Drew Starkey on His Breakout Role in Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer’ and Filming Steamy Scenes With Daniel Craig: We ‘Were Just Game for Anything’

As a young actress just starting out, it’s both inspiring and daunting to hear about the journey of someone like Taylor Zakhar Perez. His words paint a vivid picture of a kind-hearted, goofy, and talented individual who not only excels on screen but also off. It’s clear that he and Daniel Dae Kim formed a strong bond during their time together, with their chemistry both on and off-screen evident in every scene.

Drew Starkey didn’t audition for Luca Guadagnino’s “Queer” — instead, the project found him.

30-year-old actor from “Outer Banks” was submitting self-recorded audition tapes for other roles when one of them was shown to Guadagnino by a producer acquaintance. Later, Starkey received a call that Guadagnino, director of “Challengers” and “Call Me by Your Name,” wanted to have breakfast with him.

“Starkey says to EbMaster over Zoom from his Los Angeles home, ‘Wow, that’s really outrageous!’ He has a short haircut and mustache, and his black t-shirt stands out against a colorful painting behind him. Over the following months, they shared numerous meals as Guadagnino detailed his plans for “Queer,” his interpretation of William S. Burroughs’ 1985 novel. Eventually, Starkey auditioned for Eugene Allerton, a drug-addicted ex-Navy serviceman whom Daniel Craig portrays as William Lee in 1940s Mexico City – and he got the role.”

Starkey remarked, “It felt incredibly genuine, which isn’t typically the case.” He continued, “However, it’s a clear demonstration of Luca’s dedication — he strives to understand his actors not just as performers, but as individuals. For me, it didn’t matter if our interactions led anywhere — I was thrilled at the prospect of discussing with a director and an artist whom I respect and appreciate. What a wonderful opportunity!”

Currently, “Queer” is set to debut at the Venice Film Festival tonight, and Starkey is on the verge of replicating the breakout success that Guadagnino anticipates for him, similar to Timothée Chalamet and Josh O’Connor. In the following interview with EbMaster, Starkey discusses his rise as a movie star, filming intimate scenes with Craig, and why playing his role in “Queer” was his most difficult acting task thus far.

Tell me a bit about how you got started in acting.

1993 marked the year of my youth, yet my life was far from ordinary. While others were exploring professional paths, I found solace in the world of theater. The fire within me for this art form burned bright, even without a clear roadmap to its professional realm. My affinity for the stage was profound; it served as an outlet that I lacked in my everyday life, offering me a unique means of self-expression.

What were some of your favorite movies as a kid?

Raised in a small town nestled in rural North Carolina, films served as a gateway to worlds I might not have explored otherwise. They offered an unexpected glimpse into diverse, eccentric, extraordinary individuals, a stark contrast to the local norms that subtly shaped the type of person one could become. This exposure significantly broadened my horizons. My love for movies took root at a young age.

My father introduced me to Paul Newman’s movies, such as “Cool Hand Luke,” when I was around 13 years old. At that time, we also watched “Forrest Gump”; I continued to watch this movie from the age of 8 until I was 19, and I estimate I have seen it about 100 times. On my own accord, I discovered Paul Thomas Anderson’s films. I recall watching “There Will Be Blood” when I was either 13 or 14 years old, and this movie really made an impact on me. It showed me the true potential of filmmaking, which then led me to explore countless other filmmakers.

How did it feel for you to gain initial recognition during the COVID-19 pandemic through “Outer Banks” on Netflix, yet find yourself unable to enjoy the full impact of this sudden life transformation?

From a fan’s perspective, it was quite an odd and dreamlike experience. The publicity surrounding it didn’t really pick up until nearly a year and a half had passed, giving me a chance to remain somewhat behind the scenes. I believe this turned out to be beneficial because if things had moved faster after that first season, the sudden exposure might have made it harder for me to adapt.

Now that we’ve arrived, it’s your debut on the film festival scene, and I was wondering if you were acquainted with Burroughs’ work prior to this?

I hadn’t previously encountered “Queer”. However, during high school, I did read “Junkie”, feigning understanding as if to say, “Yes, I’m reading Burroughs.” But the truth is, after my initial encounter with Luca, I promptly purchased the book and devoured it in a single day. I find myself deeply fascinated by the Beat Generation, particularly Kerouac and Ginsberg.

