Moviefone Editorial

Tag: taron-egerton

  • Movie Review: ‘She Rides Shotgun’

    Taron Egerton in 'She Rides Shotgun'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    Taron Egerton in ‘She Rides Shotgun’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    ‘She Rides Shotgun’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

    Opening in theaters on August 1st, Nick Rowland’s crime thriller ‘She Rides Shotgun’ stars Taron Egerton as a newly released convict who must reconnect with the daughter he hardly knows while fleeing a powerful white supremacist drug ring.

    The cast also includes Ana Sophia Heger (‘Life in Pieces’), Rob Yang (‘Succession’), Odessa A’zion (‘Until Dawn’), David Lyons (‘Safe Haven’) and John Carroll Lynch (‘Ballard’).

    Related Article: Taron Egerton and Ana Sophia Heger Talk Thriller ‘She Rides Shotgun’

    Initial Thoughts

    (L to R) Ana Sophia Heger and Taron Egerton in 'She Rides Shotgun'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Ana Sophia Heger and Taron Egerton in ‘She Rides Shotgun’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    The story of a man trying to find common ground with a family member they barely know while also on the run from either A) the cops B) dangerous criminals or C) both is hardly the newest one within the crime thriller genre. But it’s all about the execution.

    Fortunately, ‘She Rides Shotgun’, which has been all but dumped in theaters with almost no fanfare despite starring Taron Egerton, is much better than its treatment might suggest.

    Script and Direction

    (L to R) Ana Sophia Heger and Taron Egerton in 'She Rides Shotgun'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Ana Sophia Heger and Taron Egerton in ‘She Rides Shotgun’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    Co-writer/director Nick Rowland, working with Jordan Harper (on whose novel the movie is also based), Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski, has crafted something compelling and watchable, that, while it may travel a largely predictable road, is infused with enough truth, grounded action and surprise to make it worth seeking out.

    And Rowland, who previously made ‘Calm with Horses’, shows a real grip on how to bring a story such as this to the screen and keep it visually interesting –– helped by the moody, dramatic backdrop of New Mexico.

    The shootouts feel painful and honest, and while the big finale is certainly loaded with drama, it doesn’t lose sight of the characters.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Ana Sophia Heger star in 'She Rides Shotgun'.
    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Ana Sophia Heger star in ‘She Rides Shotgun’.

    This type of movie flounders if you don’t have a believable dynamic between the main characters, but here Egerton (who is typically great) and Hager have true chemistry, building slowly as Polly’s feelings towards the man she barely knows as her father flourishes and she finds her strength.

    Credit also to the likes of Rob Yang as the police officer trying to help Egerton’s ex-con (albeit with his own agenda) and John Carroll Lynch, who plays a violent, psychotic drug kingpin.

    Final Thoughts

    Ana Sophia Heger in 'She Rides Shotgun'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    Ana Sophia Heger in ‘She Rides Shotgun’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    A solid script with just a few predictable moments and excellent performances by the cast add up to a surprising small gem of a crime thriller that deserved better treatment than this.

    This is one that may well find its audience when it hits streaming.

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    What’s the story of ‘She Rides Shotgun’?

    The movie follows Nathan “Nate” McClusky (Taron Egerton) and his daughter, Polly (Ana Sophia Heger), on an emotional and terrifying road trip across New Mexico as Nate tries to escape his own past — or at least to protect his 11-year-old child from paying for his mistakes.

    Along the way, driving a series of stolen cars from seedy motel to seedy motel, they take shocking risks, survive daunting threats, and become profoundly close.

    Polly musters courage and insight well beyond her years, and Nate displays vulnerability and fortitude he didn’t know he had.

    Who is in the cast of ‘She Rides Shotgun’?

    • Taron Egerton as Nate McClusky
    • Ana Sophia Heger as Polly Huff
    • Rob Yang as John Park
    • Odessa A’zion as Charlotte
    • David Lyons as Jimmy
    • John Carroll Lynch as Houser
    'She Rides Shotgun' opens in theaters on August 1st. Photo: Lionsgate.
    ‘She Rides Shotgun’ opens in theaters on August 1st. Photo: Lionsgate.

    List of Taron Egerton Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘She Rides Shotgun’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Taron Egerton Movies on Amazon

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  • ‘She Rides Shotgun’ Interview: Taron Egerton and Ana Sophia Heger

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    Opening in theaters on August 1st is the new crime thriller ‘She Rides Shotgun’ from director Nick Rowland (‘Calm with Horses’), which stars Taron Egerton (‘Rocketman’), Ana Sophia Heger (‘Life in Pieces’), Rob Yang (‘Succession’), Odessa A’zion (‘Until Dawn’), David Lyons (‘Safe Haven’), and John Carroll Lynch (‘Ballard’).

    Related Article: Taron Egerton Talks Apple TV+’s ‘Smoke’ and the Podcast it is Based On

    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Ana Sophia Heger star in 'She Rides Shotgun'.
    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Ana Sophia Heger star in ‘She Rides Shotgun’.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Taron Egerton and Ana Sophia Heger about their work on ‘She Rides Shotgun’, Egerton’s first reaction to the screenplay, Heger’s character’s relationship with her father, and what it was like for the two actors to work together on set.

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

    (L to R) Ana Sophia Heger and Taron Egerton in 'She Rides Shotgun'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Ana Sophia Heger and Taron Egerton in ‘She Rides Shotgun’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    Moviefone: To begin with, Taron, 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?

    Taron Egerton: I was very moved by the screenplay, and I felt that these were two people that I felt that I knew and really cared about. So, when something that is that compulsively readable, but also feels real in a way that you believe they’re real people, that’s very compelling. It’s a compelling prospect to inhabit one of those roles. I love that he’s nothing like me. I love that he’s seems like one thing but is another. You know, it’s so often in life, there’s such a truth, I think, in life with where things will seem at first glance, unfriendly or unwelcoming in some way, and with a little bit of effort, a little bit of engagement, that’s quickly demonstrated to not be the case. That’s often my experience of the world anyway, and I love that Nate encapsulates that. He’s a man that when you first meet him, you assume who he is very quickly and some of those assumptions are probably well deserved, but the core of him, the heart of him, is good, and I love that about him.

