As a seasoned interviewer, it’s always a delight to chat with rising stars who are as humble and grounded as Connor Swindells. His journey from small-town Scotland to Hollywood is an inspiring testament to the power of persistence and self-belief.
“I’m such a pessimistic arse,” Connor Swindells tells The Hollywood Reporter.
As a devotee, I’m sharing thoughts on how my beloved British star navigates his journey within the entertainment industry, specifically with the renowned Netflix series, “Sex Education.” He confesses that he often anticipates the worst, thinking “No one will notice it,” regarding the unforeseen success of the show. Yet, he humorously admits, “Being a pessimistic character can be helpful in its own way.” He further explains that by being mindful of an audience, one might unwittingly set themselves up for disappointment in numerous aspects.
At 28 years old, the world is within his reach. Following the success of “Sex Education,” life has been prosperous for him. He landed the main part in Steven Knight’s military drama, titled “SAS: Rogue Heroes,” and subsequently secured a role working alongside Will Ferrell on a lesser-known project called “Barbie.
Next up, Swindells assumes the character of Albrecht Gessler, the ruthless 14th-century bailiff whose oppressive rule sparked the rebellion that ultimately led to modern-day Switzerland’s independence, in the upcoming movie “William Tell” directed by Nick Hamm. Set to hit U.K. theaters on January 17, this film boasts an impressive ensemble cast consisting of Claes Bang, Ellie Bamber, Jake Dunn, Golshifteh Farahani, Jonathan Pryce, Ben Kingsley, Jonah Hauer-King and Rafe Spall. Swindells will also be appearing alongside Colin Firth in the upcoming Peacock series “Lockerbie: A Search for Truth”.
Growing up in Sussex, England with a construction-oriented family, acting was a hidden passion for him as a youngster. At 17, he left school with dreams of becoming a boxer, confessing, “I was secretly passionate about acting, but I was too concerned about what my peers thought.” This mirrors the character Troy Bolton from ‘High School Musical’, who likewise concealed his love for singing due to fear. “Yes, it was somewhat similar,” Swindells acknowledges.
He found a way to embrace what he wanted to do, and now, the industry is reaping the rewards. Thankfully, the Brit doesn’t look like he’s slowing down any time soon. Below, he talks to THR about the enduring bonds he formed on Sex Education, what he can tell us about season two of SAS: Rogue Heroes, out Jan. 1, and which Hollywood names are on his to-work with list: “Fuck it. I’ll say.”
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Hey Connor, it seems like you’re quite different from someone who’s often referred to as a “nepotism case” in the entertainment industry. You didn’t complete college and your family have roots in working-class professions. What made you decide to pursue acting?
As a teenager, I chose to leave college after completing my first year. Since then, I’ve been reflecting on my decision and how it has shaped my life. On my mother’s side of the family, construction work has always been the norm; however, my father’s relatives are mostly doctors, journalists, and financial professionals, holding more traditional, prestigious careers. Every time I recount this story, it seems to take on a slightly different form.
Which version am I getting?
It turns out the reason I struggled academically is because for a long time, I believed I’d become a boxer instead. In my mind, education wasn’t necessary for that path. However, when I was 17, my aspirations as a boxer fell through, leaving me with no clear direction. While all of my friends were going off to college and university, I was stuck behind, feeling left out.
As a child with a secret passion for the silver screen, I would sneak into my father’s study, a room filled floor-to-ceiling with DVDs, to catch glimpses of films that were perhaps inappropriate for my age. My dad, an avid movie enthusiast, fueled this clandestine love affair I had with cinema from a tender age.
That sounds a little High School Musical — a sporty boy who’s secretly into acting.
You’re not off base at all; your perspective is quite similar to what actually happened. My ego and excessive concern about others’ opinions had clouded my judgment. Oddly enough, I yearned to be the class clown, but feared that participating in drama would hinder my comedic side. I allowed my peers’ opinions to dictate my actions more than following my own desires. However, when they moved away, I was left with only my true aspirations – acting. I thought to myself, if I could survive a beating in a boxing ring in front of familiar faces, then what’s the big deal about acting? Admittedly, I was terrified on my first attempt; I had doubts about my talent. I invested all my hopes in this one pursuit and announced to everyone that I was becoming an actor. Fortunately, it has paid off. I find immense joy in creating films and television shows, and appreciate the collaborative aspect of it all.
Without any professional tutoring, you managed to accomplish your desired goals. It’s quite remarkable! Your major opportunity arose from Sex Education. Could you share the story behind how that happened?