Could you describe how you perceived your character, based on both the book and Guadagnino’s portrayal? What particular aspects or qualities was Guadagnino hoping you would emphasize in your performance as Allerton?

Ambiguity, really, which was a challenge. I remember Luca asking me, “Can you play hard to read?” and I was like, “I do it every day in my life.” I’m a pretty hard to read person, I feel like. But yes, he’s an ambiguous figure and kind of restricted in his own self, but there’s a sense of longing there. And I wanted to protect him in a way and kind of guide him through this.

In my opinion, Allerton seems like a perfect foil for Lee. At times, he appears logical when compared to Lee, who is always trying to delve into the depths of his character, opening him up and peeling back layers, only to find that sometimes there’s access and other times impenetrable barriers. He’s shrouded in mystery and ambiguity, yet he possesses a capacity for love. It might sound peculiar, but I can’t help but continue questioning him, continuing to think about him. He was an intricate character that proved to be the most challenging role I’ve ever taken on as an actor, which made it all the more enjoyable.

Drew Starkey on His Breakout Role in Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer’ and Filming Steamy Scenes With Daniel Craig: We ‘Were Just Game for Anything’

Tell me about working with Daniel Craig. Were you starstruck the first time you met him?

It’s evident that everyone’s in awe when Daniel enters the room. Yet, within a few minutes, that awe fades, and you realize, “Oh, right.” Daniel is not only incredibly kind, funny, and gorgeous but also an exceptionally generous actor, making him an all-round great person. Our focus was on the work, and we quickly got into it. Daniel never let things get too heavy. I admit I was overwhelmed thinking, “This is insane,” but Daniel always kept the mood light, or else I might have fallen apart on set. He’s truly amazing.

How did you two get to know each other and establish your characters’ dynamic?

Indeed, the process was quite challenging yet rewarding. I believe one of the advantages was the organic progression inherent in the filming itself, as it mirrored the story’s development. These two characters were exploring their relationship, and we were doing the same on set. Luca served as our guide in shaping these characters’ dynamics, consistently emphasizing that there should be genuine love between them. As a result, we kept that sentiment top of mind throughout the filming. Daniel and I delved into movement rehearsals and choreography together, which proved to be an excellent way to build rapport. Despite the complexity, everything felt harmonious and authentic. There was no sense of artificiality; instead, we approached it with enthusiasm, saying, “Let’s give this a go.”

You and Daniel share some pretty steamy scenes together. What was it like filming those?

In a casual, straightforward manner: Daniel and I approached the project with an anything-goes attitude, aiming for enjoyment throughout the process. We were flexible and adaptable, ready to take things as they came. Despite its sensitive nature, Luca encouraged us to be ourselves and prioritize comfort. We discussed details months in advance, even blocking off specific areas for intimate scenes. It was like a dance, figuring out how to make it work best. Those days on set were some of the most memorable, filled with laughter between Daniel and me.

Is this your most significant acting part so far? Did any apprehension arise for you, particularly when collaborating with a director as renowned as Guadagnino?

I often have the sense that I’m making mistakes, particularly at the beginning when I think, “This isn’t working.” However, I quickly trusted Luca because he would be honest about it not being right. Many times, it’s my own doubts talking. Actors can be quite insecure and crave approval. Once I overcame those fears during filming, things became less challenging. Yet, there’s always an element of intimidation. Yes, even on “Outer Banks”, during the first week or two, I felt like I was ruining it.

What do you hope viewers take away from “Queer,” and from your performance specifically?

I’m genuinely hoping they won’t dislike me, truly. It’s a wish, you see. I’m hoping this movie could serve as an entrance point, similar to “There Will Be Blood” when I was 14 years old. If a 14-year-old were watching this film, it might burst a dam and inspire them to explore more movies of the same genre. This film is exceptionally unique, standalone, and self-contained, but I’m hoping it reveals a fresh perspective on cinema for many viewers.

Going forward in your career, what kind of projects are you looking for?

I prefer collaborating with individuals who are pleasant, forward-thinking, and unpredictable. I crave diversity and don’t want to stay stuck in one role for an extended period. Additionally, I’m committed to working with Luca as long as we both live, so…

2024-09-02 18:17

Drew Starkey on His Breakout Role in Luca Guadagnino’s ‘Queer’ and Filming Steamy Scenes With Daniel Craig: We ‘Were Just Game for Anything’

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