Scott Eastwood on Filming 'Suicide Squad': "Some Would Call It Torture"
He's landed leading roles in several of 2016's most anticipated films, played Taylor Swift's love interest in one of her most recent music videos and just so happens to be the son of Hollywood royalty. But don't think any of the above has gone to Scott Eastwood's head. The star of comic book juggernaut Suicide Squad and whistleblower thriller Snowden got candid about his career trajectory-"There have been a lot of great life experiences I've had on films set all over the world that shaped who I am as a man today"-and where he's headed next. One thing he wasn't open about? His role in Suicide Squad, which DC is keeping tightly under wraps. Read on for more from Eastwood, 30, about starring in what's sure to be summer's biggest blockbuster, working with the biggest names in film and his entry into environmental activism:
Harper's BAZAAR: You're filming Fast 8 right now. How did it feel to enter such a massive franchise as a newcomer?
Scott Eastwood: They couldn't have been more open-armed. It was like being accepted by a family, and it was really nice because I was really close with Paul [Walker] and he was their extended family too because he worked with them for so long. It's been one of the most enjoyable experiences.
HB: We don't know much about your Suicide Squad character. What can you tell me about the movie?
SE: That it's gonna be totally f*cking awesome [laughs]. David Ayer...I would do anything that guy does.
HB: What was filming like?
SE: It was intense. All his movies are intense. He believes really strongly in putting the actor through training-or some would call it torture, maybe. I think he kind of liked to torture us. It's the second movie I've done with him. He's a really great guy, a really stand-up dude. Knows what he wants, isn't afraid to tell you when you're not doing it. He's a no-bullsh*t kind of guy.
HB: Was this the most intense role you've ever trained for?
SE: No, I think Fury was. Although [with Suicide Squad] we were trying to bring as much authenticity to the specs ops community, which was really important to me because I have ultimate respect for those guys, I think Fury was a little bit more intense just because we were representing veterans and really trying to bring that to life and make sure we do it in a really authentic way.
HB: Do you feel any pressure in the lead-up to the opening of such a highly-anticipated film as Suicide Squad?
SE: Not really. I think David Ayer is a hell of a filmmaker. He knows how to make a good film. I think when you trust your filmmaker, you go, "That guy knows his shi*t."
HB: And you also have Snowden coming out in September. Tell me about your character and your experience making that movie.
SE: I play Edward Snowden's boss, an NSA agent. It was one of my dreams to work with Oliver Stone. I'm a huge fan. I haven't seen the film-I know people have seen it and like it-so I'm eager to see that one.
HB: Looking back at your already-extensive resume, is there one role you'd consider most influential to your career so far?
SE: It's hard to quantify into one. What people don't understand about making a film is sometimes your experience on the film shapes who you are. You're gone to another country for five months, maybe more, there's training leading up to it... It's a whole life experience that people don't see because they just see the final product wrapped up in a couple hours. You don't see everything that happens [around it]. I think it's hard to say one movie or one thing; I think they all shape who you are.
HB: What's your favorite genre to work on?
SE: I'd probably say drama. A great drama, something that moves you; the movies I grew up on, like Legends of the Fall, Unforgiven, Forrest Gump, Braveheart. Those movies, to me, are what drew me to movies. A lot of my father's movies. I lean towards that.
HB: What has your father taught you about working in the industry?
SE: Don't do it (laughs). No, I'm kidding. He doesn't really care. You know, his father worked at a gas station. My dad is really old school: "Whatever you do, just be the best at it." He didn't really care if I was a plumber or a roofer. It didn't matter what I did. He said, "Go out and find out what you like to do, and be the best at it."
HB: What's your favorite movie of his?
SE: There's a lot of good ones. I'd probably lean towards Unforgiven. There's so many-he keeps putting them out there!
HB: You've worked with so many major talents in the film industry-you mentioned Oliver Stone, David Ayer, obviously your own father. Who are your dream collaborators for future projects?
SE: I'd love to work with guys like Martin Scorsese, Ridley Scott, James Cameron, the list goes on and on. I'd love to work with my dad again. I've worked with my dad on several projects now, but I think at the top of my list, I would love to work with my father in a leading role or a bigger role in his films. I've been trying to put something together with him, trying to get him material I think is good. We're talking about doing something.
HB: Speaking of collaborators, what was it like working on Taylor Swift's "Wildest Dreams" video last year?
SE: She's the best! She's awesome. I love her music, all her songs are my guilty pleasure, and she's such a nice, sweet person. Such a great role model to girls.
HB: You're working with Davidoff and National Geographic for the Pristine Seas Project. Why is environmental conservation so important to you?
SE: I grew up by the ocean, so my whole life has sort of been centered around the ocean. When I got a chance to do something that actually had some philanthropic meaning to it, I jumped on it. It just sort of resonated. I always wanted to give back in that way. It's been really rewarding to be able to go around the world and be a part of this great cause.
