Joseph Quinn and Charles Melton Reveal Shocking ‘Warfare’ Secrets!

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Joseph Quinn and Charles Melton, the leads in Warfare, had the privilege to contribute in honoring retired U.S. Navy SEAL Elliott Miller, as a gesture from directors Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland.

Previously, Mendoza – a former SEAL himself – served as a military advisor for Garland’s movie “Civil War” and played a part in creating its combat scenes. During this time, he developed a friendship with the British director. Later on, Mendoza shared the story of his fellow SEAL, Miller, and their platoon’s escape during a 2006 mission in Ramadi, Iraq controlled by Al Qaeda. After completing “Civil War”, Garland decided to adapt this gripping tale into their next film. He appointed Mendoza as co-writer and co-director of the upcoming movie titled “Warfare”.

In Mendoza’s graphic novel “Warfare”, he recounts the events of a mission led by his U.S. Navy SEAL team, Operation 1, which was under his command. During their surveillance in a residential area, they were ambushed by insurgents, causing severe injuries to Miller (Cosmo Jarvis) and Sam, who is based on Joe Hildebrand, another member of Mendoza’s team. Miller was unconscious for most of the subsequent rescue operations, which involved two other missions. The story is a depiction of what transpired that day, drawn from the memories of fellow combat veterans who were present at the scene.

For Melton, the particulars of Miller’s tale resonate broadly, as they touch upon aspects that are strikingly similar to his personal experiences.

Elliott Miller can now visually experience what occurred on that particular day, thanks to this artistic medium and the creation of Ray and Alex. Melton shares this sentiment with The Hollywood Reporter in anticipation of Warfare’s April 11 theatrical release. “As my father served in the Army for 24 years, spending five years in Iraq and Afghanistan, the insights gained from Warfare have allowed my mother and family to better comprehend his experiences,” Melton says.

In the movie, Quinn played a wounded soldier who needed to convincingly portray pain through loud cries of anguish for quite some time. When interviewed about the emotional depth he had to reach, he modestly shifted the focus towards the group effort. However, Melton emphasized the significant burden that both Quinn and Jarvis carried during the production.

According to Melton, Joe Quinn and Cosmo Jarvis consistently cried, shouted, and yelled for two straight weeks, whether the camera was rolling or not. This behavior continued throughout every take for days on end. He describes this intensity as unprecedented, stating he’s never witnessed anything quite like it that kept the atmosphere so lively.

Apart from Mendoza, several surviving SEALs, including Miller, paid a visit to the London set in the spring of 2024. Their unique perspectives, along with a three-week training session for the entire cast, significantly contributed to portraying this experience on screen as realistically as possible.

As I reminisce, Ray described that gaming den as the “end of my carefree days,” quite a powerful sentiment. Back then, I was just a kid when I stumbled into that place, but when I left, I felt transformed. It’s hard to express how valuable it was to have the SEALs around during those moments, and they were nothing short of gracious with their time.

In a recent chat with THR, Quinn and Melton delve into the captivating visuals and audio experiences they encountered on set. Later in their discussion, they touch upon their upcoming ventures such as “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” and season two of “Beef”.

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Charles, your username on Warfare is “Top,” a name that originates from your father’s surfing nickname. Now, I’m curious, what gives you the title “Funcle” – short for Fun Uncle?

JOSEPH QUINN Actually, the nickname “Funcle” didn’t really take hold. During our initial shoot, we decided to have a bit of fun and went bowling as a team. My bowling screen name was Funcle, while Will [Poulter] was known as Daddy. I thought it might stick, but it didn’t. I didn’t push the issue, but in theory, I am the Funcle. Interestingly enough, the nickname “Funcle” might have been a nod to my role as Johnny Storm from Warfare, which I filmed right after our production. [Writer’s Note: Poulter’s nickname originated from his persistent reminders for the cast to do their laundry. It didn’t occur to me until later that “Funcle” could have been a reference to Quinn’s role in Warfare].