    MF: Ana, can you talk about Polly’s estranged relationship with her father, how that grows through the course of the film, and what it was like creating that relationship with Taron?

    Ana Sophia Heger: Well, so in the beginning of the movie, you see that they obviously haven’t been together for five years, so they don’t really know each other. They must go through all these crazy things together that throughout the movie, they just start bonding. I just thought that was special and it was. It was easy bonding with him because he’s nice in real life.

    (L to R) Ana Sophia Heger and Taron Egerton in 'She Rides Shotgun'. Photo: Lionsgate.
    (L to R) Ana Sophia Heger and Taron Egerton in ‘She Rides Shotgun’. Photo: Lionsgate.

    MF: Finally, Taron, what was your experience like working with Ana on this movie?

    TE: Look, we just connected very easily and very quickly, and I think we both felt it was very easy for us both to feel that the story was important. When it feels important, it feels like it’s no longer about you, it’s about the project. Then you gain a lot of energy for free. That’s the truth of it. It’s when the project feels more important than anything that you have going on, it all starts to happen very easily in my experience, or more easily. You just get a lot of free energy. I think we both really cared about Nate and Polly’s story, and we wanted to really do it justice and although they’re not real people, they felt real to us. We wanted to do the best job we could playing them. So, I think the abundant emotion in the piece came quite readily in this situation and that’s not always the case.

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    What is the plot of ‘She Rides Shotgun’?

    Nate (Taron Egerton) tries to make a fresh start after his release from jail. However, he is forced to go on the run from his enemies with his daughter Polly (Ana Sophia Heger), who has grown up without him.

    Who is in the cast of ‘She Rides Shotgun’?

    • Taron Egerton as Nate
    • Ana Sophia Heger as Polly
    • Rob Yang as Josh Park
    • John Carroll Lynch as Houser
    • Odessa A’zion as Charlotte
    • David Lyons as Jimmy
    'She Rides Shotgun' opens in theaters on August 1st. Photo: Lionsgate.
    ‘She Rides Shotgun’ opens in theaters on August 1st. Photo: Lionsgate.

    List of Taron Egerton Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Tickets: ‘She Rides Shotgun’ Movie Showtimes

    Buy Taron Egerton Movies on Amazon

  • TV Review: ‘Smoke’

    Taron Egerton in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    ‘Smoke’ receives 6 out of 10 stars.

    Released on Apple TV+ on June 27th with its first two episodes, ‘Smoke’ marks the reunion of ‘Black Bird’ creator Dennis Lehane and star/producer Taron Egerton for a new drama adapted from the Truth Media podcast ‘Firebug’.

    The cast for the new crime drama also includes Jurnee Smollett (‘The Order’), Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine (‘The Lincoln Lawyer’), Hannah Emily Anderson (‘Jigsaw’), Rafe Spall (‘The Big Short’), John Leguizamo (‘Encanto’) and Greg Kinnear (‘Little Miss Sunshine’).

    Related Article: Taron Egerton Investigates Arson in First Images from TV Drama ‘Smoke’

    Initial Thoughts

    Taron Egerton in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    When Egerton and novelist/screenwriter/showrunner Lehane last teamed up, it was for the aforementioned ‘Black Bird’, an adaptation of James Keene’s and Hillel Levin’s book book ‘In with the Devil’, which saw a prisoner (Egerton) tasked with gathering intel on a serial killer fellow inmate (Paul Walter Hauser).

    The result was a critical success, and won several awards, including both an Emmy and a Golden Globe for Hauser.

    Hopes are therefore high for the reunion of writer and star, with the pair this time targeting Truth Media podcast ‘Firebug’ as the inspiration for a new limited series set in the world of serial arsonists. But can it live up to the pressure of prior expectations?

    Script and Direction

    Taron Egerton in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    ‘Smoke’ features Lehane running the show again, sharing script duties with fellow writers Adriane McCray (‘War for the Planet of the Apes’) and Molly Anne Miller (‘Long Slow Exhale’).

    Here’s the big problem with writing about the limited series: it’s hard to get into its exact issues without diving into spoiler territory. If you’ve heard the podcast or the case that it follows, you’ll know what actually happens, though Lehane and his team have only used the real-life story as loose inspiration, moving the narrative from California to the Pacific Northwest and inventing plenty to supplement it.

    In keeping with much of prestige TV, this is a slow burn story, one that initially coasts on the sheer charisma of Egerton and Smollett, and only hinting at the darker story to come. It takes a while to really come to life, but once the plot kicks in around episode five (of nine), things take a more satisfying turn.

    Greg Kinnear in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    Greg Kinnear in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    This is certainly moody and thoughtful, and goes to some shocking places later on, but it requires some patience.

    “Dark” might also describe the directorial style of the show, which opts for shadowy interiors and misty, dreary treescapes and industrial sites (despite its Pacific Northwest setting, it was shot in Vancouver).

    But directors Jim McKay, Joe Chappelle and Kari Skogland do manage to fan the flames of interest, and guide the cast towards some memorable performances.

    Cast and Performances

    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    Initially, this feels like the Taron and Jurnee show (with a few supporting turns, more on them below), but as the limited series opens out, the rest of the cast get their chance.

    Egerton is naturally strong in this sort of conflicted, dramatic role, showing the same chops as he did in ‘Black Bird’ (and some of his movie performances), and playing Gundersen also allows him to have a little fun in a warped sort of way.

    He’s just as good whether he’s giving egotistical speeches about how fires can spread as when he’s trying to knuckle down into domestic life with his wife and step-son. One moment that will sear itself into your brain involves Egerton’s character dancing in his underwear to a David Bowie song.