The breakthrough in my acting career came courtesy of casting director Lauren Evans, whom I’d known since I was very young. She offered me my first role, a minor part on the TV show Harlots. Honestly, I was terrible in it. But she saw potential in me and cast me in Sex Education. I can’t say why she thought I’d be suitable for that role. It seemed like she was unsure about the part herself, and we worked together to find a solution. That was when I first understood as an actor that I am essentially a craftsman, coming to auditions with solutions to problems, just like a plumber would come to fix a leak. Even if my proposed solution wasn’t what they were after, it showed me that we were on equal footing in that moment, working together to solve the problem. This newfound freedom allowed us to have a fantastic working relationship, and she eventually presented my work to the higher-ups, which sealed the deal.
She didn’t know who to cast for the role of Adam?
Absolutely. It seems that at such an early stage of the project, there were no actors chosen yet. She might have been uncertain about the desired tone for the series as well.
Indeed, it turned out well! I’m guessing you didn’t anticipate the scale of the production on set, right? And were you aware of the extent to which this project could potentially reshape your professional paths?
Definitely not during the filming of the initial season. I’m quite the pessimist and would often assume, “Nothing will be noticed.” As an actor, I believe this mindset is necessary to avoid thinking about an audience, as doing so can potentially lead to failure in various aspects. Therefore, I always strive not to consider it. However, after the first season was released, it became clear quite swiftly that it was touching many people’s lives.
To this very moment, I’m still wrapping my head around the immense adoration for that series, and the sheer luck I had in being a part of it, as it undeniably altered the trajectory of my life.
Why do you think people loved it so much?
As a gamer, I found this series incredibly heartwarming. It transported me into a realm where I could express myself freely without fear of judgment or rejection. The characters, much like the players in our gaming world, grappled with these issues, but the story was ultimately about growth and acceptance. I believe it struck a chord with viewers because it mirrored their own experiences, making them feel seen and understood. Truly, this show was unique and I’m honored to have been part of its journey.
Did Sex Education serve as a launching pad for quite a few of you? Emma [Mackey] is excelling, Ncuti [Gatwa] has taken on the role of Doctor Who. The acting talent in Sex Education was truly rich. Do you still keep in touch with your fellow cast members and follow their careers?
Without a doubt, life tends to get hectic, causing us to grow apart from one another sadly. However, I still manage to keep in touch, particularly with Alistair [Petrie]. Given our close bond during the series, he feels like family to me. In fact, he officiated my wedding not long ago, so he holds a special place in my heart. We’re even planning future vacations together and engaging in numerous activities. So, he is someone I hold deep affection for. That being said, I cherish everyone from that show, and I feel incredibly fortunate to have shared such experiences with them.
Were there any elements of Adam as a character that you’ve taken with you?
It’s a great question! I feel fortunate that Adam was so unpredictable, which gave me the freedom to explore and experiment as much as desired. Nothing he encountered ever seemed implausible, making the experience quite enjoyable. My affection for animals and dogs has intensified significantly since meeting him. There’s a dog dozing peacefully on the couch next to me now – a pet that wasn’t part of my life before I met Adam. Through our time together on ‘Sex Ed’, I learned to let go and enjoy myself more. I think I was overthinking things previously, but ‘Sex Ed’ taught me to relax and have fun.
In a thrilling turn of events, I found myself taking on the main character as David Stirling in Steven Knight’s SAS: Rogue Heroes. Needless to say, it was an intimidating yet exhilarating opportunity!
For the first time, I found myself venturing beyond my usual comfort zone, as the character I was portraying was significantly different from me, not only in terms of personality but also social class. At that stage in my career, I had always been considered for working-class roles. This role, however, required me to gather most of the information externally. Moreover, it was my first time playing a real, historic figure. To be honest, I didn’t give much thought to this aspect at the time, and I’m grateful that I didn’t. Instead, I appreciated Sex Ed for teaching me that this project would only succeed if we all enjoyed the process. Filming was challenging, but I cherished working with everyone involved, particularly Tom Shankland (the director), Steven (the writer), and my fellow cast members. Contrary to how it might seem, I never felt overwhelmed; instead, I simply dove into the project.
As a gamer, when I’m trying out for roles, does it seem like I’m being pigeonholed into a specific type of character right from the start?
From now on, I believe I’ve had enough experience under my belt. I find myself consistently acting in contrast to my previous actions. I hope there may come a time when I create something so remarkable that it lingers in the minds of many. And isn’t that wonderful? To leave such an indelible mark is truly unique and precious, wouldn’t you agree?
Did you find SAS particularly challenging since you don’t have a military background? Yet, your depiction of Stirling seems incredibly authentic.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but reflect on how intriguing it would be if we were transported into Harlan Coben’s world today. The open, uncomplicated landscapes of yesteryears lack the enigmatic, undercover allure that characterizes his stories now. I, myself, didn’t have a military background nor did any family members. However, my passion for reading has been my compass. I immersed myself in his biography and the source material that serves as the foundation for the series, and that journey of knowledge was more than enough to satisfy my curiosity.
