IN CONVERSATION WITH GAVIN LEATHERWOOD

interview by MAREK BARTEK

American actor and singer Gavin Leatherwood is lighting up the screen once again in Netflix’s highly anticipated feature film 'It’s What’s Inside’, which premiered on 4th October. Known for his captivating performances, Gavin has already made waves in Netflix projects like ‘Chilling Adventures of Sabrina’, and now he’s continuing his rise to stardom, most recently on season one of ‘The Sex Lives of College Girls' for Max.

full look & shoes AMIRI
belt DSQUARED2
ring DAVID YURMAN
earring MALAKAI

Your latest film ‘It’s What’s Inside’ has been creating a lot of buzz since its Sundance premiere. What drew you to the role of Dennis, and how did you approach playing this complex character?

Selfishly speaking, I really wanted to play this character because he was so different from my own personality and I was up for the challenge. When I sat down with Greg Jardin, he told me he was familiar with my work from ‘Sabrina’ but wanted this character to be completely different. There were several conversations and character references, and once I got in the tattoos, I began to feel like I was getting to know Dennis.

Critics have praised the film as “ingenious” and “first-class genre filmmaking.” What was it like working with director Greg Jardin and the rest of the cast to bring this unique story to life?

Greg has so much enthusiasm, which was another big intrigue to work on this project. It was clear how much fun he was having while being on set and throughout the conversations we had off set. This cast was a dream to collaborate with. No egos, everyone brought their A-game and it’s not too common to work with a bunch of people who are around your age, so that was great, too. They’re all so fucking talented and I feel grateful to be a part of this cast.

The film has been described as a psychological thriller with elements of sci-fi and horror. How did you prepare for the intense and multi-layered nature of the story?

I studied the script like a madman for a few weeks. There was a lot to keep straight. As cast, we relied heavily on asking questions…if it wasn’t for Greg, our captain, I don’t know if we could’ve done it.

sequin shirt & pant KILIAN KERNER
boot CARMINA

‘It’s What’s Inside’ marks Netflix’s largest acquisition out of Sundance 2024. How does it feel to be part of such a major project, and what do you think sets this film apart from other psychological thrillers?

It’s a bit surreal to be honest, and I’m not sure if it’s fully hit me yet, but it feels good. I feel like this movie is so fresh and current. It’s purely Greg Jardin. There are some incredible themes explored while not putting them in your face and the film keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through, anxiously wanting to know what happens next.

Your character Dennis is described as a "tattooed, onetime golden boy." For those who haven’t had a chance to see the film just yet, what can you tell us about Dennis’s journey in the film and how he fits into the group of former friends?

Dennis has been relying heavily on his ego for the past several years as a defence mechanism against his reality. He had so much potential growing up, but never capitalised on it due to the financial comfort his parents provided him with. He’s in a point of his life where he’s just coasting aimlessly, and getting a rise out of others seems to be his way of coping with his less than satisfying life. He’s got a long history with this friend group which you see play out in the film. He just wants to party and is afraid to reveal what’s underneath the surface.

jumpsuit, shirt, & tie KYLE’LYK
earring Talent’s Own
shoes DSQUARED2

You’ve had a variety of roles on Netflix. How has working with Netflix shaped your career, and what do you enjoy most about collaborating with them?

I love the Netflix family and I have so much gratitude for the opportunities they’ve given me in the past. I’m happy that our indie film found a home in Netflix.

Are there any specific types of roles or genres you’re eager to explore?

I feel like I’m at a point in my career where I’m still so open to playing all different kinds of characters and genres. I would love to explore the action and sci-fi space, I’m also open to doing a good old-fashioned romcom, a drama or wherever I can best lend myself!

Looking ahead, do you have any upcoming projects or dream roles that you’re excited about pursuing after ‘It’s What’s Inside’?

I’m about to start working on a film called “Fade to Black” alongside Karan Soni. Beyond that, I just want to play characters who ride motorcycles… I found my passion for riding a little over a year ago and it would be awesome to ride on screen. I grew up doing gymnastics and dancing and wrestling, and have a pretty extensive physical résumé that I’ve yet to use on screen. I’m not saying I’m coming for Tom Cruise’s title or anything, but I would at least like to compete in that space.

black pant and jacket with white piping on side KYLE’LYK
tank top CALVIN KLEIN
boot CARMINA
belt DSQUARED2

TEAM CREDITS:
talent GAVIN LEATHERWOOD
photography and creative direction KEVIN SIKORSKI
styling AVO YERMAGYAN
grooming MICHELLE DEMILT at TMG LA
set design KRYSTALL SCHOTT 
lighting JESSE TAM
editor TIMI LETONJA
editorial director JANA LETONJA
interview MAREK BARTEK