    As cop Michelle Calderone, Smollett is easily his equal, her own conflicted personal life spilling into her professional world. She brings a seething, quiet power to the part, and when she launches an investigation later in the series, it feels like the performance really kicks in.

    Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine is excellent as Freddy Fasano, one of the fire-starters on the loose. While his story initially seems to be siloed from the rest of the cast, it doesn’t diminish his pure dramatic power. And an interaction with Egerton is memorable for its chaos.

    (L to R) John Leguizamo and Anna Chlumsky in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) John Leguizamo and Anna Chlumsky in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    Elsewhere, there’s the likes of John Leguizamo, who is fantastic as Esposito, Dave’s bitter former partner who has an axe to grind against him, while Greg Kinnear offers plenty as Harvey Englehart, Dave’s boss. He’s both convinced that Dave is an ace arson, but also somewhat checked out, planning his retirement.

    Hannah Emily Anderson as Ashley, Dave’s wife, has less to do but does enjoy a few decent moments.

    Finally, Rafe Spall likewise has a smaller role (at least in the early going), but is superbly snippy as Calderone’s boss/boyfriend and in his antagonistic professional relationship with Englehart.

    Final Thoughts

    Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine in 'Smoke', premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine in ‘Smoke’, premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    ‘Smoke’ is a show that might end up severely testing the patience of some, but if you stick with it, the series catches fire in a way that, while many will predict how, is still worth watching.

    It may not be on the level of ‘Black Bird,’ but it still works.

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    What’s the plot of ‘Smoke’?

    ‘Smoke’ follows a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists.

    Taron Egerton stars as Dave Gudsen, the man with the talent for digging into fire crimes, while Jurnee Smollett is police detective Michelle Calderone.

    Who stars in ‘Smoke’?

    • Taron Egerton
    • Jurnee Smollett
    • Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine
    • Hannah Emily Anderson
    • Rafe Spall
    • John Leguizamo
    • Greg Kinnear
    Taron Egerton in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    List of Taron Egerton Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Taron Egerton Movies on Amazon

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  • ‘Smoke’ Exclusive Interview: Taron Egerton

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    Premiering on Apple TV+ beginning June 27th is the new series ‘Smoke’, which is based on the popular podcast, ‘Firebug’. Created by Dennis Lehane (‘Mystic River’), the show stars Taron Egerton (‘Kingsman: The Secret Service’), Jurnee Smollett (‘Birds of Prey’), John Leguizamo (‘John Wick’), and Greg Kinnear (‘As Good as It Gets’).

    Related Article: Taron Egerton Talks ‘Tetris’ and Playing Video Game Designer Henk Rogers

    Taron Egerton stars in 'Smoke'.
    Taron Egerton stars in ‘Smoke’.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Taron Egerton about his work on ‘Smoke’, the podcast it is based on, what fascinated him about the character, and working with actress Jurnee Smollett.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Egerton, Jurnee Smollett, Greg Kinnear, Rafe Spall, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, and series creator Dennis Lehane.

    Taron Egerton in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    Moviefone: To begin with, what was it about the podcast, ‘Firebug’, that made you think this would make an interesting series?

    Taron Egerton: Well, I think the podcast ‘Firebug’ that you mentioned, it is such an intriguing, unnerving, and arresting story. It has this kind of central conundrum to it, which is what is going on with this guy? The real guy is called John, although my character in this is called Dave Goodson. He defies figuring out, really, and that, of course, is a hugely interesting and fertile territory to spin a drama out from. I remember when Kary (Antholis), the host of that podcast and the producer of ‘Black Bird’ and this, when he and Dennis first started discussing things, it was amazing to watch Dennis ignite his creativity over it and start spinning it off in different directions and suddenly to create these other characters, some of whom are rooted in real people, but very greatly expanded on. I think in answer to your question, he’s just such a mad, fascinating character. Why would somebody do this?

    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    MF: Finally, what was it like working with Jurnee Smollett and building the relationship between those two characters?

    TE: A delight. Acting is always a very cyclical thing, so you give and receive energy. The best actors are the ones that are most alive to each other, I think. Jurnee does an incredible job of playing a character with tremendous weight and trauma, but also staying very available, alive and creative and bringing lightness to that in the moment. We had a time building this bizarre relationship, because it’s very complicated. On the one hand, I think, certainly in the first instance, they are intrigued and charmed by one another, and then it becomes competitive, and then it becomes very charged and adversarial. By the end of the show, it’s strange and bitter and dark. I can’t imagine anyone better or more talented to have done that with. It was great to have such a great, talented partner in Jurnee.

    Editorial Note: James White conducted this interview and contributed to this article.

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    What is the plot of ‘Smoke’?

    A detective (Jurnee Smollett) and an arson investigator (Taron Egerton) work together to stop two serial arsonists in the Pacific Northwest.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Smoke’?

    Taron Egerton in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    List of Taron Egerton Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Taron Egerton Movies on Amazon

  • First Images of Taron Egerton in Crime Drama ‘Smoke’

    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    Preview:

    • Taron Egerton and Jurnee Smollett feature in the first images from new Apple TV+ drama ‘Smoke.’
    • Dennis Lehane is writing the show.
    • It adapts the acclaimed podcast ‘Firebug.’

    Taron Egerton continues to be a busy man, and has been adding more projects where he’s a producer as well as star.

    He’s also back with Apple TV+, where he found success with ‘Black Bird,’ and this time he’s found a project that is –– pun entirely intended and unapologetically deployed –– hot.

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    ‘Smoke’ is a new crime drama that will see Egerton in a lead role alongside ‘The Order’s Jurnee Smollett.

    The eight-episode new series will see them digging into a complicated arson case (more on that below).

    Related Article: Taron Egerton Talks ‘Tetris’ and Playing Video Game Designer Henk Rogers

    What’s the story of ‘Smoke’?

    Greg Kinnear in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    Greg Kinnear in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    ‘Smoke’ follows a troubled detective and an enigmatic arson investigator as they pursue the trails of two serial arsonists.

