We Speak Actors
Walles Hamonde on the secrecy and excitement of acting in ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’
As a huge Tim Burton fan, Walles Hamonde was thrilled to be cast in the new ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ movie alongside stars Michael Keaton and Winona Ryder. A former competitive figure skater, Walles is now a familiar face on screen, perhaps best known for his character Rich in Armando Iannucci’s hit HBO show ‘Avenue 5’. He also played Sheik Al Jamain in the ground-breaking Netflix animation ‘Captain Fall’; Doctor Saed in the controversial 2023 New Year’s episode of ‘EastEnders’; and the lead Auror in the seminal Harry Potter spin-off ‘Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them’. In addition, Walles has starred in dozens of high-profile audio dramas, video games and animations.
Walles said it was “an absolute honour” to be part of ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’: “I grew up watching the original ‘Beetlejuice’ movie, and in my former life as a competitive figure skater, actually skated as the character Beetlejuice several times using the hit Danny Elfman score.
“The audition process for this movie was shrouded in secrecy, and the project was codenamed, so even after I was offered the part, I was unaware of which movie I was shooting.”
“It was only when I went to my first costume fitting that I saw a pictures of Michael Keaton and Catherine O’Hara in costume and the penny dropped – and my heart rate jumped!”
Walles’ character, Glen, is involved in a plot line which really sets the scene of ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ and reintroduces us to the world of Lydia Deetz, 36 years after we last saw her. We can’t say any more without spoiling the plot, so you’ll have to watch it to find out what happens…
Walles thoroughly enjoyed the shoot, especially working with his hero Tim Burton. He said: “A large portion of my career has been spent working in the fantasy genre, so this is a very familiar playground for me. That said, I felt a lot of nerves when I got on set for my first day of filming, which was incidentally the first day of filming for the whole movie. It was the normal ‘first day of school’ jitters, but definitely accentuated by the fact that I am a huge fan of Tim Burton, absolutely love the original movie and wanted to make sure my work spoke to my passion for the project.
“I’m in a big scene alongside several lead cast members, which is technically intricate and has a lot of moving parts.”
“Tim has an incredible ability to see the bigger picture in his head and he really helps you as an actor to find the performance that he needs to tell his story.”
“The sets allow you to completely immerse yourself in your character and just ‘live’ the part. It was surreal to finish filming and think: ‘Did that just happen? Am I really in the new ‘Beetlejuice’’?!”
Over his career, Walles has worked opposite many well-known names in the industry including Eddie Redmayne and Colin Farrell (‘Fantastic Beasts’); Hugh Laurie and Josh Gad (‘Avenue 5’); Lyndsey Marshal and Jonah Hauer-King (‘Agatha and the Curse of Ishtar’); and Jason Ritter and Adam Devine (‘Captain Fall’). He can currently be heard alongside David Oyelowo and Vanessa Kirby in ‘The Strange Case’, and Phoebe Fox and Kyle Soller in ‘Temporal’, both available on Audible.
Walles said that ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ would appeal to a wide cross-section of viewers, adding: “It’s a major crossover in terms of genre – horror, comedy and fantasy. And there’s a whole generation of people who remember the original and will want to see the sequel for some feel-good 80s nostalgia. But there’s also a passionate new legion of younger fans who will know cast members from their more recent smash hit shows: Winona Ryder from ‘Stranger Things’, Catherine O’Hara from ‘Schitt’s Creek’ and Jenny Ortega from ‘Wednesday’. The original movie is also now on Netflix, so hopefully people can do a double-whammy and refresh themselves on the original and then come to the movies to find out what happens next!”
Walles has a busy month ahead, as he will be appearing in the new MGM+/Lionsgate drama ‘Borderline’, alongside Eoin Macken and Amy de Bruhn, which premieres on 2 September. Then on 13 September, Walles is set to star alongside Kim Cattrall, Ed Harris and Johnny Flynn in the highly anticipated BBC Radio 4 audio drama ‘Central Intelligence’.
‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ has been released in cinemas across the UK and US.
Featured photo credit: Ziebell Photography.
American actor Michael William Freeman has appeared in many hit shows, but is perhaps best known for playing militia member Blake Sarno in ‘Fear The Walking Dead’. Now he’s swapped the zombie apocalypse for a medical procedural, playing the character of Glenn Vogel in the new Netflix series ‘Pulse’, which follows the personal and professional lives of doctors and staff at a busy Miami trauma centre. We talk to Michael about working with his idols, the joys of collaboration, and why ‘Pulse’ feels like it comes from the golden age of TV.
Tell us about your experience working on the new Netflix series ‘Pulse’?
“It was epic. I had such an amazing time on this show, and it was really great to work with Netflix. The very first day I stepped on set, the energy was palpable. Everyone was just so happy and grateful to be part of this project – it really elevated the whole process.”
“Sometimes work can feel like a grind, but this show was a real pleasure. It was such a warm and welcoming environment, and I know that is reflected on screen.”
What was it like working with series creator Zoe Robyn and co-showrunner Carlton Cuse?
“Man, what an absolute dream! Zoe is such a brilliant talent, her writing is so rich and compelling. And Carlton is a master of his craft, an absolute legend in the industry. Yet they both approach the work with zero pretension. It was inspiring and heartening to be around them both. I think it was the most supportive, collaborative environment I’ve ever worked in; it really felt like a family on set. I’d do anything for those two.”
This is Netflix’s first medical drama – did you enjoy working in this genre?
“I’ve done medical procedurals before, which are fun, but this is something different. The heart of this show is the relationships. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of action and excitement, but what really drives the story are the people. It feels like a show from the golden age of television, something like ‘ER’, it’s so thoughtfully crafted and executed.”
“The way all the stories intersect and collide is really special, I’ve never been a part of anything quite like it. I’m really excited for people to see the show, I think they’re going to love it.”
Who will enjoy watching this show?
“There’s something for everyone! There’s romance, action, drama… even a few laughs. It’s stunning work from Zoe, Carlton and the whole cast and crew. Seriously, every department killed it: from hair and makeup, to wardrobe, to camera, everyone really shines. And I know the audience will appreciate the artistry and craftsmanship. Plus it’s such a fun and vivid world to explore.”
You’ve acted in so many hit TV series and films; which projects have been the most pivotal for you?
“‘In Time’ was my first big studio movie and the first time I saw myself on a big screen in a movie theatre. So that was a pivotal job for me and I certainly learned a lot from that experience. ‘Doll & Em’ on HBO was another one. Getting to act with Chloë Sevigny and be directed by Azazel Jacobs was momentous; I was such a big fan of them both and working with them exceeded my expectations. But most people recognise me from ‘Fear The Walking Dead’ – that show definitely raised my visibility and had a lasting impact on my career. I’m really grateful to be a part of that franchise. And now I can add ‘Pulse’ to that list.”
All episodes of ‘Pulse’ are available to stream on Netflix now.\
Featured photo credit: Netflix
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