Besides the main aspects, it primarily involved mastering accents, movements, and memorizing lines. This is because Steven Knight crafts scenes that can last up to 15-20 minutes without any cuts, filled with extensive dialogue. It was all about internalizing this and making it second nature. The rest would follow suit; there would be professionals on set to guide you. We were fortunate to have knowledgeable military advisors among us. Ultimately, the collaborative essence of filmmaking must be acknowledged, and one needs to fully immerse oneself in this collective effort. There were numerous instances where I was unsure of my actions or had no clue what to do, but fortunately, there were individuals nearby who could provide assistance. In essence, every person on that set played an integral role in creating the character of David Stirling as much as I did.
Are you an extrovert? Where has this love of working with people come from?
It seems I lean more towards introversion as my default setting. When I’m exhausted at day’s end, I too experience a depletion of energy like others, often referred to as a social battery. I’m rather reserved by nature and find that engaging in conversations about work rather than myself helps me connect with people more comfortably.
Is there any writing or directing in your future?
I believe it’s wiser not to rule out anything completely. There’s a certain charm in showing up, contributing, and then moving on. In the days ahead, possibly, but only if it aligns perfectly with what’s right and who’s involved.
Where did you shoot SAS?
Each year brings a unique twist, but there’s an airport known as White Waltham that frequently serves as our shooting location. Some of the footage filmed there ends up on various sets. For the second season, the team traveled to Croatia, while I unfortunately couldn’t make the trip due to storyline reasons. In the first season, we ventured to Morocco instead.
What can you tell us about season two? Stirling is captured at the end of season one, so what’s in store? What can people be excited about?
Just saw it, and I must say, I was absolutely astounded by it. Pardon my informal language. It encompassed everything I adore and beyond. What struck me was how familiar we already are with the characters, allowing us to jump right in without spending time learning them all over again. The storyline has only become more robust. The actors have evolved since the last time we saw them, as have the characters. The writing is top-notch. The action sequences are thrilling. This season, in particular, delves deeper into the personal lives of these individuals, exploring their struggles with PTSD from past events.
And then we come to Barbie. How did that happen?
After recording a tape, I found out that I’d be joining the film set in two weeks without any prior encounter. It seems like our first meeting occurred during my costume fitting, if I recall correctly.
The job I’m referring to was nothing short of enchanting in every aspect imaginable. It felt surreal when I found myself in the company of Will Ferrell. Growing up, I adored his movies, and here I was, engaging in casual conversation with him backstage. We even challenged each other to consume as many candy bars as possible in a single day, which was quite excessive. To top it off, we had the opportunity to travel to Los Angeles for a couple of weeks and film some scenes there. Unfortunately, my stay was brief, but the experience was still a delightful adventure. To make things even better, Greta was exceptional. Additionally, interacting with Ncuti and Emma outside of their Sex Education characters was an incredibly special moment for us.
I’m interested to know about the change, moving from a British-made Sex Education series to a major Hollywood film like Barbie.
I didn’t get the sense that Greta’s film had a big-budget Hollywood feel to it, despite possibly having substantial financial backing due to her roots in independent cinema. Instead, there was a sense of freedom and creativity on set, without anyone exerting too much control or pressure over the production process, making it feel more like a playground than a traditional film set.
In the story of William Tell, you find yourself once again embodying a character that evokes a sense of fear. It’s quite a shock to see such a stark contrast in your roles, and I must admit, Gessler is truly chilling. Can you share some insights about joining this historical production?
Initially, I had my doubts. My first thought was, “Wow, this role seems incredibly demanding physically. I’ll need to get in shape for it, learn horse riding, wield swords, wear heavy armor – all of which I enjoy. But the challenge excites me, perhaps because of my athletic past, making it easier for me to grasp what I need to do.” A large part of acting is memorizing lines, but often, it’s about emotionally connecting with the character. Physicality can help expedite this process for me, I believe. So, that aspect was intriguing.
As I dive into this game, I can’t help but feel it’s going to be an exhilarating journey, no matter the outcome later on. It’s got all the outrageous, sometimes laughably absurd action sequences that I absolutely adore in films like these – and trust me, they never fail to entertain and engage me! Being a part of this spectacle for others is just as thrilling, and let’s be honest, it gives me the chance to unleash my inner villain. Bring on the adventure!
Did you film in Switzerland?
We filmed in Italy for 10 weeks. We were in Rome for, I think, half of that time, and then the other half, we were in the mountains, in the north, which was fantastic. There’s places in this film that have never been in a film before. It’s unbelievable.