    Egerton stars as the man with the talent for digging into fire crimes, Dave Gudsen, while Smollett is police detective Michelle Calderone.

    Perhaps most excitingly, especially to crime genre fans, the show has writing legend Dennis Lehane crafting all the episodes. Lehane, of course, already worked on ‘Black Bird’ with Egerton.

    And like that, this is inspired by a true story. Here, it’s a fictional tale inspired by truth.media’s acclaimed ‘Firebug’ podcast, which was hosted by Oscar and Emmy-winner Kary Antholis.

    On the directing side of things, Kari Skogland (who produces alongside Egerton and Lehane), Joe Chappelle, and Jim McKay will call the shots.

    Who else appears in ‘Smoke’?

    (L to R) John Leguizamo and Anna Chlumsky in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) John Leguizamo and Anna Chlumsky in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    The cast of also features Rafe Spall, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine, Hannah Emily Anderson, Anna Chlumsky, Adina Porter, Greg Kinnear and John Leguizamo.

    What else is Taron Egerton working on?

    Taron Egerton in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    Egerton is typically in demand at the moment –– he was last on screens in Netflix airport thriller ‘Carry-On’ and has a few projects on the go in addition to ‘Smoke.’

    He recently shot director Nick Rowland’s movie ‘She Rides Shotgun,’ about a girl who is marked for death and must fight and steal to stay alive, learning from the most frightening man she knows: her father.

    The film, an adaptation of Jordan Harper’s award-winning novel, will see Egerton as Nate the father figure, a former gang member whose old cohorts put a hit on his family when he gets out of prison.

    There’s also a new action movie from filmmaker Baltasar Kormákur called ‘Apex’, with Charlize Theron as an adrenaline junkie who sets out to conquer a menacing river, only to discover that nature isn’t the only thing out for blood. Egerton is filming that one right now, with Eric Bana also in the cast.

    And finally, we have the ever-present possibility of a third ‘Kingsman’ movie, with Matthew Vaughn aiming to wrap up his spy trilogy with ‘Kingsman: The Blue Blood.’

    Yet following some financial flops for the director, the 20th Century Studios team seemed to indicate that we might not see the final ride for Egerton’s Eggsy and Colin Firth’s Harry Hart.

    But Egerton has been more positive on the subject, saying this to Screen Rant:

    “I don’t know, and I don’t want to speak out of school, but I don’t think that necessarily means that we won;t do it. I think Matthew and I very much want to do one more. I want to do one more. And so while, you know, we don’t have a shoot date yet, I think it could still happen.”

    That said, we’ve yet to see real forward movement, so file this under “maybe” for now.

    Where else can we see Jurnee Smollett?

    Jurnee Smollett in 'Smoke,' premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.
    Jurnee Smollett in ‘Smoke,’ premiering June 27, 2025 on Apple TV+.

    Smollett, who was most recently found in another law enforcement role, this time with the FBI, in ‘The Order.’

    Coming up, she is preparing to work on ‘Sunflower,’ a new thriller about two women struggling to escape from a college professor who holds them hostage on a prison-like sunflower farm.

    Scott Speedman is co-starring in that movie, which comes from writer/director Misha Green, who worked with Smollett on ‘Lovecraft Country.’

    When will ‘Smoke’ arrive on the Apple TV+ service?

    Apple has confirmed that the first two episodes will launch on Friday, June 27th, with a new episode weekly until the finale on August 8th.

    Taron Egerton stars in 'Tetris,' premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton stars in ‘Tetris,’ premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    List of Taron Egerton Movies and TV Shows:

    Buy Taron Egerton Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Carry-On’

    Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek in 'Carry-On'. Photo: Sam Lothridge/Netflix ©2024.
    Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek in ‘Carry-On’. Photo: Sam Lothridge/Netflix ©2024.

    Landing on Netflix on December 13th, ‘Carry-On’ will probably make most people compare it to festive action classic ‘Die Hard.’ Which seems a little unfair given the latter film’s high watermark status in the action genre, but when you put an average joe character up against scheming criminals at Christmas, the comparisons are inevitable.

    Still, ‘Carry-On,’ while it truly can’t compare to the towering 1988 benchmark, it doesn’t embarrass itself in the genre, providing a solid amount of entertainment partly thanks to good performances from its leads.

    Related Article: Taron Egerton Talks ‘Tetris’ and Playing Video Game Designer Henk Rogers

    Does ‘Carry-On’ hold up?

    (L to R) Tonatiuh as Mateo Flores and Taron Edgerton as Ethan Kopek in 'Carry-On'. Photo: Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Tonatiuh as Mateo Flores and Taron Edgerton as Ethan Kopek in ‘Carry-On’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    The ‘Die Hard’ comparisons, while tough for any movie to live up to, are at least slightly short-circuited by some decent worldbuilding going on here. Taron Egerton’s Ethan Kopek isn’t even at the level of John McClane, who was at least an NYPD officer. Kopek instead is more of a man in search of his place in life; while he’s happily in a relationship, his TSA job isn’t exactly the most fulfilling purpose, but he’s largely coasting.

    It’s a worthwhile place from which to start a main character in a movie such as this –– because you have something to build from. You know he’s going to step up to the task at hand when the moment calls for it, but he’s not a superhero or a man (usually Liam Neeson in Jaume Collet-Serra’s other movies) with a particular set of skills. Unless you count running (foreshadowed with talk of Kopek’s high school track star status).

    Likewise, Jason Bateman is an interesting choice to play the primary antagonist as the man known only as “Traveler” is more of a tactical thinker than an all-action villain. And the action element is largely effective, even if one key scene appears to borrow heavily from ‘Toy Story 2.’

    Script and Direction

    Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek in 'Carry-On'. Photo: Sam Lothridge/Netflix ©2024.
    Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek in ‘Carry-On’. Photo: Sam Lothridge/Netflix ©2024.

