Dane DeHaan Considers ‘Wardriver’, ‘Oppenheimer’ Proof of Vital Hollywood Risk-Taking: “Like, Let’s F***ing Go!”

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As a seasoned filmmaker with a penchant for pushing boundaries and taking risks, I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment expressed about the need for more movies like Oppenheimer. The courage to innovate and challenge the status quo is what propels our industry forward. Wardriver, with its stellar cast and intriguing premise, seems poised to do just that.

Actor Dane DeHaan feels incredibly gratified now that he can discuss the film titled “Wardriver” – the screenplay was sent to him approximately ten years ago.

Under the guidance of Rebecca Thomas, who is known for her work on ‘Stranger Things’, and Daniel Casey, a writer behind movies like ‘F9: The Fast Saga’, ’10 Cloverfield Lane’, the film ‘Wardriver’ delves into the world of wardriving – an intriguing aspect of the hacking industry where networks are scouted from within a moving vehicle. In this contemporary tale, the protagonist, Cole, uses his expertise in wardriving for a Robin Hood-like purpose, employing it to carry out sophisticated cyber heists from his laptop.

As Oscar, portrayed by Mamoudou Athie, learns about Cole’s hacking skills, he compels him to illegally access Sarah’s account, resulting in the withdrawal of almost a million dollars. It is later revealed that a powerful lawyer with ties to organized crime, played by Jeffrey Donovan, has been using Sarah as a money launderer. Captivated by Sarah, DeHaan’s character devises a strategy to return the stolen funds and safeguard Sarah, but he quickly finds himself in a precarious situation.

Actor DeHaan, famous for his roles in films like The Amazing Spider-Man 2, The Staircase, and more recently, Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer, is also a producer on the upcoming film. This role is shared with Star Thrower Entertainment, led by Tim and Trevor White, as well as David M. Wulf and Highland Film Group, who are handling international rights and further sales at the American Film Market taking place from Nov. 5-10.

Initially, it seemed like the production of the movie titled “Wardriver” faced some delays. Over a period of ten years, it went through various directors and producers before Thomas eventually decided to take charge as her second feature film. Remarkably, she was able to complete filming within just 20 days. According to DeHaan, this was a fast-paced project compared to their recent work, stating, “I haven’t made a film this quickly and this raw in quite some time.

He spoke to The Hollywood Reporter about the it-factor of co-star Calle, the community spirit of Salt Lake City, Utah, and why this film, as well as Oppenheimer, is proof of vital risk-taking in Hollywood: “Everyone just seems scared to make the first move and it’s like, let’s start taking risks… Let’s fucking go! You know?”

Congratulations on this film! What attracted you to Wardriver?

This movie’s history with me goes back a decade. In fact, the script for Wardriver has been sitting in my email inbox for that entire time. I find it captivating, filled with unexpected twists and turns. However, it introduced me to an entirely new world – one I was previously unaware of. At first, I didn’t know what wardriving was or what this community entailed. It’s a unique role for me. Truthfully, it’s a character I’ve always felt I could breathe life into. He’s almost like a contemporary Robin Hood. I believe that when I received the script 10 years ago, I was predominantly playing villains, and this seemed like an excellent chance to portray someone whose intentions are noble and heartwarming, while still finding himself in thrilling circumstances.

Why do you think it is that you were playing so many bad guys?

I’m unsure, but I feel confident in saying that fear doesn’t hold me back as an actor, regardless of the situation or the place I need to be. Whether it’s joyful moments or difficult times, I immerse myself fully into the role and try to portray it authentically. I believe my ability to convincingly play a villain, as seen in “Chronicle” (2012), has contributed significantly to this confidence. This role showcased my strengths and proved that I could handle such roles effectively.

In the span of your professional journey, you’ve collaborated with some highly esteemed directors, such as Christopher Nolan on the recent project “Oppenheimer”. I’m curious to know about your experience working with Rebecca. Was her directing style distinct from others you’ve encountered?

Becca was remarkable. It’s been some time since I completed a film with such speed and raw energy. Essentially, we created this movie within just twenty days. It was quite an exhilarating, improvised production style, similar to guerrilla filmmaking.

Wow. When was the shoot?

It seems June might have been the month. Given that much of the action occurred at night, we were working during a time when there’s less natural darkness. Becca possesses an exceptional ability to grasp the edit and shot requirements, demonstrating great skill in her work. She stepped in at the last moment and essentially rescued the production from potential collapse. Originally, Dan was set to direct, but he withdrew at the last second, leaving the film’s integrity in question. However, Becca arrived and prevented a disaster, and I believe she was always destined to direct this movie.

Previously, she had directed her initial feature film, and subsequently ventured into the realm of television. However, this current project seems to me like her second debut rather than a sequel, as there was an eagerness among both the cast and crew to create something captivating, unique, and memorable while working under tight deadlines. I believe Becca’s intellect and extensive film knowledge were instrumental in guiding us through the shoot effectively.

What is it that makes Wardriver special?

I believe the realm of wardriving is remarkably distinctive, resembling a miniature reflection of today’s world. It resonates with the contemporary concept of Cole, my character, who essentially ‘borrows’ from corporations and banks, not to harm the common man but to support him. He ensures that any funds he acquires, even if they originated from an individual, are compensated by banks. This makes him more of a benefactor than a thief. His generosity is evident in his habit of donating a significant portion of his earnings, be it through prepaid gift cards or crowdfunding apps. In essence, Wardriver reimagines the Robin Hood narrative for today’s era in a way that’s quite captivating.

Do you think Daniel was making any kind of social commentary? What is the film’s message?