Indeed, you’re spot on! There’s an element of familiarity in this movie that seems reminiscent – a feeling we haven’t experienced in a while.
During the shooting process, I shared the same sentiments. The movie features a massive town, which was entirely practical and built on set. Now, everything would likely be computer-generated imagery (CGI). However, CGI wasn’t involved in what the actors were performing. It felt like we were part of an enormous stage production. It reminded me of making a film in the 1950s, a truly unique experience.
Did you know the history of William Tell and Gessler before you took the role?
I didn’t know the history at all. I’d never heard the legend, but it follows all the tropes and stories that I love. So I enjoyed researching it and and speaking to Nick [Hamm], that was most of my research, just speaking to Nick about it. He filled me in on all of it.
In a positive sense, your portrayal of Gessler left me feeling uneasy. Do you ever seek to discover likable aspects in such an unlikable character, or is it more about fully immersing yourself into the darkness and exploring the extremes with him?
It’s quite challenging to respond to this question. As I delved into the script, it became apparent that this character is someone who isn’t afraid to fill every available space in a room, even craving more. He yearns for the spotlight and center stage, making grand gestures – a true showman. Instead of questioning whether he’s good or bad, I concentrated on understanding his motives: why does he behave as he does? Why does he demand so much attention? However, it seems that his moral compass is absent, and he is self-centered and narcissistic, striving to be at the top.
“It’s intriguing that you often find yourself wanting to do the exact opposite of your previous actions. Are you more inclined towards playing the heroic role or the villainous one?
I’m not particularly drawn to acting roles. They aren’t something I instinctively connect with. At some point, however, you can’t help but be captivated by the people involved, the director, and the script itself. Does this project seem like one where I could comfortably contribute? Since there will undoubtedly be moments on set where I’m unsure of my actions, will I feel confident and supported in those instances? If so, then making a decision becomes straightforward.
What would you like to do next? Is there anyone in particular you’d love to work with?
I’ve always cherished the idea of collaborating with Greta Gerwig, and fortunately, that dream has come true. There are other directors I’d adore working with too… But why limit myself? I’m drawn to Luca Guadagnino, a friend and an exceptional filmmaker. He’s a genius, no need for further explanation. Spike Jonze was my greatest inspiration during my younger years, even though he’s known for the Jackass series. Yes, I was part of that generation, somewhat rebellious. Yet, his films like Being John Malkovich and his documentary-style work, as well as his music videos, have left a lasting impact on me. So, Jonze is certainly among the greats. Likewise, Paul Thomas Anderson’s films were a significant part of my upbringing, thanks to my father for introducing me to them.
When asked about the actors who have inspired me, I can only mention those whom others also often cite. Among them are Philip Seymour Hoffman, Robin Williams (who sadly passed away in the same year), and Joaquin Phoenix. I’ve been a huge fan of Jesse Plemons for a long time now, ever since his days on Friday Night Lights. I think he’s incredibly talented, and it’s wonderful to see him receiving the recognition he deserves. Will Ferrell, with whom I grew up watching comedies, is also on my list. One of my favorite films is Step Brothers. I appreciate actors who can handle both humor and serious roles, like Bill Murray.
Those are all great choices. So what’s next for Connor Swindells?
Following the completion of my work on “William Tell”, I embarked upon a TV show centered around the Lockerbie plane explosion. In this production, I portray Detective Ed McCusker, a character who stands in stark contrast to Gessler. He is an everyday man from Glasgow, characterized by his hearty demeanor.
Next year, I’ll be engaged in something unique, though I can’t disclose the details at present. However, rest assured, it will differ considerably from the cases of Lockerbie and Ed McCusker.
The world is really your oyster right now, it feels.
That’s very kind of you to say. I have a hard time, I think, feeling proud of myself.
Why?
As I grow older and gain more experience in acting, I’ve come to realize that it’s perfectly acceptable not to have all the answers. It’s okay to question yourself, to make mistakes, and to take risks. In my younger days, I put too much pressure on myself as an artist, but now I see being an actor as a journey of discovering the right frequency or wavelength for the director and the project. Sometimes a project requires you to approach it as an artist, while other times it needs a craftsman’s touch. It’s all about finding that balance and understanding that neither approach is inherently better than the other.
The other tip I’ve learned as well, I was discussing this with my wife quite recently, but actors are either ending scenes thinking about doing something or doing something. Don’t be the actor that ends every scene thinking about something. Pete Mullan gave me that piece of advice. The great Peter Mullan.
Well, I think your dad would be very proud of you.
Absolutely, it seems like my father is eagerly anticipating me starting on some sort of Star Trek-related project. He’s quite a fan of Star Trek, and while I can’t guarantee it will happen right away, I have no doubt that once it does, he’ll burst with pride.
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2024-12-17 21:26