    The script for the movie originated with a script by T.J. Fixman (who has mostly written video games) and has been through some polishing by Michael Green (a scriptwriting veteran whose credits include the Kenneth Branagh‘s Poirot films, ‘Logan’ and ‘Jungle Cruise’).

    As a result, it feels mostly lean and taught, and the characters are built in such a way as they work for this kind of movie. It’s far from a perfect screenplay, but it does nimbly skirt around some of the more egregious cliches and tropes.

    It also stays mostly grounded (at least until the action shifts to a plane) and believable and finds something interesting for most of the characters to do.

    Collet-Serra, meanwhile, knows his way around an action movie, and while he’s certainly pumped out some generic titles in his time, this feels sturdier and more energetic that some of his other efforts. And that’s despite it largely taking place in one location (albeit an airport that offers chances for different rooms).

    If there’s one big issue with the movie, it’s a scene where Danielle Deadwyler’s detective clashes with Logan Marshall-Green’s character (we won’t reveal it so as to avoid spoilers) in a speeding car. It’s an ambitious attempt to have the actors do a lot of the work themselves as opposed to cutting around stunt people. Yet for all its kinetic energy, it suffers from sometimes looking like the cut scene from a video game, draining the tension as you can’t help but chuckle at the weird visual. For a movie that is so focused on being real-world, it’s a misfire.

    Performances

    While Egerton and Bateman are the crux of the story, the script shares the character development love around the rest of the cast too.

    Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek

    Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek in 'Carry-On'. Photo: Sam Lothridge/Netflix ©2024.
    Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek in ‘Carry-On’. Photo: Sam Lothridge/Netflix ©2024.

    As we mentioned above, Kopek is an unmoored young man, nervously happy about becoming a father with his girlfriend Nora. He’s coasting through his job, but of course gets a chance to shine when he’s put in peril. Egerton has played some more flamboyant characters in his time, but he does solid work as Kopek, keeping him from feeling like a superhero. And his interactions with everyone around him are entirely believable.

    Jason Bateman as Traveler

    Jason Bateman as Traveler in 'Carry-On'. Photo: Netflix © 2024.
    Jason Bateman as Traveler in ‘Carry-On’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    He may never get a name, but Bateman does revel in an interesting character –– and it’s one that the actor plays well. He’s threatening but not so physically imposing as to be ridiculous. He’s also good at delivering the exposition that is naturally a part of a villain such as this.

    Danielle Deadwyler as Elena Cole

    Danielle Deadwyler as Elena Cole in 'Carry-On'. Photo: Netflix © 2024.
    Danielle Deadwyler as Elena Cole in ‘Carry-On’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    As the dedicated LAPD detective who starts to dig into one aspect of the case, Deadwyler is similarly lumbered with some expositional dialogue but is also weaved effectively into the story later on. And she’s always convincing.

    Sofia Carson as Nora

    (L to R) Sofia Carson as Nora Parisi and Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek in' Carry-On'. Photo: Netflix © 2024.
    (L to R) Sofia Carson as Nora Parisi and Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek in’ Carry-On’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    Playing off of Egerton for much of the early going, she’s eventually more than just his love interest, actually handed some agency as the plot moves forward. It also doesn’t hurt that Nora is in some ways more capable than Ethan is.

    Supporting cast

    Dean Norris as Phil Sarkowski in 'Carry-On'. Photo: Sam Lothridge/Netflix © 2024.
    Dean Norris as Phil Sarkowski in ‘Carry-On’. Photo: Sam Lothridge/Netflix © 2024.

    The reliable likes of Dean Norris (as Egerton’s grumpy TSA boss), Sinqua Walls (as one of his colleagues) all help to fill out the world of Kopek’s daily drudgery, while Bateman’s character is supported by the likes of Theo Rossi as his accomplice. It’s a solid ensemble for a movie such as this.

    Final Thoughts

    (L to R) Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek and Jason Bateman as Traveler in 'Carry-On'. Photo: Sam Lothridge/Netflix ©2024.
    (L to R) Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek and Jason Bateman as Traveler in ‘Carry-On’. Photo: Sam Lothridge/Netflix ©2024.

    A solid action thriller with decent premise that aches in places to be ‘Die Hard’ but also does its own thing, ‘Carry-On’ might not exactly be in the first class of the genre, but it’s sitting comfortably in premium economy.

    ‘Carry-On’ receives 7 out of 10 stars.

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    What’s the plot of ‘Carry-On’?

    A young TSA agent (Taron Egerton) fights to outsmart a mysterious traveler (Jason Bateman) who blackmails him into letting a dangerous package slip onto a Christmas Eve flight.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Carry-On’?

    • Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek
    • Jason Bateman as the Mysterious Traveler
    • Sofia Carson as Nora Parisi
    • Danielle Deadwyler as Elena Cole
    • Logan Marshall-Green as Agent Alcott
    • Theo Rossi as the Mysterious Watcher
    • Dean Norris as Phil Sarkowski
    • Sinqua Walls as Jason Noble
    • Josh Brener as Herschel
    • Curtiss Cook as Lionel Williams
    Jason Bateman as Traveler in 'Carry-On'. Photo: Netflix © 2024.
    Jason Bateman as Traveler in ‘Carry-On’. Photo: Netflix © 2024.

    Other Jaume Collet-Serra Movies:

    Buy Taron Egerton Movies on Amazon

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  • Taron Egerton Starring in ‘She Rides Shotgun’

    Taron Egerton in Twentieth Century Fox's 'Kingsman: The Golden Circle.'
    Taron Egerton in Twentieth Century Fox’s ‘Kingsman: The Golden Circle.’

    Preview

    • Taron Egerton is attached to star in a new crime thriller adapted from novel ‘She Rides Shotgun’.
    • He’ll play a recently-released prisoner who must save his daughter from his enemies.
    • The film has a SAG-AFTRA interim agreement, meaning it can shoot during the actors’ strike.

