get hit with the thing? Then he says, “Oh, yeah, he’ll do that.” I’m very concerned about all the folks around. But he’s a total professional, very smart, very good guy, and it’s a pleasure to work with him.

    MF: Charlie, what was your experience like working with James Bamford?

    CW: I love James. I loved working with him. I can’t wait to work with him again. I think to the point of what we were talking about, he is a great director, but in a previous career was a top tier stunt coordinator. He really truly cares about that work, but he also truly cares about his guys, the stunt performers. When you’ve got that camaraderie on a set, the stunts just go, great.

    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Jon Voight in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    (L to R) Charlie Weber and Jon Voight in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Mr. Voight what was it like reuniting with Charlie on this film after making ‘The Painter’?

    JV: Oh, Charlie and I get along. We have from the beginning when we did ‘The Painter’. You kind of try to get to know somebody and have a sense of what their relationship might be. From the beginning, Charlie and I got along. Charlie’s a wonderful actor and a total professional. When I came to the set, he was ready, and I was ready. That’s a great thing. I mean, once you know that, you’re in. Anyway, he has a wonderful way with these kinds of films too, because he’s got the physical ability on top of it, and the ability to go long nights with a few pieces of damage on his body to make it interesting. But no, he’s the real thing.

    MF: Charlie, what have you learned about acting from working with Oscar winner Jon Voight?

    CW: I, obviously, was very excited to meet Jon when we did ‘The Painter’, but as he said, we immediately just fell into a conversation and really got along. Then, as he also said, you step on set, and you got two guys that are ready to go and have some fun and care about the work and then care about not just the work, but each other and the people around them. I just really, obviously, admired his work before we’d met. Then, I just loved him as a person, and we just had a great chemistry. I think it was just a reinforcement of something that I’ve already felt, which is, you take the work seriously, but are a kind and cool person. I think seeing Jon on set just sort of reinforced that if you’re someone who truly cares about the work and the people around them, you’re going to do something special.

    Jon Voight in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    Jon Voight in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    MF: Finally, Mr. Voight, at this point in your legendary career, are you still having fun making movies?

    JV: Oh, sure. It’s always dangerous, too. You never know how things are going to work out. So, when you come to the set, each scene has its own demands, and you’re concerned about it, but it’s fun. That’s why we’re in this world. We fell in love with it at a certain point. We really love to come to the set and do this work and see if we can pull something off for the people. So no, I haven’t lost any of the enthusiasm I had when I was young, and I’m still very demanding, and I want to see it work right and all of that. I mean, it is an interesting thing about stunts. When anybody’s doing a lot of stunts, you’re concerned for them. Sometimes young actors, they want to show off, or they want to prove themselves. They’re not concerned with some of the things that keep things safe. It’s a danger. But when you’re a professional, there is a little danger on the set. These timings must be right and all of that, and you must know how to fall and stuff like that. But anyway, the good ones, and Charlie’s one of the good ones, they take care of everything, but they do the job. That’s a whole different area. You know, I’m an actor, but I also have done quite a lot of that other stuff, too. I really admire the people who do it well.

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    What is the plot of ‘High Ground’?

    When a mysterious prisoner (Henry Thomas) lands in his jail, a border town sheriff (Charlie Weber) faces the wrath of a brutal cartel.

    Who is in the cast of ‘High Ground’?

    • Charlie Weber as Jake Wilcott
    • Jon Voight as Ezra Wilcott
    • Katherine McNamara as Cassie Becker
    • Henry Thomas as Nathaniel Matheson
    • James Oliver Wheatley as Marcus Novak
    Katherine McNamara in 'High Ground'. Photo: Republic Pictures.
    Katherine McNamara in ‘High Ground’. Photo: Republic Pictures.

    List of Movies and TV Shows Directed by James Bamford:

    Buy Jon Voight Movies on Amazon