We Speak Actors

Alexis Rodney stars in new Guy Ritchie Netflix series, ‘The Gentlemen’

Published

12 months ago

March 2, 2024

British actor Alexis Rodney had the time of his life playing an enigmatic lawyer in the new series ‘The Gentleman’, based on Guy Ritchie’s 2019 film of the same name. The series – which launches on Netflix on Thursday 7 March – introduces a new set of characters led by Eddie, an aristocrat with a weed farm, played by ‘The White Lotus’’s Theo James. The star-studded cast also includes Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings, Giancarlo Esposito, Joely Richardson and Ritchie favourite, Vinnie Jones. Alexis, whose previous credits include ‘Guardians Of The Galaxy’ and ‘Willow’, shares some behind-the-scenes secrets.

Tell us about your role in ‘The Gentlemen’.

“I play Emory Stevens, often referred to quite simply as Stevens. Stevens is introduced in the series as an American lawyer, who also moonlights as a personal assistant to a very powerful man. He’s a calm and enigmatic figure, a bit of a modern-day Renaissance man, a jack of all trades, if you will, who is as au fait with decanting wine as he would be dissecting an enemy.”

*Photo credit Bertie Watson at The NoMad Hotel* *in London*

What was it like working with Guy Ritchie?

“In 1998 I went to the cinema to see Guy’s first film, ‘Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels’. It was a seminal film, moving the needle from traditional, British kitchen-sink dramas, to a more fresh and exciting storytelling that appealed to the international film community. I made a promise to myself at the time that I would one day work with Guy Ritchie, and some 20 years and loose change later, I finally achieved that dream. Guy is the epitome of a British gentleman: knowledgeable, playful and seemingly as excited about filmmaking as he was all those years ago. He doesn’t over-direct, but when he needs to give actors adjustments, they make complete sense. All in all, a pleasure to work with.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnpfKsqeMrM

Was it a fun set to work on?

“Starting work on any project always has the feeling of the first day of school, but when the dust settled on this job it was a wonder to behold. So many great creatives under one roof, all pulling their weight for the greater good.”

“Everyone was in good spirits, both on and off the set, which obviously makes such a huge difference in the work environment.”

“I can’t stress enough just how lovely everyone was. This job will live long in my memory.”

Who will enjoy watching ‘The Gentlemen’?

“The show seamlessly mixes the world of blue-collar and silver-spoon crime, to give audiences a unique, high-octane, high-fashion drama, with a lot of comedy too.

“Ultimately ‘The Gentlemen’ is a show about roles and duties within the family hierarchy, and how families come together when the vultures circle.”

“I would recommend it to anyone who’s the right age to watch it! It’s a truly bonkers adventure.”

What have been your other favourite roles to date?

“I’m grateful to have had a wide variety of roles. The film ‘Buffalo Soldiers’ (2001) with Joaquin Phoenix is special to me, as it was my first international film and of course I was working with one of the best actors of our time. I’ve since gone on to act in the Marvel Universe as Moloka Dar in ‘Guardians of the Galaxy’ (2014), Simon Peter in the Ridley Scott drama ‘Killing Jesus’ (2015), Arris in another Ridley Scott-produced film, ‘Halo Nightfall’, Tebbe in the Amazon-produced series ‘Outlander’, Lachlan in the Disney reboot of ‘Willow’ (2022), Darren Thompson in HBO series ‘Pennyworth’ and, last but not least, I’m in the soon-to-be-released horror film ‘The Piper’ (2024), from Icelandic filmmaker Erlingur Óttar Thoroddsen.”

Featured photo credit: Bertie Watson at The NoMad Hotel in London

We Speak Actors

‘Elkhorn’ star Travis Lee Eller talks Westerns, character-building, and the art of the perfect hat

Published

1 week ago

February 12, 2025

Anna Sutton

Travis Lee Eller isn’t just an actor—he’s a storyteller deeply immersed in the world of Westerns, both on-screen and off. Whether portraying rugged frontiersmen or crafting authentic, weathered cowboy hats through his business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, Eller understands that every detail—especially the right hat—helps define a character. Currently, you can catch him in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, now streaming on YouTube. Later this year, he’ll appear in two Western short films, ‘Darlin’’ and ‘Stubborn’, both directed by Robert Gamperl and set to make the film festival rounds before landing on streaming platforms. And, of course, fans of ‘Elkhorn’ can look forward to season two, premiering in late 2025 produced by Morningstar Entertainment on the INSP Network. We caught up with Eller to talk about his career, the legacy of Westerns in Hollywood, and why the perfect hat is more than just an accessory—it’s the finishing touch that brings a character to life.

You’re known for acting in Western film and TV projects. Which ones are you most proud of?

I don’t think I play favorites when it comes to my projects. What I remember most are the experiences on set, the incredible people I’ve worked with, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Each project pushes me to grow as an actor. That said, I’m especially proud of my latest script, ‘No Man Was Civilized’. It’s a story I’ve spent years developing, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

What are you working on at the moment?

Right now, I’m filming season two of Elkhorn for the INSP Network. The series takes place in the 1880s and follows a young Teddy Roosevelt as he ventures west to prove himself as a cowboy. I play Joe Ferris, the town shopkeeper, and the story is rooted in true events. The new season is set to premiere in late 2025. Beyond acting, I recently finished writing a Western feature film called ‘No Man Was Civilized’, which weaves together four short stories into a single, cohesive narrative. Writing has been a long but rewarding process, and I can’t wait to see it take shape.

Your business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, is also connected to Western projects. In what way?

My hats are known for their worn, distressed look—it’s a craft I’ve spent years perfecting. Over time, actors, directors, and costume designers have reached out for custom pieces to fit specific characters. I even wear my own designs in my work. In fact, the hat I’m wearing in ‘Elkhorn’ season two is one of mine. I’ve always believed that in a Western, the hat is the final touch that defines a character. It tells a story before a single word is spoken.

How do you balance your business and acting career?

During my downtime, I’m usually making hats.The two never really interfere with each other—if anything, hat-making is therapeutic for me. I often find myself running lines in my head while working in my studio. If it weren’t for acting, I probably wouldn’t have started my business in the first place. Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to balance both without feeling overwhelmed.

What advice would you give to actors who want to appear in Westerns?

Every actor has their own approach to storytelling, character development, and capturing the right tone. There’s no single “right way” to do it. But for me, my love of Westerns comes from a deep passion for that era of American history. I grew up in a household where Westerns were always on TV, so it became part of my DNA. If I had to give one practical piece of advice? Don’t wear your hat backward. I see it happen in movies and TV shows all the time, and it always makes me cringe a little.

What upcoming projects do you have?

Right now, you can watch me in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, available on YouTube. Later this year, I’ll be in Darlin’ and Stubborn, two Western short films directed by Robert Gamperl, both of which will hit the festival circuit before streaming. And, of course, Elkhorn season two arrives in late 2025, produced by Morningstar Entertainment.

Beyond that, my agent, Beverly Brock, is always pitching me for new opportunities. I’m excited for whatever comes next and grateful for every step of the journey.

Featured photo credit: Morgan Weistling