    Has Taron Egerton just decided he likes playing criminals? Following his standout turn in Apple TV+ series ‘Black Bird’, he’s now taking on the role of a recently released felon for a new crime thriller called ‘She Rides Shotgun’.

    The new movie adapts Jordan Harper’s novel, which was published in 2018 and won a prestigious Edgar Award.

    What’s the story of ‘She Rides Shotgun’?

    Taron Egerton in “Black Bird,” premiering globally July 8, 2022 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton in “Black Bird,” premiering globally July 8, 2022 on Apple TV+.

    In the film, which has a script from ‘The Night House’s Ben Collins and Luke Piotrowski (with director Nick Rowland polishing when he came aboard), Egerton will play Nate, a recently-released felon who has made a number of dangerous enemies.

    After he finally gets out of jail, he vows to make a fresh start, which means cutting off the powerful gang he was working for behind bars. When they vow to get revenge by coming after his family, Nate goes on the run with the 11-year-old daughter he hardly knows, Polly.

    As they go on a desperate ride to shake off Nate’s enemies, Polly must learn to survive – and Nate watches her transform from a timid girl into an impressive force. Meanwhile, her ex-con father learns to love unconditionally.

    Who else is in ‘She Rides Shotgun’?

    As of right now, no one else has been cast in the movie.

    What are the producers saying about ‘She Rides Shotgun’?

    Taron Egerton stars in Apple TV+'s 'Black Bird.'
    Taron Egerton stars in Apple TV+’s ‘Black Bird.’

    Production company Fifth Season has rustled up the financing for this one, and here’s what boss Brad Weston had to say about the new film:

    “We are so excited to bring this adaptation of Jordan Harper’s hugely successful and completely gripping novel to the big screen. Taron Egerton is a remarkable performer, and we are so excited to be working with Nick Rowland, who is going to bring a real depth to their relationship.”

    The company will be launching sales of the movie at this year’s American Film Market, which kicks off next week.

    And because of its studio-free status, the movie has an interim agreement with actors’ union SAG-AFTRA, meaning it can shoot during the strike and should be starting production early next year.

    Related Article: Taron Egerton Talks ‘Tetris’ and Playing Video Game Designer Henk Rogers

    What else is Taron Egerton working on?

    Taron Egerton stars in 'Tetris,' premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton stars in ‘Tetris,’ premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Having most recently appeared in video game sales biopic ‘Tetris’, Egerton has one movie in the can –– ‘Carry On’, in which he plays a TSA agent who is blackmailed by a mysterious passenger into allowing a dangerous package on to a Christmas Day flight.

    He’s attached to produce a thriller called ‘HappyHead’ and is on for arson-focused TV thriller ‘Firebug’. And while nothing has been confirmed, he’s likely to end up starring in another ‘Kingsman’ movie.

    Nikita Efremov and Taron Egerton in 'Tetris,' premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Nikita Efremov and Taron Egerton in ‘Tetris,’ premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Other Taron Egerton Movies:

    Buy Taron Egerton Movies on Amazon

    To watch our exclusive interview with Taron Egerton about ‘Tetris,’ please click on the video player below.

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  • Jaume Collet-Serra Directing ‘Kate Warne’

    Emily Blunt, Dwayne Johnson and director Jaume Collet-Serra on the set of 'Jungle Cruise.'
    (L to R) Emily Blunt, Dwayne Johnson and director Jaume Collet-Serra on the set of ‘Jungle Cruise.’ Photo by Frank Masi. © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Preview

    • Jaume Collet-Serra is on to direct a new action thriller called ‘Kate Warne’.
    • Emily Blunt is considering starring in the film as the title character, with Dwayne Johnson producing.
    • The script has been re-written but will still have to wait until the actors’ strike is over.

    It looks like we have a ‘Jungle Cruise’ reunion in the works. No, the sequel has not chugged forward much given the dual strikes (though you can bet Disney will be looking to move this one along now that at least the writers’ action is over).

    Instead, ‘Cruise’ director Jaume Collet-Serra is boarding the in-development detective thriller ‘Kate Warne’, which is being produced by Dwayne Johnson (who, of course, starred in the Disney ride adaptation).

    And the ‘Jungle’ connections continue as Emily Blunt has been considering starring in this one for a couple of years now –– she was first mentioned as circling back in 2021 –– but, as Deadline reminds us, the actors are still on strike, so she has yet to make a formal acting deal.

    She’ll be back to negotiating to star when the industrial action is over, but there is no sign of that just yet. Even if she doesn’t end up in the main role, she’s also a producer on the film, alongside Johnson’s Seven Bucks Productions.

    The Amazon-owned MGM is hoping that with Collet-Serra’s attachment, it’ll move forward once anything can shoot.

    What’s the story of ‘Kate Warne’?

    Emily Blunt in 'The English' which premieres November 11th on Prime Video.
    Emily Blunt in ‘The English’ which premieres November 11th on Prime Video.

    ‘Kate Warne’ is described as a propulsive action adventure built around Warne, a real life female Sherlock Holmes in a male dominated industry whose singular sleuthing skills paved the way for future women in law enforcement and forever changed how detective work was done.

    Gustin Nash wrote the first draft of the script, but it has since seen a re-write (before the strike) with ‘Godmothered’s Melissa Stack taking over screenplay duties.

    Related Article: Dwayne Johnson Talks ‘Black Adam’ and Why He Wanted to Play the Character

    Who is Jaume Collet-Serra as a director?

    Director Jaume Collet-Serra and Dwayne Johnson on the set of New Line Cinema’s action adventure 'Black Adam,' a Warner Bros.
    (L to R) Director Jaume Collet-Serra and Dwayne Johnson on the set of New Line Cinema’s action adventure ‘Black Adam,’ a Warner Bros. Pictures release. Photo Credit: Frank Masi. Copyright: © 2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    This feels more in Collet-Serra’s wheelhouse –– he’s been known for the likes of Liam Neeson thrillers ‘Non-Stop’, and ‘The Commuter’, while he last made ‘Black Adam’ with Johnson in the title role –– than even ‘Jungle Cruise’ though he’s proved to be adaptable through his career so far.

