IN CONVERSATION WITH SAM BUCHANAN
interview by JANA LETONJA
Sam Buchanan will next be seen as the lead antagonist in the UK film adaptation of the fan-favourite ‘My Fault: London’, out on Amazon on 13th February. Later this year, he’ll also star in BBC's ‘Just Act Normal’.
Sam, you have some exciting projects lined up. Can you tell us how you first got into acting and what drew you to the industry?
Honestly, I was a bit of a problem child at school. I got into a state grammar school on appeal and struggled to keep up academically, not to mention being constantly on report and in detention for being a muppet. I was drawn to drama as it acted as a way of releasing a lot of energy I had pent up. My GCSE drama teacher told me “You’re really good at this, but you need to go somewhere else to focus on it”. I left to go to my local college for a Performing Arts BTEC, and I got into Drama School from there. I owe a lot to that teacher, Claire Fenton. We’re still close to this day.
What has been the most defining moment of your career so far?
I’m very fortunate to be able to say I’ve had a real variety of parts and projects. ‘Back To Black’ was an incredible experience where I worked with such talent for a global cinema release, and got to help tell a story so close to millions of people’s hearts. At the other end of the spectrum, I was part of a not-for-profit verbatim production displaying the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, called ‘Value Engineering’. Intimate audiences, 5-star conversation starting theatre. Michael Gove came to watch and was heckled out of the theatre to chants of “Shame on you”. It was then filmed and broadcasted on Channel 4 under the name ‘Grenfell’. It was pretty special.
You’ve worked across different genres. How do you approach preparing for such diverse roles?
I really try and immerse myself in the world before ultimately grounding myself in the text. With the text firmly in my mind, I feel free to play in character. I’ve been lucky to have been cast in such varied parts. I hope to keep being able to play in that way.
‘My Fault’ already has a massive fan following. How did you prepare for your role in the UK adaptation?
Ronnie is an intense guy. First of all, I spent around two months in the gym, in boxing training and fight rehearsals with Matt Broome, and eating a body builders’ diet. I used to box when I was growing up, but I wanted Ronnie to have a heaviness to him that Sam didn’t. I did some work on physicality animal studies, particularly a bear, and then gave Ronnie similarities. Asking questions such as “Where does he hold his weight, how does he move, how does he hit?” as opposed to a technical fighter, I wanted to show, if given the chance, that Ronnie would maul Nick. That’s the kind of man he is.
Were you familiar with the book before taking on the role? How did you bring your own interpretation to the character?
I’d heard of the films and the books. I actually much prefer to not be influenced by other people’s interpretations, so I didn’t watch ‘Culpa Mia’ until after I had wrapped filming. The fans should be prepared that my interpretation of Ronnie is very different.
The film is set to release just before Valentine’s on Amazon. What can fans expect from this adaptation compared to the original story?
Our film has a real gritty, indie British feel to it. It’s packed full of young, brilliant talent. I think fans can relax into the fact that their favourite story is in really good hands, and I can’t wait for them to see our work.
What was it like working on set with the cast and crew? Any memorable moments?
We’re honestly a very tight knit group. Despite Nick and Ronnie’s on-screen beef, Matt and I are really good friends. I think that trust and chemistry between the cast really reads on screen. Dani Girdwood and Charlotte Fassler are such brilliant directors. They’re so collaborative and we all felt completely free to explore. They should be really proud of what they’ve created.
What can you share about your role in BBC’s upcoming ‘Just Act Normal’?
‘Just Act Normal’ is a beautiful story of three siblings who do whatever it takes to stay together in the face of life-changing events. It’s a show that captures the resilience, love, and chaos of family life. The story evolves so beautifully and really swings effortlessly between hilarious and heartbreaking. I’m really proud of the work in that show and cannot wait to share it. ‘Just Act Normal’ is coming soon to BBC3 and iPlayer.
Are there any dream roles or directors you’d love to work with in the future?
I feel there are no dream roles, but dream teams, because what good is a dream role without the support to make the project. There are many directors whose work I admire. I was lucky enough to work with Reed Morano and Shannon Murphy on Amazon Prime’s ‘The Power’. I’d love to collaborate with them again. I think my two favourite movies of all time are ‘Goodfellas’ and ‘The Departed’, so it goes without saying that working with Martin Scorsese would be a dream of mine.
Besides ‘My Fault: London’ and ‘Just Act Normal’ coming out this year, what else is coming up next for you in 2025?
I’m about to head to Serbia for just over two months to film an exciting new project, one I can’t wait to share more about soon. In terms of releases, after ‘My Fault: London’ on Amazon and ‘Just Act Normal’ on BBC3, the next series, of the BAFTA-winning ‘Such Brave Girls’ should be airing this spring, also on BBC3. This series is funnier and wackier than ever, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it.
TEAM CREDITS:
photography SERGEI SARAKHANOV
styling BETHANY KNIGHT
hair JODY TAYLOR
