Archie Madekwe on Going From ‘Saltburn’ Survivor to Preyed-Upon Music Star in ‘Lurker’: It ‘Feels Tense and Anxiety-Inducing, but Is Laced With So Much Comedy’

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As a movie enthusiast, I found myself drawn to the intriguing title “Lurker” and was thrilled to be part of Alex Russell’s chilling directorial debut about fame and fandom. Little did I know that my fascination with this project would lead to me being cast as Matthew, the persistent shop assistant and devoted superfan who manages to worm his way into the inner circle of music star Oliver. It turns out I had submitted an audition tape for the role!

To EbMaster, I had confidently believed that I’d destroyed the tape, but apparently not. Silence followed my statement, and as time passed with the project evolving, I assumed it wasn’t meant to happen. It was only later on that I discovered Russell, renowned for his work in ‘Beef’ and ‘The Bear’, never actually watched my recording.

But he had spied Madekwe in a Los Angeles coffee shop.

Upon our first encounter, he commented, ‘After observing you, your gestures, and your speaking style, I had an impression that you would be perfect for the role of Oliver,'” he clarifies.

In response to the filmmaker’s somewhat persistent pursuit, Madekwe transitioned from the hidden observer in “Lurker” to the one being observed himself. He portrayed a self-absorbed singer on the verge of superstardom who eventually succumbed to the relentless advances of Matthew, played by Théodore Pellerin.

Madekwe received his initial producer credit from the person known as “Lurker”, an initiative that was spontaneously suggested by Russell. During dinner, while the movie was still being produced, the director confided in his two young actors, “You know, I’m going to be quite lost on this journey and will likely depend on you both heavily – I’ll have a lot of questions… I’m bound to make mistakes and I’ll need you to guide me.

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I found myself deeply immersed in the filmmaking process, working hand-in-hand with the debut director. Together, we interacted with department heads, scouted locations, managed cast members, and delved into the script. “It was a collaborative effort that resonated with my own work style,” I recall saying. “Over time, it became evident that I was functioning as a producer.

Russell decided to alter Oliver’s nationality to be the same as Madekwe, who he initially wrote as an American character. However, Alex was strongly attached to the idea of him being British. Interestingly, at around the same time, Rex Orange County, a musician and friend of Madekwe, reached out. As a British expat in L.A., Rex became an excellent source of inspiration for Russell, who found himself frequently seeking his advice. Eventually, Rex Orange County provided the production with a song from his latest album as a gift.

Madekwe remarks, ‘It seems as if he tailored it specifically for the movie.’ However, we were continually surprised by these incredible, enchanting instances of collaboration that just seemed to appear.”

Or:

Madekwe comments, “‘It’s like he crafted it with the film in mind,’ he says. But what actually happened was an endless stream of magical, collaborative moments presenting themselves unexpectedly.

Initially, it was not expected of Madekwe to sing as Oliver, but later, he ended up doing so after someone overheard him humming a tune. “I believe they caught me singing to a track and thought, ‘Let’s get him in the recording studio,'” he recalls. “And that led to me creating an entire album and performing live shows.

In reality, the performances by Oliver you see on-screen were actually live concerts of highly accomplished musicians whom he claims they “seized” momentarily. He encouraged the audience to stay put for an additional ten minutes and even had them sign waivers.

He admits it was truly terrifying since these individuals had paid to attend and were expected to feign affection for him. However, their reactions were astonishing – an exhilarating rush unlike any other, marking a unique experience in his life.” Additionally, Madekwe hints at a potential first for him – the release of an album titled “Lurker,” where he showcases his musical talent as Oliver.

Madekwe commends Russell for crafting a movie that carries an “amazing sense of suspense,” yet it’s filled with moments that are amusingly “uncomfortable and embarrassing.

I’m delighted to come across a work that combines tension and anxiety with humor in such an unique way. It’s hard to find similar pieces, and I’ve been struggling to think of any equivalents.

After starting out with minor roles on U.K. TV in my late teens, I had the good fortune of securing a significant role in Max Minghella’s “Teen Spirit.” This was followed by more substantial parts in series like Apple TV+’s “See” and the BBC’s adaptation of “Les Miserables.” I also found myself among Ari Aster’s pagan sacrifices in “Midsommar,” and got to showcase my leading actor skills in the sports drama “Gran Turismo,” where I portrayed a teenage gamer transitioning into a racing driver.

Later arrived “Saltburn.” Fennell’s lively and TikTok-suitable drama set among the British aristocracy featured him as Jacob Elordi’s suspicious American cousin. This character ultimately finds trouble with Barry Keoghan’s cunning outsider. Despite the hype, he acknowledges that it didn’t instantly turn him into a millionaire or drastically alter his life (“you don’t receive an instant financial boost, contrary to what many people believe”). However, it certainly boosted his popularity.

He mentions that his main goal has always been to demonstrate his abilities to people, and for certain individuals, whom he greatly respects, this was their initial encounter with him through a movie. Among these people was Marion Cotillard (whom he believes her role in ‘La Vie en Rose’ inspired him to pursue acting), whom he crossed paths with at an event. She exclaimed, ‘Oh my goodness, I just watched ‘Saltburn’ last night – I thought you were American!’ They then had a pleasant chat.

Through “Lurker,” which was warmly embraced at Sundance and secured by Mubi for U.S. distribution and Focus Features for international release before its global debut in Berlin, a larger audience will have the opportunity to witness Madekwe’s talents – this time as a seasoned indie leading actor.

As a movie enthusiast, I’m making my way towards the same level of recognition as Oliver in Russell’s film. This is the talent that everyone below me on the acting ladder seems to be striving for. Over the years, I’ve often felt this sensation within myself – the feeling of success and influence that comes with being an actor.

Indeed, yes. In essence, our field is overcrowded with talent – it’s a highly competitive industry. Moreover, being creative often means regularly questioning your own abilities,” he explained.

People often grapple with similar issues on their own, and these struggles can manifest unexpectedly. This is particularly true when someone has been immersed in a particular field since they were young, before they had a chance to develop a sense of self beyond that profession.

Much like how Oliver met Matthew in “Lurker,” Madewke’s rise to stardom happened unexpectedly, thanks to a stroke of luck. However, it’s intriguing to consider what he was doing in the L.A. coffee shop that caught Russell’s eye and led him to recognize Madewke as a music sensation.

He mentioned that I was attending a work meeting, but I assure you, I was actually spending time with my cousin instead. Therefore, I can’t quite figure out what activities I may have been involved in resembling ‘Oliver’.

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2025-02-20 17:25