    He’s also been behind movies such as horror pic ‘Orphan’ and shark thriller ‘The Shallows’.

    Next up for the director is ‘Carry On’, which sees Taron Egerton as Ethan Kopek, a young TSA agent who is blackmailed by a mysterious traveler to allow a dangerous package through security and on to a Christmas Day flight.

    The cast for that thriller also includes Logan Marshall-Green, Jason Bateman, Sofia Carson, Dean Norris and Josh Brener.

    Director Jaume Collet-Serra and Dwayne Johnson on the set of 'Jungle Cruise.'
    (L to R) Director Jaume Collet-Serra and Dwayne Johnson on the set of ‘Jungle Cruise.’ Photo by Frank Masi. © 2021 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

    Other Jaume Collet-Serra Movies:

    Buy Jaume Collet-Serra Movies on Amazon

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  • Movie Review: ‘Tetris’

    Taron Egerton and Nikita Efremov in 'Tetris,' premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Nikita Efremov in ‘Tetris,’ premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Releasing on Apple TV+ on March 31st, ‘Tetris’ tells the unbelievable –– but actually true –– story of how one Dutch-American businessman outsmarted Russian authorities and ruthless media rivals to bring the iconic game to the States and beyond, with the help of the man who created it.

    When you hear the title ‘Tetris’, your mind might flash to the current spate of video game adaptations –– the ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ franchise, for example, ‘Pokemon: Detective Pikachu’ (which was successful enough to spawn its own sequel, now in development, or the latest attempt to turn ‘Super Mario Bros.’ into a movie, with the animated take due in theaters shortly.

    But if you’ve ever played, or even so much as heard of ‘Tetris’ the game, you’ll know it presents quite the challenge, featuring no narrative or much of anything on which to base a movie besides the player having to arrange falling colored blocks so they form lines and vanish.

    The smartest thing the filmmakers behind the new movie did was not to focus on the game itself but on the unlikely story of how it was brought outside of Russia, where it was invented by Alexey Pajitnov.

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    What happened with the game of Tetris?

    With a script from Noah Pink and ‘Stan & Ollie’ director Jon S. Baird behind the camera, ‘Tetris’ stars ‘Kingsman’s Taron Egerton as Henk Rogers, a Dutch-born, American- raised entrepreneur who, in the ‘80s found himself living in Japan with his family. A tech geek and games nerd long before those terms hit the mainstream, Rogers was constantly on the lookout for the video game that would change the world. If he saw it early enough — went the reasoning — he might be able to snatch up the rights for his failing company Bullet-Proof Software and become rich overnight.

    So when Henk sees an early demonstration of ‘Tetris’ at a Las Vegas gaming convention, he’s hooked and becomes convinced that it could be his ticket to riches. Which would be helpful, since he’s already gambled much of his family’s finances on other titles that haven’t paid off.

    Yet when Henk thinks he’s secured the rights to ‘Tetris’ in Japan, he soon learns that he was quite wrong –– and that the Russian government is intent on keeping the profits for itself. Add to that a serious challenge from British media magnate Richard Maxwell (played by Roger Allam), and scheming son Kevin (Anthony Boyle).

    Together with creator Pajitnov (Nikita Efremov), Henk will have to outwit KGB spies, rich tycoons and crafty other businessmen to bring ‘Tetris’ to the masses outside of the Soviet Union –– right around the time that empire is collapsing.

    Togo Igawa, Nino Furuhata and Taron Egerton in 'Tetris,' premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Togo Igawa, Nino Furuhata and Taron Egerton in ‘Tetris,’ premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Related Article: Taron Egerton Talks ‘Tetris’ and Playing Video Game Designer Henk Rogers

    A funnier ‘Social Network’

    Probably the closest reference point for this is 2010’s ‘The Social Network’, which charted the difficult birth of Facebook. While ‘Tetris’ can’t claim a script as quick or darkly witty as the Aaron Sorkin/David Fincher effort, it makes up for it with charm and warmth.

    Egerton, once more playing a real-life figure after ‘Eddie the Eagle’, ‘Black Bird’ and most notably ‘Rocketman’ (where he was unfairly overlooked by the Academy Awards for his portrayal of Elton John), is typically pleasurable to watch as Henk, charismatically pushing his luck in the face of tremendous odds.

    Beyond him, Efremov is the heart of the movie (albeit in a smaller role), giving humanity to Pajitnov, a man who knows that his game is his key to freedom, but needs Henk’s help to make that happen.

    Allam, buried under convincing prosthetics, is suitably windy as Maxwell, and the script adds enough detail to make him have resonance to American audiences who may not be familiar with the man himself (though they’ll recognize his Trumpian archetype). Boyle is perfectly slimy as Kevin, smug, selfish and carrying a gigantic chip on his shoulder as he jets around the world spending daddy’s money.

    Taron Egerton, Sofia Lebedeva and Nikita Efremov in 'Tetris,' premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Taron Egerton, Sofia Lebedeva and Nikita Efremov in ‘Tetris,’ premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Baird also brings no small amount of flair to the film, which could have been just a lot of people in rooms arguing about the rights to a game of blocks falling in a line. He uses the 8-bit conceit to show Henk’s attempts as levels on a game itself, and while most of the movie is relatively straightforward, a late-turn car chase is further enlivened by the use of graphics for the vehicles.

    While it’s sometimes odd that it doesn’t appear anywhere else in the movie besides that one scene and the transitions, it’s not so out of place as to disrupt anyone’s enjoyment of the movie. And one extended, superbly edited sequence presents three concurrent meetings in three different rooms, whose swinging and slamming doors almost evoke a French bedroom farce (and yes, the three concurrent meetings actually happened).

