IN CONVERSATION WITH JOSH HEUSTON

interview MAREK BARTEK

Australian, Southeast Asian star on the rise, Josh Heuston, is making waves. GQ's 2022 Breakthrough Actor of the Year first caught an eye of the public portraying the role of Dusty in the TV series ‘Heartbreak High’. Now, Josh just wrapped up filming ‘Dangerous Animals’ and ‘Dune: Prophecy’, where he plays Constantine Corrino, the Emperor's illegitimate son. ‘Dune: Prophecy’ comes this November on HBO/Max.

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‘Dune: Prophecy’ is a huge project. How did you approach the role of Constantine Corrino, the Emperor's illegitimate son, and what excited you the most about stepping into this iconic sci-fi universe?

I’ve always been a fan of sci-fi films, so when this role came along I couldn’t have been more excited. Dune especially has so much lore, so I just completely immersed myself in it. 

What can the fans expect when the series premieres?

I think fans can expect an escape into a new world each week, similar to House of Dragon or Game of Thrones. I love the series, and it’s something I’m really proud to have worked on. 

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necklaces PAWNSHOP LONDON
boots CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN
socks Stylist’s own

You’ve just wrapped filming for ‘Dangerous Animals’. Can you tell us about your experience working with Jai Courtney and Hassie Harrison, and how this film challenged you as an actor?

I adore both Jai and Hassie, we became very close over the two months filming together. Jai and I would talk about everything from acting to life and he was generous enough to show me a lot of the things in his toolbox. A genre film like this can be challenging, for me maintaining the life-or-death stakes and making them justified is the challenge.

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‘Heartbreak High’ has become a global hit on Netflix. How has reprising the role of Dusty in Season 2 been for you, and what do you think makes the show resonate so strongly with audiences?

I think ‘Heartbreak High’ found its niche by have an entirely imperfect set of characters, each one has their pros and cons and they’re displayed in a way that is relatable and most viewers can resonate with. Also the dialogue written by Hannah Carrol Chapman also portrays Australian culture in a way I hadn’t seen yet on television. 

From ‘Bali 2002’ to your appearance in ‘Thor: Love and Thunder’, you’ve had a variety of roles. How do you choose your projects, and what kind of characters or stories draw you in?

I don’t have a specific method for choosing characters or stories, I go with my gut and if it feels right I’m in.  

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In addition to acting, you’ve built a dynamic fashion career with collaborations with major brands like Fendi, Louis Vuitton, and Gucci. How do you balance your passion for fashion with your acting career, and what do you love most about the fashion industry?

What I love about fashion and clothing is that it’s expressive and tells its own story, it’s super important. What someone decided to pick up and put on in the morning explains how they want the world to see them or not see them, what they’re feeling and who they want to be. Costume within a film project is how I link the two passions, it helps develop a character

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Being named GQ's 2022 Breakthrough Actor of the Year is a huge achievement. What did this recognition mean to you, and how has it influenced your career moving forward?

This meant a lot to me, I worked at a news agency in my local shopping centre for a while and would read GQ during the shift. So, this was a huge full circle moment to be on the front of it being recognised for something I love. 

Your career is a mix of self-made opportunities and hard work. What advice do you have for aspiring actors and creatives who are trying to break into the industry?

Just keep going, booking role is a combination of talent, hard work and luck. You can work on the first two but your luck goes up the more you work. 

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You’ve worked in both Australian and international productions. How do you see the Australian film industry evolving, and how do you approach balancing your work between these two markets?

The Australian industry is fantastic, and we’ve been making some globally recognised projects like ‘Boy Swallows Universe’ and ‘Heartbreak High’. I think recently the Aussie market has made a huge leap forward. I don’t actively choose between the two markets, I just go to where the story is the best. 

jeans CALVIN KLEIN

necklace, earring and smaller rings PAWNSHOP LONDON
large signet ring THOMAS SABO

With so much going on in your career, how do you stay grounded and manage the demands of such a dynamic professional life?

I prioritise family, friends and the ocean. Coming back to Australia always allows me to put my feet back on the ground.

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TEAM CREDITS:
talent JOSH HEUSTON
photography KOSMAS PAVLOS
styling JOSEPH KOCHARIAN
grooming JOSH KNIGHT
first assistant LUKE JOHNSON
post production ALEXANDRA HEINDL
editor TIMI LETONJA
interview MAREK BARTEK
cover design ARTHUR ROELOFFZEN