A month ago, I attended a war demonstration. Before it began, we clapped for the veterans present, and during it, I couldn’t help but reflect on how little we appreciate their efforts, particularly at this moment. Did your experiences simulating the lives of these SEALs lead to a similar realization for both of you?

CHARLES MELTON Both of us might be actors, but let me tell you, our experiences are nothing compared to the events portrayed in this story or the sacrifices made by service members. We all shared a significant burden and commitment to doing justice to Alex [Garland] and Ray [Mendoza]’s vision for this tale. This was crucial so that Ray could pass it on to Elliott [Miller], but it was also meant for veterans. You see, Elliott knows what happened on that particular day, but he can’t remember it clearly. Through the art of filmmaking and the gift from Ray and Alex, Elliott can now truly visualize those events. It’s an extraordinary thing, something beyond words. This production has helped my family better comprehend my father’s military service, as he spent 24 years in the Army, including five years in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Joseph, much like what Charles mentioned, there’s nothing quite as powerful as the genuine camaraderie that servicemembers create in life-threatening circumstances. However, was the connection among the cast already solidified after just three weeks of boot camp when filming began?

QUINN Indeed, it was evident from our initial conversation that this project would be unique, as Alex had hinted at. It was a privilege to have ample time for practice and execution before we started filming, which allowed us to feel ready when the cameras began rolling. During this period, we shared many experiences, such as living together, training together, dining together, even sleeping in close proximity. This close bond was instrumental, particularly since our film features minimal dialogue and character development. By establishing a strong emotional connection between the characters, it becomes easier for viewers to become invested in them and the storyline. Thus, those three weeks were indispensable and crucial to the production of this movie.

Were some of the Navy SEALs involved in the 2006 operation consulted for this production? If so, was there any specific piece of information they shared that stood out to you particularly?

QUINN The movie delves into memories, and Ray points out that memory gaps are common. Therefore, Alex ensured that if you weren’t present, you can’t dictate the events or what goes on the script. Having real servicemen to consult was priceless. It added depth as we revisited an afternoon when they faced immense pressure. Since these men have aged since then, they were reminiscing about their past experiences. Ray refers to it as “the end of his youth,” which is quite profound. He said he was a young boy when he entered that house and was transformed when he left. Thus, their presence was immensely helpful, and they graciously shared their time with us.

Could you explain the partnership between Ray and Alex in their directing roles? Was it such that Alex took care of the technical aspects, allowing Ray to concentrate on capturing the genuine emotions of each scene based on his recollections?

In my opinion, both Alex and Ray were deeply committed to authenticity, which served as an inspiration for everyone. They were both assertive and clear about their goals and expectations. There was a mutual understanding and respect between them that was particularly evident during this process. If we needed clarification on certain matters, we could also consult other service members who were present. Overall, it was like a harmonious dance, so I wouldn’t limit Alex’s focus to just cinematic language. Instead, they both made up an exceptional blend, and everything came together seamlessly.

Hey Joseph, I imagine there have been times when you found yourself crying on the floor for extended periods. What strategies can help someone start dealing with twelve straight hours of such intense pain?

QUINN During our bootcamp and filming sessions, we all worked closely together, creating an amazing atmosphere that made us feel like we weren’t tackling this project alone. It was just another aspect of the job for me as a character, but everyone contributed to making it a joint effort. Although there were challenging parts, I never felt isolated or on my own in it.

Joe and Cosmo Jarvis consistently displayed intense emotional outbursts for a continuous two-week period, both when the camera was recording and during each take. This relentless display of emotion significantly influenced everyone’s performance as we all became fully engrossed in this immersive filming environment. Entering the room and witnessing the blood and observing Joe and Cosmo’s reactions each time had a profound impact, maintaining an intense atmosphere that I’ve never encountered before in my career. It was truly extraordinary.>

I was struck by how the soldiers managed to keep joking even in such distressing situations. Could it be that they employ humor as a means of dealing with stress?

