Jai Courtney on Making an Acting Comeback in Cannes Serial Killer-Shark Thriller and if He Would Return to DC Universe: ‘I Have Hope’

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For the past four years, Jai Courtney has kept it relatively quiet. 

After my second round as Captain Boomerang in James Gunn’s “The Suicide Squad” in 2021, I decided to leave the bustling city of Los Angeles behind and settle upstate New York. This new chapter also brought me the joyous role of fatherhood for the first time. For a while, I chose to step away from big-screen productions. As a film enthusiast, I look forward to seeing what the future holds for me in this exciting industry!

He explains that he and his partner, Saudi actress Dina Shihabi, along with their 2-year-old daughter, were experiencing some significant changes in their personal lives. Feeling the need for a change, they made a bold decision to step out of their comfort zone. They chose a tranquil lifestyle, which he describes as a drastic shift from what they were used to. Since then, he hasn’t regretted his choice. Being an impulsive individual, it felt like the perfect opportunity for him to begin a fresh start and write a new chapter in their lives.

I’m thrilled to share that I’m diving back into action with the lead role in “Dangerous Animals,” a pulse-pounding fusion of two blockbuster genres – the chilling tale of a serial killer and the heart-stopping thrill of a shark movie. The excitement surrounding this film is palpable, as I deliver an exceptional performance amidst heart-stopping jump scares. And to top it off, “Dangerous Animals” was selected for the prestigious Directors’ Fortnight sidebar at Cannes – so buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!

On the eve of the movie’s premiere at the prestigious Carlton Hotel in Cannes, the actor appears content with his life decisions and optimistic about his career resurgence, as he enjoys an orange-apricot spritz. In “Dangerous Animals,” he will explore the mindset of a madman who dances in jubilation following a murder. Courtney recognizes the public’s intrigue with serial killers.

As evening falls and the Cannes film festival commences, the actor can be found savoring an orange-apricot spritz at the illustrious Carlton Hotel. He appears serene about his life choices and hopeful for his comeback prospects. In “Dangerous Animals,” he will have the opportunity to investigate the psyche of a deranged individual who celebrates after taking a life. Courtney appreciates the public’s fascination with serial killers.

As a film enthusiast captivated by true crime narratives, I wholeheartedly confess my fascination. The question of whether we inadvertently glorify wrongdoers has been a topic of discussion. I ponder, ‘Could there be a fine line between admiration and condemnation somewhere?’ Yet, it’s not just about morals; it’s also about the thrill, the unparalleled excitement that true crime stories offer. After all, one doesn’t have to share the moral compass to appreciate the captivating performances and gripping plots, right?

Following his groundbreaking role alongside Tom Cruise in the 2012 film “Jack Reacher”, Courtney gained recognition as the rising star from Australia, joining a prestigious roster that includes Mel Gibson, Russell Crowe, and the late Heath Ledger. Collaborating with Cruise provided an insight into the privileges of Hollywood fame.

I’ve been incredibly well taken care of by Tom. One day, he graciously offered me a lift to work on his helicopter – an experience that felt otherworldly for me. As I was strolling down the hotel corridor, he called out, ‘Courtney, where are you headed? Join us.’ The next instant, I found myself at a helipad. We were still a couple of hours away from the set, and Tom isn’t one to deal with traffic.

The movie “A Good Day to Die Hard,” released in 2013 and featuring Bruce Willis’ son, paved the way for him to play more heroic roles within the action franchise. For Courtney, this film seems reminiscent of a bygone era.

Bruce was relentlessly powering through films as if he were an iconic action star,” he recalls. “During that era, actors had more freedom to perform stunts than they do now. We were pushing ourselves hard. In this car chase alone, we destroyed 110 cars. Since then, I’ve made a film where I was only allowed to drive out of a parking space quickly, which they usually don’t allow. I asked, ‘What changed?’ because I had jumped out of a building in Die Hard.

Originally hailing from Sydney, this individual ascended to greater heights and clinched an esteemed position: playing Kyle Reese, the resistance soldier, in the 2015 installment of the “Terminator” series titled “Terminator: Genisys.” With a budget of $155 million, this blockbuster movie, featuring his girlfriend at the time, Emilia Clarke, grossed an impressive $441 million globally. Despite earning profits during its cinema release, proposals for a trilogy were eventually abandoned.

When you’re fully immersed in a series, it can be quite challenging. I encountered this issue with ‘Die Hard’ as well, he admits. It’s a cherished piece that fans crave more of, but recreating the magic is tough because you’re trying to capture the nostalgia of the initial experience. It’s doable, but it requires a lot. I have no regrets about it. They were enjoyable movies, but hitting a home run with a long-running franchise can be difficult – that’s just its nature.

Among his most cherished memories from film sets, some have been permanently inscribed as tattoos on his body. Courtney indicates one such tattoo located on his inner forearm, which reads “SKWAD,” a shared tribute among the cast of the 2016 movie “Suicide Squad.” Another tattoo is visible on his opposite arm, which he acquired following a friendly wager with fellow Australian Margot Robbie.

He admits he’s made quite a few regrettable tattoo choices since then. Last week, one of his friends inked a rough sketch onto him, which is now visible near his large bicep. After realizing that his legs were also prime locations for tattoos, he began getting them done there instead. The inner thigh is particularly painful, yet there’s a sense of elation associated with it, almost like a rush of endorphins. Tattooing seems to have an addictive quality, and the result is a kind of trophy.

Tucker’s mindset could be similarly described in his roles as the seafaring serial killer in “Dangerous Animals” and the gonzo criminal Boomerang from David Ayer’s “Suicide Squad” (2016). Notably, Courtney suggests that these characters share a common thread: they are both portrayed as psychopathic individuals.

David shared with me, “I suggested you should explore your hidden rebellious side,” and in my preparation, I was engaging in peculiar activities. I recall consuming mushrooms and intentionally burning myself with cigarettes, he shares. “I was venturing into a strange mental state through it. I’m open to trying out new experiences with some ancient healing plants. Why not?

In Gunn’s portrayal of “Suicide Squad,” Boomerang might have suffered a grim fate, but there could be a chance for him to reappear in the DC universe as per the decision made by the DC boss, according to Courtney.

Courtney recalls their conversation after reading the script and learning about his character’s fate: “I said, ‘Boomerang is pretty awesome, right?'” Gunn replied, “Well, you know the rules aren’t always set in stone. Just because he dies here doesn’t mean it’s a permanent end.” I agreed enthusiastically, saying, “Absolutely!” So, deep down, there’s a small glimmer of hope that Boomerang might return in the future.

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2025-05-17 18:23