IN CONVERSATION WITH CHRISTIAN SLATER
interview by JANA LETONJA
Christian Slater can be seen starring in ‘Dexter: Original Sin’, which premiered on Showtime and Paramount+ on 13th December. He will also be returning to the stage and starring in The New Group’s ‘The Curse of The Starving Class’ alongside Calista Flockhart and Cooper Hoffman this upcoming Winter.
blazer and jeans AMI PARIS
top CDLP
cardigan GUEST IN RESIDENCE
shoes Talent’s own
Christian, you’re currently starring in ‘Dexter: Original Sin’. What drew you to this project, and how does it compare to other thrillers or psychological dramas you’ve been a part of?
I’m very excited to be a part of ‘Dexter: Original Sin’. I am a huge fan of ‘Dexter’. Michael C. Hall created an unforgettable character. I also loved James Remar as Harry Morgan. To get the chance to explore that character further was a real thrill. We only get to see flashbacks and glimpses of Harry from the original show. Getting the chance to see some of Harry’s trauma that he has experienced, the consequences of some of his choices that lead him to feel deep regret, loss and inner conflict, all of those things that happened make it much clearer some of the decisions he ends up making in regards to his son Dexter.
He wants to protect his son at any cost. He sees that he has these uncontrollable urges. He tries to channel them in a more positive direction, creating the code for Dexter to go after the ones that Harry has seen getting away with murder for so long. And think about how many serial killers would be walking around Miami had it not been for Dexter and Harry’s code.
blazer, shirt, pants, and tie BRIONI
‘Dexter’ is a beloved franchise with a dedicated fanbase. Have you been a fan of the show prior to getting cast on this spin-off, and how did you prepare for this role?
I did rewatch some episodes of the original show. And I looked at some clips from some of the iconic Harry and Dexter scenes.
jacket TODD SNYDER
timepiece OMEGA
The series is set to air weekly for 10 episodes. What can the fans expect to discover as the story unfolds?
Questions will be answered that you didn’t know you had. Watching the original show, I always felt like I wanted to know more about some of those characters. And this is that opportunity. Clyde Phillip is a wonderful writer and showrunner, and is greatly responsible for the success of the original show. It’s so wonderful to have him at the helm of this one.
blazer, shirt, pants, and tie BRIONI
You’re also returning to the stage for ‘The Curse of the Starving Class’ in 2025. What excites you most about this production, and how do you approach performing live theater versus film or TV?
There is something very exciting about performing in front of a live audience, and getting the chance to work on such an amazing play. I’m a giant fan of Sam Shepard. His writing has always been very challenging and complex. He’s able to create beautiful stories about cultural topics that truly resonate with audiences.
coat, shirt, and trousers EMPORIO ARMANI
boots DOLCE&GABBANA
What do you hope audiences take away from this play, especially in today’s cultural context?
The struggles and dysfunctions of a family in middle America. Sam Shepard has a poetic writing style that can make all of these characters relatable and resonate with any audience.
blazer JIL SANDER
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You’ve had such a dynamic career with iconic roles in ‘Heathers’, ‘True Romance’, and ‘Mr. Robot’, amongst others. Looking back, what roles have been most transformative for you as an actor?
I think each project and each opportunity has presented challenges and hurdles to overcome. I’ve loved everything I’ve worked on and gotten to be a part of. Even the projects that were considered unsuccessful initially, like ‘Heathers’, have gone on to have a wonderful afterlife and even got turned into a musical. I’m so grateful I’ve gotten to be a part of some truly special experiences and projects, and have had the chance to share the screen with so many iconic actors.
How do you feel the industry has changed since your breakout roles, and how have you adapted to these changes as an artist?
The industry has certainly changed and certainly become more difficult with the advent of social media. The technology is incredible and scary at the same time. I feel like I was around in a simpler time. It was all only about the work. There are so many new aspects to the business.
full look DOLCE&GABBANA
As someone who has been a leading force in Hollywood for decades, you’ve worked in such a range of genres. What keeps you motivated and passionate about acting after all these years?
I truly do love what I do. I see it as something I get to do, not something I have to do. I love interacting with my fellow workers and meeting new people. With every project, it’s a chance to build a whole new family and group of friends for a period of time. I think Jeff Bridges calls it advanced pretending, and that’s what I love to do.
With ‘Dexter: Original Sin’ and your upcoming stage production, how do you balance such diverse projects?
I have wonderful people I work with who help organize dates and make it possible for me to be able to work on things I love doing. Getting the chance to act again in NY is truly something that fills me with happiness. This is where I grew up and doing plays was always in my blood.
jacket ZEGNA
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jeans THE SEVEN CONTINENTS
Outside of acting, what are the things you are most passionate about in life?
My family. My wife, and my children. My dog too. Living a good life. Doing the best I can. Treating everyone with dignity and respect. Taking responsibility for myself and appreciating every moment, even the difficult ones.
TEAM CREDITS:
talent CHRISTIAN SLATER
photography ERIK TANNER
styling SEPPE TIRABASSI
grooming MELISSA DEZARATE
photography assistant TAYLOR SCHANTZ
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director & interview JANA LETONJA