In essence, this movie delivers an enjoyable mix of action, sexiness, and suspense, with a dash of violence thrown in for good measure – elements that make it hard to look away. Beyond the entertainment factor, there’s also a sense of empathy as you follow the story. However, this isn’t a political film; instead, it focuses on an individual battling large corporations to champion the underdog. Within this context, we’ve crafted something exceptionally engaging, filled with excitement and dynamism. This is one reason why viewers find themselves cheering for my character throughout – he embodies fighting for the greater good, humanity, and using his unique skills to aid those truly in need.

Sophie Turner was originally attached to this project, right?

Initially, Sophie showed interest in the movie, but over the past decade, the project has undergone numerous changes with various directors and actors involved. At one time, while working on “The Staircase” with her, I provided Sophie with the script, and she seemed quite fond of it.

Why did the film take so long to come to fruition?

Remarkably, the tale of many independent films unfolds much alike – it’s nothing short of a wonder when they even make it to the screen. They require the perfect producer, the ideal cast, the skillful director, and everything must fall into place. Over the past year, we were unable to film due to the strike, and there were challenges in obtaining permission to shoot during the strike. Just as we were about to start shooting, Dan was scheduled to direct it but opted instead for a writing job. Yet, the determination of me and the producers remained undeterred. And that’s when Becca came on board. As I mentioned earlier, she was instrumental in saving us. At one time, this project was set up at Universal, but later changed hands several times among producers. Gathering the ideal cast to secure funding is an essential part of the indie movie-making process. This journey is always a miracle, but with this specific production, given that it collapsed twice in a single year, it truly felt like fate was guiding us towards the right team to bring it to life.

Do you think that speaks to the difficulty that indie films are in at the moment, in the industry?

Indeed, the situation in our industry is quite peculiar, not just limited to indie films, and this year has seen many projects disintegrate. Yet, against all odds, we managed to bring ours to life, complete it, and create something intriguing and exhilarating. This, I believe, underlines the unique nature of our project, as there was enough drive to see it through to completion. However, I must admit, the overall business climate is rather challenging, and I hope for some resolution soon. [Laughs.]

Is it just a lot more uncertainty for actors?

Indeed, it’s quite astonishing. frankly, I can’t fully grasp its essence. However, I believe that the individuals who ultimately pull the trigger on the ‘go’ signal, those responsible for the final decision, must be prepared to venture into uncharted territories. This conversation wasn’t meant to delve into such topics! However, it’s important to note that the strike occurred at a crucial juncture in our field, coinciding with the Barbenheimer phenomenon. Typically, studio executives would respond to such incidents by stating, “These are the movies audiences want to watch. Let’s produce more of those.” If, during that period, they had the opportunity to create more films like Oppenheimer, would they have taken the risk then? Perhaps.

There’s a strong desire within me to witness more films similar to that one being produced, yet it appears as though they’ve taken an extended hiatus. It seems everyone is hesitant to initiate action, and I can’t help but think: let’s start taking risks. Take Oppenheimer for instance, a film of 185 pages in length, which the studio trusted the filmmakers, cast, and production team to bring to life and make it enchanting. I believe this is the message we should take away. We are all talented individuals, working at the pinnacle of our respective fields. So let’s seize the opportunity! You know?

As a gamer, diving into the world of “Wardriver” sure feels exciting! I’ve always wondered about the vibe on set, especially given the impressive cast. So, could you share some insights? Was there any performance that left you taken aback during filming?

Our cast is truly exceptional. Sasha Calle exudes a unique charm, that certain indefinable quality. On set, everyone was drawn to her, eager to be near her and share laughter with her. I believe she’s destined for stardom. I genuinely feel so about her. I think she has ‘it’. And I couldn’t have been more thrilled when she joined us. Her story is fascinating. I wasn’t very acquainted with her, but once I learned about her… Her debut in film was none other than The Flash, which is quite remarkable given the high-stakes nature of that as a first role. A star indeed must have been born to land such an initial opportunity in cinema. As for Mamoudou, he’s just a phenomenal actor. He’s not just an actor; he’s an actor’s actor. Having attended Yale and being a martial artist, he brought an intriguing, subtle, physically intimidating element to his role that I never anticipated. The diverse, vibrant, entertaining, electrifying cast… the three of us are quite distinct in real life, and I believe our energies translate differently on screen as well, but they blend harmoniously into something extraordinary.

Was this production likely high-tech? Did you manage to pick up any useful tips or enhance your skills during it?

As a film enthusiast, I must admit, our props team was simply extraordinary. They seemed to grasp the intricacies of the wardriving and card skimming universe in a way that left me wishing I could too. The way they brought this digital world to life on screen takes the movie to an entirely different level. Tech-savvy folks like hackers, wardrivers, and card skimmers will adore this film because the technology is spot-on. Every detail was handled perfectly by our prop team, as they truly understood and captured the essence of this world, making their creations appear as real as possible, even if they weren’t.

Is there anything else you wanted to add or that stayed with you from this experience?

Let me share an experience: We filmed our movie in Salt Lake City, Utah, a location I hadn’t worked at before and wasn’t very familiar with. I had little idea about the filmmaking scene in Utah. But as it turned out, the crew was amazing! The people here are like a close-knit family, incredibly talented, and they really helped make our indie film a success. I want to express my gratitude to the Utah community for joining us on this journey and contributing to something extraordinary. That’s about all I wanted to say.

How lovely — do you want to do your next film in Utah?

Sure, I would, gladly. I would go in without trepidation now because I know how great they are.

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2024-11-07 20:03