IN CONVERSATION WITH KHOBE CLARKE
interview by JANA LETONJA
Actor Khobe Clarke will be starring in the highly anticipated series-remake of the 90s film cult-classic ‘Cruel Intentions’, premiering on Amazon Prime on 21st November. Khobe has previously been seen in incredible titles such as ‘Yellowjackets’ and ‘Firefly Lane’.
suit GIORGIO ARMANI via THE SMOKING ARCHIVE
shoes HEREU
ring IVI JEWELRY
belt MAGNANNI
You’ll be starring in Amazon Prime’s remake series of the 90s classic film ‘Cruel Intentions’. What can the viewers expect from this series and your character?
Our showrunners Pheobe Fisher and Sarah Goodman did a fantastic job at staying loyal to the original story but also adding their own original elements. The title speaks for itself. These characters are yes, cruel, but also manipulative, scandalous, and power hungry. It feels like an ensemble of narcissistic ego maniacs that will stab their own friends and family in the back to get what they believe they are entitled to. Except for my character, Scott. Scott believes everyone’s intentions are pure. He chooses to see the good in everybody. He is this personified golden retriever who puts a blind trust in people even if it risks him getting hurt.
‘Cruel Intentions’ has a cult following from the original film. How does the series remake differ from the movie, and what fresh elements will it bring to a new audience?
There is always this fear remaking something that already has a loyal fan base. You want to do good by the work that has already been done, but also offer a different perspective to a pre-existing story. We hope to add to this story in the ways that ‘Cruel Intentions’ from 1999 added to ‘Dangerous Liaisons’ from 1988. We were lucky to have such solid foundations to build from.
‘Cruel Intentions’ is set in an elite college environment, touching on issues like social dynamics, scandal, and ambition. How do you hope audiences will relate to the storylines and characters?
I think on a very elevated, sexy level this story is about choices. Choices in relationships. Choices with money. Choices with sex. Choices with the truth. Choices with lies. Choices as real people we have all faced and grappled with similarly. I also think people will see a portion of themselves in all the characters and relate to their many dilemmas.
Your character deals with hazing, scandal, and complex relationships. How did you prepare for the intense and layered situations your character faces?
The nice thing about Scott is that he is for the most part, blind to it all. While I knew the story in its entirety, I would often also turn a blind eye to what anybody else was shooting that week. I didn’t want to know that in the next scene after lunch, Caroline and Blaise were saying bad things about Scott behind his back. I feel like the less I knew, the more authentic Scott’s aloof, “everything is fine” mentality shined through.
You’ve worked in popular shows like ‘Yellowjackets’ and ‘Firefly Lane’. How have those roles impacted your career?
Starting out with a blank resume is the hardest part about being an actor. Getting that first job, getting that snowball rolling feels impossible. While they were small roles on the show, their magnitude is immeasurable for what it did for the momentum of my career. I am so lucky and still so grateful for being given those blind opportunities.
How do you approach building chemistry and rapport with your co-stars, especially in a drama where relationships play such a central role?
That was the easiest part. Everyone on this project became friends immediately. When your co-stars are so supportive and confidence inspiring, it grants a beautiful freedom that allows you to feel comfortable in your work. My main scene partner John Harlan Kim is such a professional. He taught me so much and eased my nerves going into such a big experience.
How has working in the streaming era, with binge-watch releases like the one planned for ‘Cruel Intentions’, shaped your experience as an actor?
There has never been so much content, which means there has never been so many jobs. The more jobs, the better your chances are to get hired. It also feels nice that more people are getting granted the support to tell their stories. It has its cons, but I think the more people telling stories and working in the story telling business is overall a positive thing.
What are your other passions and hobbies, outside of acting?
I like to be outside. Golf, hike, climb and ski. I love going to the movie theatre. Fish with my dad, walk dogs with my mom, cook with my grandma, listen to loud music in the car and drink beer with my friends. I like traveling places that put me out of my comfort zone and experience new cultures that grant me new perspectives.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography DAVID HIGGS
styling NAUSHEEN SHAH
grooming COLLEEN DOMINIQUE