QUINN Isn’t it typical for humans to seek humor even in the darkest times? It’s a coping mechanism. These men often had long stretches of nothing to do, and the contrast between boredom and danger was quite stark. So, yes, any chances we took to lighten the mood were appreciated by Alex and Ray. We would intersperse such moments because that’s what people do, regardless if they are Navy SEALs.

In this place, the sound design, both inside and out, is truly exceptional. Did you often get a sense of the purpose behind the sounds used?

In the catalog of war films we’ve encountered before, some movies have impressive scores that can strongly influence our emotions during certain scenes. However, Warfare, being a film without any music score, leaves us to form our own interpretations amidst the silence and the authentic sounds. On set, speakers were used to play live sound effects, including gunshots (blanks) and the actual sounds of dogs barking. The roar of a jet flying overhead was also played through the speakers, as well as the realistic sounds of explosions. Every effort was made to ensure an immersive experience, allowing us to truly live through the events as they unfolded in real time.

In the picture that serves as an epilogue, several of the depicted soldiers’ faces are out of focus. Could it be that these soldiers are currently serving in the military and thus must maintain anonymity? Or is it possible that they prefer to avoid the spotlight altogether?

QUINN Often, they choose to stay anonymous to protect their identities. Many of them are still actively serving, and although I can’t definitively say if they crave the spotlight or not, it seems essential to maintain their anonymity and allow them to continue their service.

As a gamer, I’ve come to deeply respect the humble SEAL brothers I’ve crossed paths with, like Ray and his comrades from our shared mission. Through sharing stories and insights, we’ve learned more about each other – me understanding him better, and he understanding the character I portrayed. There’s a profound modesty and disdain for self-praise that permeates their way of life, a quality that continues to inspire me.

Charles, I understand you’re collaborating on a carnivorous feud series titled ‘Beef’, with Cailee Spaeny who is an apprentice of Alex Garland. Have the two of you shared tales from your experiences working on Garland’s films?

MELTON Oh yeah! Her and Alex are pretty close. I love Cailee, and I love the show.

Season two is going well so far? 

MELTON You’re in for a treat, I hope.

Hello Joseph, I wanted to extend my congratulations on your newly personalized seating arrangement – that is, your new chair! I assume it’s no longer a fresh surprise for you by now, considering how integrated it might have become in your daily life.

QUINN It’s nice to have somewhere to sit down.

QUINN & MELTON (Laugh.)

As a gamer, I can’t wait to see how my life gets shaken up once more this summer with “The Fantastic Four: First Steps”. Even though I had limited screen time and was mostly hidden, I couldn’t help but wonder if director Matt Shakman recalled our collaboration on the Game of Thrones episode (“The Spoils of War”) back in 2016.

It’d be quite an odd turn of events if he hadn’t recognized me, don’t you think? (Laughs.) But yes, he did remember me, and it was one of those amusing incidents. I had already earned my ‘Game of Thrones’ badge of honor long ago, and I can still recall the excitement I felt when I stepped onto that set. He was so gracious and supportive, making our interaction truly memorable. Alongside Danny Kirrane, we shared a scene with Maisie [Williams], creating an experience that remains special to me. So, when Matt wanted to meet up for ‘Fantastic Four’, we couldn’t help but laugh about how fate had come full circle.

In the years to come, when your Warfare cast gathers for an anniversary celebration and you share fond memories, which day do you think you’ll recall as the most significant one?

As a gamer, wrapping up the last day brings a mix of relief and exhaustion, followed by the usual camaraderie and pride we share after such intense challenges. Yet, with the events compacted into one, it’s hard to distinguish one day from another. However, certain moments in the game remain vivid, offering inspiration when things get tough. It energizes us, giving us a sense of unity. Plus, our group chat is full of jokers, so there’s never a dull moment!

JOHN Let me bring up the memory of when Joe said, “Wow, it’s not usual that we get an opportunity like this. Experiences like these don’t come along often.” Afterwards, I imagine we’ll take a refreshing dip in cold water, exercise, relax in the sauna, have a nice conversation, and enjoy a delicious meal together.

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Warfare opens in movie theaters nationwide on April 11.

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2025-04-07 23:55