    ‘Tetris’ nevertheless still has a few issues. Aside from Egerton, Efremov and the Maxwells, everyone else is pretty much reduced to ciphers, such as Henk’s supportive, sometimes frustrated wife Akemi (Ayane Nagabuchi) and the various Russian agents/government officials who are stonewalling any attempt to nab the rights. Credit, though, to Sofia Lebedeva as Sasha, who Henk hires as a translator but turns out to be something more. She makes a relatively predictable character likeable and then hissable over the course of the film.

    Yet the biggest triumph is digging out some actual tension from a story where you can guess the ending –– especially since ‘Tetris’ is indeed famously everywhere in the world and those of a certain age will remember it popping up as part of the Gameboy package when the gadgets were considered the height of gaming tech.

    A snappy, scrappy, truth-is-stranger-than-fiction story, ‘Tetris’ is part-biopic, part-comedy and all in all a great addition to Apple’s growing roster of movies. It likely won’t go on to the sort of awards glory enjoyed by ‘CODA’, but it’s still a good yarn.

    ‘Tetris’ receives 7.5 out of 10 stars.

    Nikita Efremov and Taron Egerton in 'Tetris,' premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Nikita Efremov and Taron Egerton in ‘Tetris,’ premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Tetris:’

    Where to Stream and Watch ‘Tetris’ Movie

    Buy Taron Egerton Movies On Amazon

    ”Tetris’ is produced by Marv Films, AI Film, and Unigram, and is scheduled for release on March 30th.

  • ‘Tetris’ Interview: Taron Egerton Talks New Apple TV+ Movie

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    Premiering on Apple TV+ beginning March 31st is the new movie ‘Tetris,’ which was directed by Jon S. Baird (‘Stan & Ollie’).

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    What is the plot of ‘Tetris?’

    ‘Tetris’ tells the unbelievable true story of how one of the world’s most popular video games found its way to avid players around the globe. Henk Rogers (Taron Egerton) discovers Tetris in 1988, and then risks everything by traveling to the Soviet Union, where he joins forces with inventor Alexey Pajitnov (Nikita Efremov) to bring the game to the masses.

    Who is in the cast of ‘Tetris?’

    ‘Tetris’ stars Taron Egerton (‘Rocketman,’ ‘The Kingsman: The Secret Service’), Nikita Efremov (‘Cinderella’), Anthony Boyle (‘The Lost City of Z’), Ben Miles (‘V for Vendetta’), Ken Yamamura (‘The Wolverine’), Rick Yune, (‘Olympus Has Fallen’) Roger Allam (‘Speed Racer’), Matthew Marsh (‘The Contractor’), Toby Jones (‘Empire of Light’), Igor Grabuzov, Oleg Shtefanko, Ayane Nagabuchi, and Sofia Lebedeva.

    Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Taron Egerton at the SXSW Film Festival about his work on ‘Tetris,’ the wild true story it is based on, working with director Jon S. Baird, and playing yet another real life person on screen.

    Taron Egerton stars in 'Tetris,' premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    Taron Egerton stars in ‘Tetris,’ premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    You can read the full interview below or click on the video player above to watch our interviews with Egerton, Henk Rogers, Alexey Pajitnov and director Jon S. Baird.

    Moviefone: To begin with, the film is based on an unbelievable true story. What was your first reaction when you read the screenplay?

    Taron Egerton: So my first reaction was to call (Producer) Matthew Vaughn, who was offering me the role and has been behind lots of the roles I’ve played, and try and get a sense of what percentage of this is fabricated with me thinking it might be 80 or 90%. It’s a much more modest figure than that. There is some Hollywood embellishment, but not as much as you might think. There’s something very exciting about that. There’s always a level of weight that’s added to something knowing that it really happened and it is a fairly unbelievable, crazy story.

    Togo Igawa, Nino Furuhata and Taron Egerton in 'Tetris,' premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Togo Igawa, Nino Furuhata and Taron Egerton in ‘Tetris,’ premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    MF: What was it like collaborating on this project with director Jon S. Baird?

    TE: I am a producer on the film, but the work in terms of developing the script, that was done by Jon and Noah (Pink), the writer, and Matthew. I wasn’t actively involved until the point that we were in pre-production. But Jon and I had a good rapport. We were shooting up in Scotland just at the end of the first year of COVID. We were all just super excited to get back into creative mode, and so we felt very lucky to be there and we had a really good time. Jon’s a great guy.

    Taron Egerton and Nikita Efremov in 'Tetris,' premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Taron Egerton and Nikita Efremov in ‘Tetris,’ premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    MF: Finally, when you made ‘Rocketman,’ you spent a lot of time with Elton John to prepare for the role. Did you have an opportunity to spend any time with Henk Rogers and what did you learn that helped you with your performance?

    TE: It’s an interesting question. I mean, I think with Elton, the reason I spent so much time with him was because it’s Elton John and that’s quite exciting, and he was up for it. But also because Elton’s so internationally recognizable that it felt like so many people were coming with such a weight of expectation to that movie that I had a responsibility to try and imbibe as much of who he was as possible. Whereas this is a bit different. I think audiences are coming with little to no expectation, largely, so it gives you a little bit more license to make the character your own, I think. But I did speak to Henk a little bit, and in terms of what I tried to do, I just wanted to create my version of him that tried to capture the spirit of who he was really. I wanted to capture his passion, enthusiasm and determination because those are his key qualities, certainly in the story of the film.

    Nikita Efremov and Taron Egerton in 'Tetris,' premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.
    (L to R) Nikita Efremov and Taron Egerton in ‘Tetris,’ premiering March 31, 2023 on Apple TV+.

    Other Movies Similar to ‘Tetris:’

    Where to Stream and Watch ‘Tetris’ Movie

    Buy Taron Egerton Movies On Amazon

    ”Tetris’ is produced by Marv Films, AI Film, and Unigram, and is scheduled for release on March 30th.